3 Years Of Homesteading: What I've Learned

I can't believe it's been 3 years since I bought a small house in suburban San Diego and tried to turn it into a thriving homestead. Here's how it's gone, how the sustainable systems work, and what I've learned along the way.
Thanks to our Sponsor Nutrimill. We are fans of their products and we hope you like them too. The mixer with unlimited possibilities™ Shop Now: nutrimill.com/products/white-...
IN THIS VIDEO
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Learn What To Do With Produce
02:59 - Harnessing Solar Energy
05:39 - Rainwater Capture System
10:59 - Stress Management
12:32 - Grey Water
17:32 - Raising Chickens
21:20 - Get Some Friends
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[@epicgardening]

Thanks to Bosch for sponsoring this video - absolutely love their appliances, and the Nutrimill mixer is top-tier. Check that out here: nutrimill.com/products/white-bosch-universal-plus-mixer and pre-order copies of my next book, Epic Homesteading here: shop.epicgardening.com/products/epic-homesteading-book?variant=42275164127428

[@pedromunoz4468]

Thank You Kevin!

[@user-qi7ne8ub4p]

Thanks Kevin for this video! Love your channel. But where can I find the complete brioche recipe? Regards, Sanne from Germany

[@Jorduan100]

Kevin's honesty with regards, burnout, stress and anxiety is truly appreciated. Sometimes, from a viewers perspective, its easy to forget that Kevin grew this channel, and created his dream all from the ground up. Enjoy your well earned success, thanks for being an inspiration to a better lifestyle for my own family.

[@epicgardening]

Appreciate you saying this, glad it's been helpful for you & the fam - Kevin

[@juliepuhr9806]

Kevin is very open about how his mama motivated him to find a passion and do it.

[@coltonhill4219]

I think you mean Eric.

[@marymccormick7806]

@@coltonhill4219😂

[@GrowingFoodMadeEasy]

So true! Appreciate the transparency.

[@pedromunoz4468]

A year ago, I did not know anything about gardening, and after watching you and Jacque I now have 69 Dragon Fruit Varieties, 5 Birdies Raised beds and 5 tower gardens, i cannot thank you enough, this has been my therapy on beating Anxiety attacks and Clinical Depression

[@epicgardening]

This is amazing!

[@pedromunoz4468]

@epicgardening Thank you Soo much Again, And happy Holidays, you have no Idea how much you have helped me on really bad days 🙏

[@amandasharp8549]

Random but 20 years of learning has taught me iron vitamin d and thyroid deficiency can really cause crippling anxiety!

[@JennTN411]

Using a gray water system doesn't seem any more gross than using animal parts for compost! The worms and bugs will take care and do the work, while the plants will soak up what they need. It's really a beautiful thing if you think about it in the bigger scheme of nature❤

[@jennhoff03]

That's a good point! I hadn't thought about it that way.

[@superduper5698]

Good point 🧠

[@izzyxblades]

I didn't realize Kevin went through so much anxiety. I am so sorry to hear that, and I'm glad to hear he found a way to improve his mental health. Kevin if you see this, thank you so much for all the content, all the information, all the inspiration you have given me. Seeing you trying different things, seeing your garden/homestead evolve, has been really inspirational. It's amazing to see all you have built--the physical property, but also your channel and online community. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@epicgardening]

Appreciate this

[@Nikki-mx5my]

Hey, Kevin I have been following you since I started my 2020 garden during the pandemic. Your channel is a big part of what turned gardening into more than just growing plants for me, but a deeper appreciation for nature, our ecosystem and I even inspired one of my neighbors to start a garden. I know you don’t get personal often which I totally respect but I wanted to let you know that I think a lot of folks will resonate with your experience with burnout and anxiety. Thank you for sharing. It’s been a blast watching your channels grow the last few years. Cheers to the next few!

[@epicgardening]

Appreciate this comment Nikki :)

[@williammaxwell1919]

It's been interesting watching your "epic" journey and how you have expanded your horizons by including water harvesting, baking, whittling, etc

[@andralandi1108]

Hi Kevin! I just wanted to send you a note to let you know how much I appreciate what you said about anxiety and burnout. Every time someone shares their own experience with mental illness, it helps to chip away at the stigma attached. Thank you for playing a small part in making the world a better place ❤

[@jeremyhorvath2052]

Thank you for being open about your mental health Kevin. Love seeing everything you've accomplished and how far you and the team have come. Looking forward to another great year!

