Homesteaders

Submitted by megapeptobismol t3_zd3orl in Connecticut

Hello, long-time lurker, finally decided to make an account.

I wanted to see if there was any interest from members of this sub to make a CT Homesteaders group with the end goal of posting small wins, helping each other with crop/livestock selections, sharing experiences, and even helping one another with genetic diversity (chickens, quails, pigs, sheep, goats, etc). Maybe even help people navigate the farmland tax system and network for trade/barter.

Edit: Thank you for all the nice responses. I will be setting up soon. Wanted to give the post a bit more time.

Edit 2: Sub is now open, invites coming soon: r/CThomestead

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Comments

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Logical-Cat8319 t1_iyzu6eh wrote

I'd be interested in joining . Currently live in CT on a 1 acre plot. Have planted about eleven fruit trees so far, have a berry patch and four raised 8x10 beds. No livestock yet but def talking about chickens. Neighbor and I are also talking about collective honey hives to help with our fruit trees. Our collective properties are mostly sugar maple and birch so we're also experimenting with collecting maple/birch water for syrup.

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iyzv89m wrote

I think bees are extremely important. Thanks for thinking about the pollinators. Waiting for at least 10 interested CT homesteaders to get it going.

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wherehaveubeen t1_iyzm8so wrote

r/homestead is a pretty great place though not CT specific. It’s escape fantasy for me, but it’s cool to see what people are doing.

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Spider_J t1_iz0364h wrote

/r/homestead is run by Paul Wheaton, a literal fucking cult leader who uses slave labor on his property. This is just one of many, many accounts of his behavior you can find online. There used to be an entire subreddit devoted to keeping tabs on his behavior over at r/PaulWheatonWatch. I will not tag him because he is known for brigading (his original account, u/PaulWheaton12, was banned for brigading and harassment), and he's also known for having a ton of sock puppet accounts.

Visit that subreddit at your own risk.

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IndicationOver t1_iz08q5e wrote

​

Not to offend anyone but I can see easily see how homesteading can turn into a commune like cult

Probably happens more than ppl know

homestead and commune are defined differently for sure

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beaveristired t1_iyzzvw7 wrote

I had to unfollow that sub. Some people there have a weird obsession with posting graphic butchering pics without the NSFW tag, and I got sick of seeing pig heads and the like. Too bad, I’ve been an urban gardener for 15 years, managed a community garden, and I’m interested in urban self-sufficiency.

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iyznjqu wrote

Hi, yes I am a member of that. I was hoping to make a little network in CT so we could help each other in the reddit subspace.

It is a growing movement, if this is something you like, I would love to help you make it a reality. No, Im not selling you anything but you can start off with a few chickens. The taste of your own chicken eggs will be the best you have ever had. It is a gateway drug to food freedom and self-sustainability.

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wherehaveubeen t1_iyznwqz wrote

I appreciate that! It’s funny, I live on .25 acres in West Hartford which is about as far from homesteading as you can get, and I’m kind of locked into my current lifestyle with wife kids and job, but I think about homesteading often.

I’d like to start growing food both outdoors and indoors, just to practice and learn new skills. Chickens are illegal in west hartford but any other ways to make best use of little land is of interest me me!

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iyzo361 wrote

I would recommend exploring small scale hydroponics. If you have any space you dont use, you could make it into a small project where you and your kids may learn about plant growth. Lettuce is fairly easy. Imagine eating the lettuce you grown yourself versus the one that had a bunch of chemicals sprayed on from the store.

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ellemenopeaqu t1_iz0yyvs wrote

I'm with you - little land and densely packed. We're allowed chickens but not enough space when i factor in the kids needing to run around.

Last year i got a plot at a community garden, and it was 20x30 feet. I grew a lot of squash, tomatoes and cucumbers, but it was a good start and i learned a lot. I feel like it's a way for me to indulge in the dream at a pretty low-risk way. This next year the goal is to grow things from seeds instead of seedlings.

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pyrrhicvictorylap t1_iz3994m wrote

Man, I grew up in WH, moved away, and moved back to Simsbury. Always thought it was a nosy, pedantic town as a kid, and now that I’m an adult.. I see that I was right 😄

Sad that you can’t have chickens there! Hopefully that changes.. I’m hopeful with rec marijuana that there’s a modicum of progress taking place there. Unlike Simsbury, where I can have chickens but the boomers have all but vetoed weed. Go figure.

