What We’ve Learned About Land Management and Sustainability So Far
Two years ago, I maxed out my credit card to purchase a glamping bell tent from Amazon. My husband and I drove three hours to our property and set it up. The tent was spacious, large enough to fit 15 people, and we were excited to create an off-grid getaway. After our weekend trip, we decided to leave the tent as it was. However, when we returned a week later, we found it torn apart and filled with water from a recent storm. That night, our family of four uncomfortably slept in our truck. By 5 a.m., we drove an hour to the nearest Walmart for cleaning and sewing supplies.
This wasn’t a one-time incident—we faced similar challenges three or four more times before realizing we were in over our heads. Later that summer, we faced another hurdle. The Texas heat was brutal, and with a 6-month-old and a 4-year-old, we attempted to power a small AC unit using our solar system. After just 15 minutes, the system shut down; it wasn’t strong enough to handle the demand. At that time, we were couch surfing with in-laws, hoping to transition to our property after an unexpected evacuation from our apartment. By the end of the summer, doubt set in, and we realized we needed a more stable plan.
Two months later, we bought our first home in the suburbs. This gave us time to regroup and figure out our next steps.
Lessons in Self-Sufficiency
Our property lacks a natural water source, so we’re exploring options like digging a well or collecting rainwater. The rocky, nutrient-deficient soil poses a challenge for gardening, and fire containment is critical during dry summers to avoid damaging our land or neighboring ranches.
To better understand our land’s potential, I connected with local science groups and college researchers studying soil quality. Their insights have helped me form a plan for a large garden. We’ve also invested in 40-gallon food-grade containers and built a rainwater collection system. Unfortunately, after a year, one of the barrels collapsed due to a weak foundation. This was a hard lesson: cutting corners isn’t an option. We’ve since committed to investing in durable, long-lasting solutions.
Preparing for the Move
Since we’re not yet living on the property, I haven’t started a garden—it requires daily attention. However, we’ve researched pest control methods and plant varieties that deter animals and insects. We’re planning our move for spring 2025, and we know the initial months will be busy. Cooler weather will allow us to work long hours setting up the essentials, while summer work will be limited to early mornings and evenings.
Our immediate goals include:
Securing an RV or camper as temporary housing.
Purchasing a Generac generator for reliable power.
Investing in a water filtration system and bulk water storage until our rainwater system is fully operational.
Clearing more land and landscaping to create comfortable outdoor spaces for family time and gardening.
The Reality of Homesteading
While these goals sound straightforward, we’ve learned from past experiences that setbacks are inevitable. Resilience is key, and despite the challenges, the rewards far outweigh the struggles.
If you’re reading this and thinking our journey sounds extreme—you’re not wrong. Homesteading isn’t for everyone, but sustainability can take many forms. Whether it’s growing a small garden or learning basic self-sufficiency skills, there’s a path for everyone.
My hope is to inspire and motivate those interested in starting their own journey, whether it’s homesteading or adopting sustainable practices where you are. Our story is unique, but the core message is universal: with determination and adaptability, you can create a lifestyle that aligns with your values.