[@NorthToSouthChannel]

The passion flower vine covering the water tank is just so beautiful. I remember when you planted them I was imagining what it'd look like.. and it's stunning!

[@shauneilscott]

I wrote an EPIC comment and it did not save....so anyway here we go again. I am proud of your crazy antic gardening dreams turned reality. For an entire year in 2018 I watched and built a garden using an abandoned yard and as much science as I could to grow food. It worked! But wow is this BEYOND what I could have imagined. You guys are not only hilarious, it is fun to watch. I feel glad that I supported your channel and now that I have 20,000 hours of video to watch 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. I will drown in knowledge😂😂😂😂. Congrats!

[@AlisonV362]

Thank you for sharing your path thru anxiety to finding ways to destress. It’s such an important discussion to share!

[@ChicaFoo]

That blue tree in your neighbors yard is stunning

[@gardengatesopen]

You're SO relaxed in this video Kevin, it's literally one of your best videos. Enjoyed it very much. Let's all have a Happy, Relaxed, Fulfilling, New Year! ❤

[@lindasacco7635]

I've had a Bosch mixer 40 years! Love it! Does everything but clean kitchen floor. Lots of attachments, worth the investment! We have several acres. Not cheaper to grow food fighting deer, snails, squirrels and etc. However, everything tastes better.

[@starlighthillfarmhouse]

Around 20:20 you’re talking about your composing system Here’s my question which I’ve never seen actuated. “How do you get the composted matter (the quasi dirt) from bin 1 to bin 2 and bin 2 to bin 3, etc. and if you are continually adding to bin 1, what are you moving over to bin 2? “ I would love it if you could not only explain but show the process please. 😊

[@GoneTroppo]

Great question. I was also wondering the same. I'll have to check out his hot compost vid to see if he mentions it there.

[@doubles1545]

I would guess he adds to bin 1 for awhile, then adds to bin 2 while bin 1 breaks down, then adds to bin 3 while bin 2 and 1 break down, etc. When bin 1 is finished, use it and begin the process over again. That’s easier than moving half-finished compost from bin 1 to bin 2.

[@New-Hat-Gardening]

I feel like giving up on my channel but I just love making the videos to much and sharing my knowledge. It’s my creative outlet. Here’s to hoping the channel with continue to grow in 2024 🎉Thanks for the wise words of encouragement ❤

[@leahporath6046]

gosh, I thought I was alone with the stress/anxiety with the homestead life style. I feel better because when I speak to friends about my life, it sounds like I'm stressing over a beautiful dream. When you talk about the difficulties and how you dealt with them it makes me think that I can find a way to calm down too! Thanks for your dedication! I'm learning so much !!!

[@jackiek4159]

Capturing your own rainwater is an absolute game changer! Loved this video! 🙌🏻💚

[@HeatherH1]

Love this! You've done so much in 3 years and I'm learning a lot from all your experiments :)

[@michellelane7399]

happy 3 years! I love your channel and just got my seeds from your store

[@epicgardening]

Appreciate the support, hope you love them!

[@sonjam7291]

Hey Kevin, from your orchard, it looks like someone has a Bunya pine a few streets over. They produce massive fruit -you might want to check it out.

[@sonjavanhee8157]

Solid rolling technique on your brioche! That's exactly how I learned to do it while working at a bakery. And thank you so much for all of the helpful content you have put out! Most of it even applies in the cold north of zone 4 Montana 😂

[@epicgardening]

Appreciate it :)

[@Deesminifarm]

Love my chicken guard chicken door- have had it for over 4 years with NO issues. Thank you Kevin for sharing your experience, it’s been extremely inspirational for me on our small farm!

[@paulinec1491]

this is what sustainability looks like. Congrats Kevin, I have been here since pandemic days and man, what a lively homestead you had built till now, incredible. Thank you!!

[@donnaokane502]

Thanks for opening up about your anxiety and homesteading journey!