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wherehaveubeen t1_iz4b1ri wrote

I get that. I always tell my wife that it’s like we live in a dorm for grown ups. You have some space in your house but you can’t go outside without having to interact.

That being said there’s allot to like. We live in th e new cross town bike path which is cool. I love being able to bike anywhere I need to go.

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neojinnx t1_iyzrq1m wrote

I'm not the person you were originally responding to but I'm chiming in because my SO and I are in the planning stage of building a coop for approximately 6-ish backyard chickens come spring. Do you have any design tips we should take into account? There are so many opinions out there. I'd like to have buff and lavender Orpingtons.

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iyzuuy0 wrote

Hi, yes. For starters easy to clean and easy access.

If you are using an existing room in a barn or garage, it usually easier. We use a part of our small barn.

https://www.thespruce.com/free-chicken-coop-plans-1357113

A safety tip, do no use space heater inside coops. Be aware that rodent may start coming in, chickens are rodent magnets. Facing coop windows south help with natural light for the girls. I recommend buying little solar power lights you can screw on the sides of your coop to help with light in case a predator ventures by.

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himewaridesu t1_iyzueev wrote

I can tell you that you need to make sure there’s a “run” open air aspect (covered in chicken wire on three sides) which has a door to connect to their closed home (the part that looks like a shed). Make sure the door for you to get in is large enough for your body. You can use real shingles on the roof parts or the specialized asphalt.

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north7 t1_iz0nytw wrote

Don't forget to check your local zoning laws.
In my town there are specific laws around how many chickens you can have, how far coops have to be from property lines, etc.

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yankeeinparadise t1_iz0dgxg wrote

We built our coop using leftover wood we removed when we updated our basement. I can send you a pic if you'd like.

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Fecal_Enthusiest t1_iyzyhwa wrote

Sounds cool. My wife and I live in Colchester, and we have a small “farm” at our house. (Chickens, goats, ducks, bees, gardens.) And we own a large dairy and hay farm in Marlborough.

My wife is definitely a little more Martha Stewart than Farmer MacDonald; but I know we’d love to see more CT focused stuff about homesteading, and small scale farming.

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iyzz5nt wrote

Excellent. Also love the username. Sheeps and goats made me a fecal enthusiast (testing for parasites).

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shhhhnotsoloud t1_iz2r83l wrote

“Sheeps and goats made me a fecal enthusiast (testing for parasites).”

That is one sentence I’ve never come across before.

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FJCruisin t1_iz25hyr wrote

Sell any duck eggs? I don't have anything to trade this time of year

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Material-Teacher1171 t1_iyztxqh wrote

That would be great! I'm in the NW corner and we raise some livestock plus garden/permaculture so would love a more local sub.

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iyzv4d4 wrote

Thats awesome. Yes, it would be great as we can share stories, tips, designs, livestock for genetic diversity, etc. I want to see if there is more interest and then send invites, hoping for at least 10 to get it start it.

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Material-Teacher1171 t1_iyzvj2y wrote

I hope so! And if people are interested in learning about it or want to start out, it would be good to have local connections.

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iyzy4fm wrote

We are currently looking into integrating chicken mobile coops to clean up after the sheep and goats. We are also adding native CT trees to help neighboring bee keepers and birds that pollinate crops. Permaculture may be a great way to help the environment and each other

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Material-Teacher1171 t1_iz02usx wrote

Oh, absolutely. My neighbors often comment on it because they don't quite understand and I'll explain it to them but it takes time. We have some native bee houses as well and it's been wonderful utilizing them plus more crops!

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ovrhere_ t1_iyzozgh wrote

I'd join it. I live in an apartment right now but I've been increasingly interested in sustainable food options since covid. I've done a little work helping a couple of the community gardens around Hartford and Waterbury build plant beds but that's kind of the limit to my experience.

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iyzpdjz wrote

  1. Thank you for working on community gardens. That is a great way to help your community.

  2. I am actually working a DYI project for people to grow micro-greens anywhere. Will share the plans, materials and manual for free so people can grow their own food even in an apartment with basic stuff.

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ovrhere_ t1_iyzpib0 wrote

That sounds amazing, I'll look forward to it.

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littlebitsyb t1_iz095qi wrote

Yes I would love this! I only have 1.66 acres, but we are working to make that amount of space our little "homestead", and be more self-sustaining. It might be a good place to share ideas and local resources in our small area.

I really like r/homestead, and someone below mentioned that's it's escapism for them. It's kind of the same for me too. I'm totally unable to buy like 70 acres at the moment. It's a dream. But I still want to talk about what I can do with what I currently have.

