🌱 Pre-Course Preparation: Soil Prep

Before we plant a single seed of knowledge, we need to prep the soil. Just like you wouldn't throw seeds into hard, unworked ground, we don't want to start your lessons without clearing the mental clutter first.

Complete all three tools below before moving to Lesson 1. They will personalize your entire learning experience and give you a real head start. Print them out, fill them in, and tuck them into your learning binder — you'll refer back to them throughout the course.

Pull up a porch chair, neighbor. Let's get your hands in the dirt.

Why this matters: Most people start homesteading with a dream and no budget. This audit gives you a clear picture of where your money is going right now — and where homesteading can start saving it.

Fill in the table below honestly. There are no wrong numbers, only useful ones.

Category	What I Currently Spend/Month	My Goal After Homesteading	Potential Monthly Savings
Eggs & Dairy
Fresh Produce / Vegetables
Meat & Protein
Herbs & Seasonings
Cleaning & Household Products
Personal Care (soap, lotion, etc.)
Other (seeds, tools, feed)
TOTAL

💡 Golden Rule: Your first-year homestead budget should be roughly equal to 3 months of your current grocery spending. That's your "Homestead Tuition" — and it pays dividends for decades.

📥 [Download Printable Version] — Print and add to your learning binder.

Why this matters: Vague goals produce vague gardens. These five questions will help you get specific about what you actually want — so you can build a homestead that fits your real life, not someone else's Instagram feed.

Write your answers in your journal or learning binder before moving on.

What is the one crop (or animal product) your family cannot live without?
Think about what you buy every single week without fail. That's your starting point.
How many hours per week can you realistically spend on homestead tasks?
Be honest. Not the "motivated Monday" version of you — the tired Thursday version.
What is your biggest fear about starting?
Name it. Write it down. Fear loses power when it's on paper.
What does success look like to you in 12 months?
Not the 10-year dream — just 12 months. One harvest season from now.
Who is your "accountability neighbor"?
One person (or our community group!) who will cheer you on and check in. Name them here.

💡 Golden Rule: Start with the crop or product that costs you the most at the grocery store. That's where your homestead will pay you back the fastest.

📥 [Download Printable Version] — Print and add to your learning binder.

Why this matters: You already have more than you think. This quick inventory stops you from buying things you already own and helps you see your starting point clearly.

Check off what you already have and note the condition. Add anything not on the list at the bottom.

Resource	I Have This ✅	Condition / Notes
Shovel / Spade
Garden Hoe or Rake
Watering Can or Hose
Containers / Pots
Raised Bed or Garden Space
Compost Bin or Pile
Seeds or Seedlings
Fencing (any amount)
Sunny Outdoor Space
Sunny Windowsill / Indoor Space
Storage Space (pantry/root cellar)
Canning Jars / Preservation Supplies
Animal Housing (coop, hutch, pen)
Other: _______________
Other: _______________

💡 Golden Rule: Before you buy anything new, check your Resource Map. The best homestead tool is the one you already own.

📥 [Download Printable Version] — Print, fill in, and post it somewhere visible. This is your baseline — you'll be amazed how much it grows.

📸 Community Share: Take a photo of your completed Resource Map and post it in our group! Seeing your starting point is something to celebrate, not hide. Every expert started with less than you think.