[@aimeetorres323]

What you’ve done is fantastic. It’s a dream of mine to be that independent/self sufficient. You all have worked so hard. Thank you for always sharing your knowledge. It’s appreciated!!

[@brightantwerp]

You have achieved so much! You are an inspiration.

[@balletworkout1]

To say that you and your team are inspirational is an understatement! I love all of your videos and thank you for them. I just wish you were zone 7a so it could help me out even more than you do. Hugs!

[@mollyroloson7849]

How has it been 3 years already!! I remember when I started tuning into your channel you did houseplant videos at your old property! And you switched niches around the time I started my gardening journey. Love your content! Congratulations on 3 years!!

[@debbybrady1246]

I applaud your great efforts to save water. Living in Texas I also use rainwater collection, on a smaller scale of course, to water my garden. Your garden is amazing. I love your channel.

[@nildaotero2933]

Congratulations Kevin, you have an amazing homestead.

[@greenlizardballs]

I'm glad these epic channels exist. Yall should definitely make more cooking videos. Watching what comes out of the garden go into the oven will never not be exciting. I love watching what works/doesn't work. Those pumpkin brioche I will definitely be trying. Peace! ✌️

[@harney1987]

I love this content. It is just an honest and realistic showing of your homestead. I really even like seeing the ways you are showing that everyone can take advantage of government programs to improve our own gardens.

[@dalebob9364]

When shtf....I don't think people will know the amount of food you have, because it's not in the grocery store form!😂

[@lemonyskunkketts7781]

Until the lights and water are turned off

[@james_thegirl]

shtf

[@vinababygirl86]

I bought my first house this year and my goal is to grow food for myself and my aging parents and you inspired a lot of that. I preordered your book and I can wait for it to come. I’ve already started a small container garden and installed solar panels. I have big plans for my small lot lol. Thanks for all of the tips, tricks and seeds. ❤

[@epicgardening]

Hope you love the book!

[@GoneTroppo]

Loved the vid. I've been following you for a while now, and you've inspired me to start some suburban style homesteading, back in Australia. I'm at the very beginning of my journey, and have included it in my vlogs, so hopefully one day, I cal look back at how far I've come. Your cooking was enpoint! Mmm mmm. :)

[@epicgardening]

Amazing to hear this

[@aliafaruky5362]

Loved your setup . Very impressive water utilisation.

[@aloras405]

Little correction. I live in Colorado. The actual collecting amount is a maximum of 2 barrels with a capacity of 55 gallons each. So essentially you can have 110 gallons of collected water at any one time.

[@mirasusanto8167]

Hi... I am Mira from Cibubur near Jakarta, Indonesia. I like gardening. You have a beautiful garden

[@sunclover]

That pumpkin brioche bread looked so good I had to make some! Turned out great and I paired it with some homemade persimmon jam. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@humblecourageous3919]

We have about 5,000 gallons of rainwater tanks but in about 11 big tanks and 3 little ones. We have hooked them up to a laundry to landscape type system (same as our laundry to landscape but not all are connected to the actual laundry). We turn them on for 10 minutes to fill the basins. We use a timer so we won't forget. The tanks then can water our fruit trees in the very hot summer instead of using more city water.

[@nicholas_obert]

Regarding the grey water system, one concern is that clothing made of synthetic fibers like polyester (the majority of today's clothing will contain some) degrade over time and release micro plastic particles into the laundry water. The polymers (long and complex chain-like molecules based on carbon) used in clothing are not biodegradable or degrade into harmful products that will get carried away by the laundry water towards your plants. Did you consider this aspect of gray water? I personally wouldn't want to release plastic-bearing laundry water into my soil. In my opinion, that dirty water would be better reused by diverting it into the toilet flush tank. Also, this is a long-term issue that will eventually have some impact on your garden and plants or on your health. In the first years, the effects may not be noticeable, but micro plastics will build up over time in your soil and eventually leak into groundwater resevoirs or end un in your crops.

[@Msdulce]

I've never seen a mixer like that but seems so cool and effective with that attachment for dough making

[@kittiew260]

Happy 3 years, Kevin and Epic team.