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SkiesThaLimit36 t1_iz0ronc wrote

We Connecticut-ers Really should try to band together and get certain towns to update their zoning laws! Naugatuck recently did it where you no longer have to have 3 acres to have certain livestock. I’m not sure the exact wording but I’m pretty sure that you can have goats, chickens, even a cow, on much more realistic sizes of land. A lot of the zoning laws prevent people from actually being able to raise any decent amount of their own food in their own backyard. As long as the area is clean, not a nuisance to the neighborhood, and animals are cared for all towns should be updating this law! If a neighbor is allowed to run a leaf blower for five hours straight, the sound of clucking chickens or a mooing cow a couple times a day is negligible!

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SneakySnake897 t1_iyzydf6 wrote

I don’t have a green space available personally, but where I work (public school) would love to be more involved in local communities with stuff like this. Contact your local school and see if they already have an agricultural program - our resident Agri lady is connected to all kinds of cool people in the industry.

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iyzz1yx wrote

Thats a fantastic idea. We are looking to work with local 4-H groups as well.

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SneakySnake897 t1_iyzzd88 wrote

Getting students involved will help grow your community for sure. The students at our agricultural program are motivated and awesome. Good luck! I’ll be over here tending my teeny tiny herb garden 😂

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nsfdrag t1_iz015hr wrote

I'd be interested in following for sure, can't add much at the moment since I'm still in the process of buying more land for stuff like this but hopefully within a year I'll have multiple acres to do what I want with.

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crinklybrambles t1_iz05x3d wrote

I would join that sub. I'm not much of a gardener, more of a forager, but my spouse and I do like learning more self sufficiency. Let me know if you make the sub :)

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iz08gyf wrote

All formed, just waiting to get all the people interested in a group.

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ellemenopeaqu t1_iz0xwgg wrote

I'd love to learn more about foraging. I'm curious but not brave enough aside from 'yup, those are blueberries' and 'thats pokeberry, do not eat!'.

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constantchaosclay t1_iz2eehr wrote

Same! I’d like to forage for mushrooms and NOT die.

I’d join a CT homestead sub, if this is a headcount/interest thing.

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itsmills420 t1_iz0vegs wrote

Not really a homestead per say but i do grow all my own veggies year round indoors, i would be happy to help anyone with a "horticultural consultation"

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ohheyitslauren t1_iz050kb wrote

I’d join! Like someone else said in a comment, I’m also in an apartment right now so I’m limited as far as what/how much I can grow (and definitely no chickens yet) but I’m definitely interested in the movement and becoming more sustainable and self-sufficient when it comes to food.

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pab0423 t1_iz1aj96 wrote

I would love to join. I've been looking around for local groups like this with no luck. We are also in colchester with 7 chickens, fruit trees, berry bushes, a raised bed garden and a greenhouse. Just got into canning the last few years. Everything is a learning curve, but we learn new things every year. Having a group to run things by would be so beneficial!

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tilario t1_iz1er8b wrote

count me in. i'm currently clearing a property i got earlier this year.

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BillW77 t1_iz0dnsc wrote

I would definitely join!

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Strive-- t1_iz0gsci wrote

I'm on a sliver of property at the shoreline, but I'd love to shop at wherever it is you'd be selling these awesome, local products. I currently subscribe to Walden meats, which is at least New England (& NY) local. Still, check their pricing because you'll have to compete.

Thank you - I'll be following this thread for updates!

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Ilikeitlikerat t1_iz0xzk7 wrote

I'd also be interested in joining! I have a very diy set up going on and would love the added input/advice!!!

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Warpedme t1_iz1ile2 wrote

I would absolutely lurk in that sub absorbing knowledge and plotting what I would do to my acre if I ever had both time and money at the same time.

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Chrisn710 t1_iz1tnbn wrote

I would join too! My wife and I are empty nesters in Salem, on 17 acres of old farm land. We’ve had egg chickens for years and have raised meat chickens several times. We have an automatic chicken plucker, which is indispensable in the process.

We also have an orchard of assorted fruit trees (about 20), which we have varying degrees of success. Several raised beds for veggies. We’ve canned lots of fruit.

We’re not eager to expand into larger animals, As we approach retirement age, I think our level of engagement is about right.

Looking forward to establishing a local, like-minded community!

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Ilovereadingblogs t1_iz5v3ug wrote

I'd like to join this. We have 9 acres, some chickens, some bees, a large garden and the beginnings of a vineyard.

