Homestead Zones – Balancing Energy Requirements with Homestead Activities

When you begin to layout your homestead zones, keep your energy requirements in mind. Energy (both physical and non-physical, such as electricity) will be required at every homestead. The idea is to be as efficient with your precious resources as possible. Concentrate your energy “hogs” in as small an area as possible and as you go further from your energy hub, try to make these areas less dependent on your resources. Remember, your physical energy is rather constrained. We only have so many hours in a day.
The same consideration should be made for non-physical energy (typically electricity), as well. While power might be available 24/7, it has a cost. If you are on-grid there is a monthly bill. If you are off-grid there is time and money involved in setting up and maintaining your off-grid system. Quite frankly, no energy is free, so manage it wisely.
Planning is key to having an effective homestead. Think of your homestead zones like a bullseye with the most intense energy needs centralized in the smallest space with gradually less intense zones circling outside the central area. Also, keep in mind areas that might be on your “wish list”. Will you be putting in an orchard in 5 years?

Hope you enjoy the video. A free PDF is available to help you plan your zones. (Here’s the link: https://www.pioneermountainhomestead.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Homestead-Zones-Balancing-Energy-Requirements-with-Homestead-Activities.pdf).
Thanks for watching.
Make it a Great Day!
Tools/Equipment/Products Related to this Video:
Purple bean seeds: https://www.pioneermountainhomestead.com/organic-royalty-purple-pod-bush-bean-seeds/
We are full time homesteaders at Pioneer Mountain Homestead in the Appalachian Mountains of south-central Pennsylvania. We have a sawmill, produce garden, honeybees, layer hens, laying ducks, pigs, and goats. Additionally, we provide boat and camper storage to nearby visitors of Raystown Lake and sell firewood and lumber in south central Pennsylvania. Our journey is to be as self-reliant as we can be; to live as much as we can from the resources we have at hand; to effectively be productive with as minimal environmental impact as possible; to raise food in an organic manner; and to give back to our community through education or demonstration. We are always learning, as well. Life is always an adventure! We enjoy learning from others and seeing what other people are doing as well. –Bren and Chuck
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16477 Sharman Lane
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