Answers
Short, sourced answers to the questions people ask before they start: land, water, food, animals and storage.
How much land do you need to feed a family of four?About 88 m² per adult for vegetables and potatoes, 350 m² for four adults. A table by household size, and what the number leaves out.How much food does one person eat in a year?120 kg of vegetables, 80 kg of potatoes, 75 kg of fruit, 220 eggs and more per adult per year, with a table for a family of four.How much water does a vegetable garden need?3–5 liters per m² a day in July and August. A table by garden size, what drip irrigation and mulch save, and why August is the month to plan for.How much rainwater can you collect from a roof?1 mm of rain on 1 m² of roof gives 1 liter. A table by roof size and rainfall, how much to divert first, and why a tank is sized for the dry spell.How many chickens do you need for a family?About one hen per adult plus 1–2 in reserve, and never fewer than 4. A table by household, with space, feed and water per hen.How many goats do you need for a family's milk?About 500 L a year per dairy goat and 150 L per adult, so two goats suit a family of four. Land, hay and hours of work per goat.How much honey does one hive produce in a year?About 15 kg of honey per hive a year against 4 kg per adult. Why you should start with two hives, and what to check before the first one.At what temperature should you store vegetables without a fridge?Most winter stores keep at 0–4 °C and 85–95 % humidity, with exceptions for potatoes, onions and squash. A storage table for a cellar without electricity.What should you do first on a new homestead?Water comes before everything. A five-year order for a new homestead, and why you should add only one or two new areas a year.What should you check before buying land for a homestead?Water is the first criterion. Three visits, a test pit, the neighbors, and the three things to confirm before you pay anything.