Homestead Site Goals Articulation

Mike Walker

BrainstormingI started to write down some of the goals and elements I’d want on my homestead that first came to mind and initially, I only came up with about 6. After sorting and grouping like elements together, I was able to come up with other ideas. I also began to remember some of the other goals that I’d thought of when the idea of homesteading first crossed my mind, like growing an orchard for example. I didn’t have index cards but used a mini lined paper notepad instead to jot down my elements. Afterwards, I began to move them around as pictured in the next slide (may have to zoom) if blurry.

Initial grouping Sorting like elementsFinal grouping

Walker Yard Homestead The Walker Yard Homestead provides locally and sustainably grown fruits and vegetables, fresh honey and various flowers (bundled and cut) for the household and local farmers market(s). All of the irrigation required for this site occurs naturally through rain fall and through our rainwater recapture/collection system. Firewood cut from the property supplements the heating energy needs of the home and supplies 100% of the heating energy needs for the workshop. The leaves from our massive oak trees and the grass shavings cut from the property, make up the bulk of our compost, which is used as a soil amendment, as we strive to make the most out of everything, waste nothing and function as an example of homesteading in an urban environment.

The site of my homestead will be our home in Minot, ND, more specifically, my back yard and a portion of my front yard.

Approx 2835 square feet of backyard spaceSmall area Easy access, low maintenance

6 mature oak treesShaded yard, limited light for growing Firewood source

Mulch source

Small shedTakes up space/area for planting and growing Function as workshopNot wired for electricity/heat Install woodstove

Flood dike separates yard from small riverPublic accessibility takes away privacy Free advertisement for products for market

Southern facing front yardFlat, mostly grass Full east to west sunlight for maximum growing potential

Grass provides compost nitrogen sourceCurrently growing berries, flowers and trees

Challenges/Opportunities

Walker Yard HomesteadN Souris

River

Flood dike

House outlined in red.

Backyard and front yard areas outlined in black.

Far right: current picture of backyard (3 going on 4 snow storms).