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edoubleu20 t1_iz06iom wrote

I would definitely be interested as well. I read and follow a lot of different subs pertaining to small farms/homesteading/farming, etc. It would be nice to getting comments from this specific area though. I'm not a homesteader but do have a small farm with chickens, goats, have become an obsessed garlic grower over the last 4 years. We have over 25 acres so there is a lot of land management work with regards to invasive plants, forest and up keep to a small pond.

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Soggy_Affect6063 t1_iz07hmc wrote

I’m saving up and looking for land to do just that as well. Currently I have a good sized property but no where near the size that I want for this task.

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Passion_Full t1_iz0mcit wrote

Definitely interested! I don't have enough property for livestock, but very into gardening and preserving!

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Poseylady t1_iz0pwr2 wrote

I'd definitely be interested in this!

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hawkman74a t1_iz16756 wrote

I’d be in… 3 acres. Have raised meat chickens and layers and now have bees. It’d be cool to meet like minded people.

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heathenliberal t1_iz1e73l wrote

I'm in a condo so I can't homestead, but I love the interest this is drumming up. My town did recently change zoning to make livestock ownership more accessible, I hope others work with their towns to do the same!

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keenjerry t1_iz1xlrt wrote

Definitely. I keep a large garden here in southern ct zone 6b. Would love to have an outlet for that.

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FJCruisin t1_iz25okq wrote

Sounds right up my alley.

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LustyBort t1_iz2ssi7 wrote

I'd join! I don't have a ton of land, but we're looking to get as self-sufficient as possible over the next few years.

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magsephine t1_iz2x3t7 wrote

Would love it! Slowly trying to make the most of our acre and get as self sufficient as possible

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Fair-Carpenter5934 t1_iz301mo wrote

Thanks for doing this! Excited to join the subreddit when it's ready. Pretty small property in Mansfield, but converting all the lawn to food and flowers, and working on getting turkeys and chickens in the back.

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nancydrew1224 t1_iz34cp1 wrote

I would love to be a part of this group!

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Firm-Subject5487 t1_iz3eght wrote

I would join it. Hoping to get a bigger property at some point but do enjoy my hydroponics set up. Super interested in vertical growing.

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beckkers97 t1_iz3kdrq wrote

I live in an apartment now but I'd love to join and lurk haha having property to be able to garden and whatnot is the dream!

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No_Cardiologist7383 t1_iz4c2bb wrote

I would like to join. Live in Berlin which does not allow any animals if your land is under 10 acres. I’m hoping that will change someday. But would love info and am looking into building a greenhouse next year.

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stangkonia t1_iz4gtbv wrote

I’d be interested in joining the sub as well. We live on a small 1.25acres with gardens and 13 fruit trees chickens and bees

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Bone_Dice_in_Aspic t1_iz0qil7 wrote

It's tough lol

One year I grew 80lbs of food and ate most of it but most years the garden beats me. Between fertilizer and pest control It's surprisingly expensive. There are cheaper alternatives to things but I have the adhd tax.

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GeigerCounterMinis t1_iz09vhx wrote

Be careful, self sufficiency, healthy lifestyle, and a detachment from the government is considered right wing extremism round these parts.

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Mycatreallyhatesyou t1_iz0cs5z wrote

Gotta turn everything political.

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GeigerCounterMinis t1_iz0dvxh wrote

Sorry I forgot to make it painfully obvious that it was intended to be a joke despite making it literally dripping with sarcasm.

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IndicationOver t1_iz00fhw wrote

Good luck with that in CT but then again you do live in Litchfield County

That lifestyle and community just seems better in other parts of the country imo.

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Mycatreallyhatesyou t1_iz0cp4x wrote

Not everyone in CT lives either in a city or Litchfield County. Some of us live in regular houses with a backyard and we garden and own chickens and we’re not even rich. Imagine that!

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megapeptobismol OP t1_iz01fgm wrote

I think there is a push for people to grow gardens, a few chickens and maybe get some land. Though we live in a relative densely populated state, there is always that city person that may want a bit more.

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IndicationOver t1_iz06cai wrote

>I think there is a push for people to grow gardens, a few chickens and maybe get some land.

I'm not saying that at all, I am just going off my perspective. That is why I brought up you are in Litchfield County.

I can't imagine in my area of the state.

Also startup cost and property taxes are some of the highest in the country as you know for that but hey maybe you are wealthy CT.

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