[@FarmBelles]

Amazing progress and your impact on your viewers has been massive too! We love your vids 😊

[@tastingofgolden]

I think it's so cool that there's a house like this in SD.

[@robadr13]

Great episode! Thanks for all the content you produce - it's all appreciated!

[@stormraven4183]

I love that you are sharing your homesteading skills and journey with us. ❤

[@vfromid2186]

Chicken Math is actually a Fibonacci sequence.

[@queeniesplantsgardening3697]

Thanks for sharing your experience Kevin!!! Love the channel!!!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🪶🪶🪶

[@sonyahogan5673]

You're my favorite gardening resource!

[@ewkelch]

I think this is my favorite of all your videos. Thanks so much!

[@dawndawn6946]

What an amazing video! Thanks, Kevin, for sharing all the valuable insight!

[@rea8755]

Oh my we have been looking at that mixer and kinda of wanted one, thanks for showing us how it works.

[@epicgardening]

You bet. It's awesome

[@foodnwords]

SO inspiring! Its wild whenever you do look back videos to see how far you've come, it goes by so fast when watching it all in real time but you should be so proud! I really want to start a rain capture situation like the one you have right off the house - 200 gallons I think you said? But I don't know what brand yours is, will have to go re-watch the related videos. I'm in Oakland, CA hopefully I can find some help setting one up here!

[@user-sf9gs2pg1b]

11:42 That’s awesome! I recently got into crocheting. Still bad at it, lol, but it’s a great way to take your mind off things. It’s weird, it reminds me of meditating. It’s like when I’m crocheting I’m in a state where I’m not thinking.

[@littleblackdogs]

Happy New Year, Kevin 🎉

[@johndesrocher4289]

So many incredibly brilliant ideas in this one video! Especially love the greywater system and the outdoor shower. Will need to save this and watch it periodically for reminders. Thanks for all you do, but this one? PURE GOLD!

[@epicgardening]

Love to hear it!

[@samyu2971]

Been following you since the old homestead. So inspired by you and happy for your company to grow! Stay healthy and keep those videos and information coming! We need it... Happy New Year!

[@YKkris10]

This was an excellent video! To see the evolution of your experience and what goes into it all was fantastic. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@a.l.a.7847]

Super summary of your 3-years (thusfar) adventure in homesteading! Thank you for all the extremely valuable information, honest sharing on the stresses, etc., tips and tricks. You and your team are a gem to all of us!

[@emilyrose3363]

Always such engaging and valuable information! Thank you so much for all of the knowledge you share.

[@letsgogreen786]

What you are sharing is always engaging and curious about the content. I have learned a lot of exciting things through your videos and it makes me always look forward to your latest videos! Because the content is easy to understand, positive, and nove.👌

[@roserizzo3094]

Love your channel! Your honesty makes one know how true you are! Hobbies do help destress! Know you are very much appreciated!

[@CaitlinFaulks]

Hey Kev! Awesome work, so happy for you and your setup - truly inspirational. Wishing you a safe and successful new year.

[@Dakforever1]

There is no way collecting rain water is illegal, someone is pulling our collective legs

[@dustyflats3832]

It’s true, look up all the states with rain collection restrictions. Some states don’t, some give credits and yet some have 110 gallon restrictions because of water rights like CO.

[@ModernResilience]

Awesome stuff! Really enjoyed the free flowing nature of this video. Felt very chill and natural, sorta like hanging out with a wise friend.

[@TopherTino]

Awesome video! Cannot wait for the next book.

[@bryanparsons7207]

I have loved your channel for several years now, but I think this may be the best episode you. Keep up the great work and inspiring so many people to start growing and homesteading. Such a great insight into the process

[@MrSunlander]

I'll put your book with my Dowding and Don gardening books. Cheers and thanks for this reflection!

[@TonysSunnyGarden]

I think this is my favorite video that you uploaded in 2023 ☀️ Thank You for sharing all of your knowledge and experiences and for inspiring so many people 🙏

[@skilletbreakfast620]

Great video of your journey! I really appreciate the honesty and reality behind your messages. I learn something every video. Outdoor shower here I come! 😊

[@sanaminayeet]

Holy moly that purple tree at 0:15 is stunning

[@ellycook9057]

I commented a few months ago asking for more how to use the produce we are harvesting. So loving this content

[@priscillacummings4780]

So great what you have built! I love your garden but more importantly I love your anxiety honesty. We’re living in such difficult times & the more young people talk & admit to issues, the better life can be. Keep going!!

