Anyone homestead and/or use alternative energy sources?
 

My DH and I are *this close* to getting our own land!! Only 5 acres, but I think we can do a lot with it!

I'd like to start our very own small farmstead, raising our own vegetables, meat, maybe even a couple of sheep for yarn. I'd also like to research solar panals and windmills for some, somewhat, self-reliant energy sources.

I know there are tons of books on small-scale homesteading, which I do plan on reading (eventually), but I just wondered if anyone of you has any personal experience with the concept.

What were some of the unanticipated problems you encountered when you began? Things the books don't tell you to expect?

5 acres! Holy cow that's a lot for us city folk! But congrats! You are doing what I wish I could do! I don't know the first thing about growing vegetables.

While I have never gone this route myself, I can tell you that there is a little farm not far from where I live that produces only organic veggies and meats. They have something called a crop share. If you pay $300-500 then you get 20 weeks of vegetables and some other goodies. Perhaps this is something you could look into if you wanted to make a profit. This is the link to their website... if no one answers on this forum, maybe you can email them and ask your questions.

http://www.stoneyacresfarm.net/

Good Luck!