Foundations of Backyard Homesteading

This unit introduces foundational planning, site and soil preparation, seasonal planting, basic cultural practices, and introductory preservation and small-animal care needed to begin a backyard homestead. Students learn to assess location, size, materials, water and soil needs, and select preservation methods and starter care routines that prepare them for hands-on production and deeper skill work in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze site conditions (sun, slope, shade, microclimates, water access) and calculate garden area and layout options to recommend an appropriately sized homestead plan that meets specified production goals.
• Design a seasonally timed planting and irrigation schedule that selects suitable varieties (seeds or transplants), spacing, row covers, trellising, and cold-frame strategies for California climate zones.
• Evaluate soil health using basic test results and implement a soil improvement plan that applies composting, amendments, mulches, and cover-cropping to achieve target soil properties.
• Prepare and justify starter preservation and animal-care plans by selecting appropriate methods (water-bath canning, freezing, drying, fermentation, cold storage), listing required gear, and outlining basic feeding, housing, and biosecurity practices for bees, chickens, and rabbits.