[@katherinecornette5315]

Mmm! I ❤ making bread! Your channel is always a joy to watch and keeps me motivated! Thank you for your hard work and keeping it real with us!

[@MarkTrades__]

20:38 What a great description of the process of living with nature. We need more of this in our world today.

[@cindypelletier9365]

Another great video :) Nice to hear the personal side of your business. And, those buns look delicious!!

[@geronimoflyingfree]

Thank you for all the valuable information, the fun on all this videos and your honesty in this one! And ohhh man, THAT brioche looks delicious! 😮😍😍😍😁👍

[@jamesandsusanshortill8713]

Major thanks to you and your team for this channel...especially to you, Kevin, for your heart and vision. I have learned so much from all your videos, but this one tops them all. It's great to see your big-picture view, and I love that you are not afraid to jump in and try something, pull back and assess, and revise or move on when something doesn't work. It truly is the journey, and you, my man, are the shizzle

[@epicgardening]

Appreciate the kind words my friend

[@MirroredInMud]

Best video thus far.

[@teresadelgado1372]

Kevin, that has been a dream come true. Congratulations in that amazing journey. I know it has not been easy but you did it with the help of many people behind the scene. Although I am an old woman I have learned a lot from you and by the way I have 3 raise bed that I bought from you. It is a great feeling when you get something after a lot of work and I do enjoy my garden the best I can. Thank you for sharing.

[@susanturner9023]

Really Amazing watching you turn a suburban property to a true homestead! Been watching from the urban gardening yard and I love the journey and community you’ve brought together! ✌🏻🙏🏼❤️ and Merry Christmas 🎄 Happy New Year! 🎊

[@jacquelinehoward5183]

Congratulations on your successes and lessons, and thank you for sharing. Epic is my first and favorite source for all things gardening since the small garden at the old house. Homesteading is my dream if I ever win the lottery. I'm probably living vicariously through yours. Happy New Year, and may your harvest be bountiful! 🥂🎉

[@jbbrowneyes]

Excellent video!!! Thank you

[@Sara_H114]

I love this tour of your homestead. ❤

[@tanyathomas1827]

If you warm (in a small pan) the milk and butter with sugar/honey just until the edges of the butter starts to melt, the butte will be the perfect consistency and the milk will be the perfect temp.

[@growinginportland]

That was an awesome video. Thank you for sharing. Appreciate that Kevin. i’m actually in Portland Oregon starting my homestead journey with my new KZbin channel growing in Portland. Keep doing what you do. Have a happy new year all my best.

[@deb7639]

Loved your video, Kevin! Thank you for your honesty and insights. Garden or Homestead anxiety is real. So much to do... so little time (or sometimes energy). I love that you included water capture and solar, and I appreciate your perspectives on return-on-investment. PS: Great baking, too! 😊

[@danicabays8274]

Really enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing with us 😊

[@Growmo_PNW]

Looking forward to the woodworking video!

[@PepperplacewithShawna]

Great video!

[@kimberleychapman8416]

Thanks so much for this video with all the wisdom you have learned!

[@skylarkkralyks4496]

In addition to LOADS of useful information and great visuals on the various elements, your voice is really soothing. Might have to listen listen to your videos in the background during those times I have way too much to do.

[@faustomikhael221]

It's such an inspiration what you and the garden boyz do and makes me want to get down gsrdening way over here in the extreme tropics of the Philippines. 🙌🏾

[@glendaross692]

Kevin, this is THE BEST video you’ve done. The honesty about burnout is very valuable. It’s not all fun and games🙄This video is full of useful information. Please, keep it up. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@coalacorey]

I really didn't expect the whittling shout out but I can also highly recommend it!

[@Blynn-md4dx]

I must say, that bread looks AMAZING!! And, use and reuse, agree.

[@efrenmoreno7706]

Your Home and Garden are DOPE 😎