Starting Again On My Own? (aged over 50)

Could I and would I start all over again, homesteading on my own in my fifties? I look at the practicalities and the emotional impact of beginning to homestead on a smallholding in the UK as a woman on my own.
Click SHOW MORE for more details, resources and info.
Celebrating Smallholding UK group on facebook is a positive and very friendly place to share information relevant to UK smallholding. / 129977664297634
You can support this channel on Patreon at / lizzorab
About Us.
I share our organic homestead, called Byther Farm, with my loving partner, Mr J and our cat, Monty.
We are a fifty-something couple who live on a smallholding in Monmouthshire, Wales. We are going green and creating a gentler, cleaner and more healthy life for our family.
We keep hybrid chickens and also have breeding flocks of Jersey Giants and Australorp chickens and Aylesbury ducks. There is a large organic kitchen garden with no dig gardening raised beds and young food forest in which to grown our fruit and vegetables.
I'm currently exploring permaculture farming as a way of life.
Music
'Breathe' by Kafkadiva. www.kafkadiva.com
Other music by www.EpidemicSound.com

[@karenrouth2056]

Hi Liz and Friends...In 2014 at 57yrs old, on my own, (my children had left Universities and were beginning to successfully form their own lives/paths/careers in London and LA,) there was absolutely nothing to keep me from following my dream of one day living in Italy! I sold my 300yr old cottage in Dorset, put stuff in a friends lock up, put 4 (big!) dogs in the car with my essentials in the roof box, and drove to the south east coast (Adriatic) of Italy, opposite Rome! I had rented a small house I found from searching online (crazy I know) on the Adriatic coast, in the middle of the area I had researched to live which is the lowest earth quake zone in Italy, that would accept/tolerate my dogs. I originally intended to spend 3 months looking for a house to buy but it took 9 months. When I arrived at the house in the dark, I was on my own (with hounds!) after two and a half days driving, I did not know a single soul, I incredibly did not speak Italian (mad but true), I had NEVER been to this are before and in fact I had not been back to Italy since Rome in 1988 lol! and so the adventure began... I moved into my house January 2015 worked like a trojan...I built raised beds (to the great amusement of locals who think I'm nuts!), grow my own veggies, planted fruit trees, have chickens, Indian runner ducks and quails and different, but still giant, dogs (originals sadly have died). Live a pretty solitary life, walk on the beach except June-August, and have lovely Italian friends, (few people locally speak English). My children visit less often nowadays as they have their own busy lives, so although I bought a bigger house than I need, as I wrongly assumed they would come out often with friends etc., I realise now that it wasn't necessary. IF I ever move from here I will do as Liz says and buy something basically just for myself with a spare room!!! One of the best parts about my story is how encouraging and enthusiastic and supportive my children have been about my move from the UK however crazy it might sound! I have never once for a single second regretted my life decisions... I was totally drawn here, to this beautiful area, but have absolutely NO idea why... The moment I arrived, I felt like I was home... most extraordinary feeling... as far as I know I have no Italian ancestors (would love to do DNA testing!) but my heart and SOUL belong here... It's not so much the people but an inner feeling... can't really put it into words... Yes, of course, there have been some difficult moments, illness a bit too much time isolated, and an enormous amount of hard physical manual labour all by myself, but I've done it! If you have been longing to do something, and as Liz says, your heart and head agree...and you have a strong draw to be somewhere...do it... People said I was/am brave and courageous but I have never felt anything like that at all, although I can now begin to understand how people find it difficult to leave what they are used to and say they 'envy' me.....if you reeeally want something badly enough somehow, just somehow, you can make it happen and when the time is right it will all fall into place! People in my local villages or any Italians I meet cannot begin to comprehend why I would leave 'my own country' and settle here... I have nothing in the UK except obviously my daughter and her now husband, but you know what I mean! Now at almost 63, I wouldn't change my decision for the world! I may at some point downsize, but I cannot imagine ever leaving Italy... Good Luck to all of you... keep dreaming...dreams can become reality xxx

[@LizZorab]

Oh I love this! Thank you for sharing you story. I'm sitting at the kitchen table just grinning from ear to ear for you.

[@Annie.xx-xx]

That's so beautiful and just what I needed to read right now my youngest starts college in 6 days and I'm already feeling lost . What a great feeling of hope your given me for the future . Thank you xxx

[@karenrouth2056]

Anna, if you need any encouragement or have questions you are welcome to contact me! Good Luck xx

[@ddsmiles6382]

Karen Routh I love your story! I’m 56 and have a wonderful partner w the most gorgeous dimples. He’s adorable. And three years ago we moved to NM bought a three acre ‘ “farm”. Recently went to a yard sale and bought 1954 46 acre ranch home and land w my grown sons. And don’t regret any of my journey for one Mili-second. By this time next year we will be certified organic and my son will be planting. I’ll be growing our garden , flock of chickens and ducks, feeder pigs and Milker cow and goat. Why I didn’t do this years ago while raising six boys alone I’ve no idea!! It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done. Like you I was drawn here and it is my home from the moment I set eyes here. Blessings to you on your continuing journey well health and much joy!!

[@j.e.7028]

What a wonderful little story...thank you for sharing,all the best to you.

[@kaydickerson1229]

I started over when i was 52, broke, and was very ill. Im 64 now. Have a 4 x 15 foot raised garden. Canned 15 pints of different tomato products. U

[@1caramarie]

I just turned 71 a few days ago. I have been doing homesteading for the last 12 years, in other words, I was 59 when I started. Of course, I had been acquiring as many skills as possible for much longer than that. I divorced when only 33 and my children were 6 and 3, and never again married (or had a "boyfriend"). So I was rather independent. My property was all lawn, which I hate, so I've been pulling it all out for the last 12 years. Not easy when you don't use chemicals and the lawn had been there for decades. I didn't have to do too many repairs but I did have to paint all the inside on my own because the previous owner was into hideous color and the outside (a group of people did help with that, for free). Right now I have about a dozen oaks and maple trees that are about 100 years old, a small orchard, all planted by me, as well as many fruit bushes and hazelnut trees with I planted. I also have a number of vegetable bed so I try to grow just about every thing I can think of, including tropical plants which go indoors during our long winters. I live in the US in Minnesota and cold season here is 7 months. Every year I add something more. I also can fruits, vegetables and food so I don't have to cook every day. I cook from scratch as I will not eat pre-prepared food, with some exceptions, since I'm into eating healthy. When I decided to get homesteading, I was suffering from osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (twice when to emergency room because I thought I was heart attack) and a few other "insignificant" health issues. But, I had made decisions to take control of my own health in 1999, by forgetting about the medical system and changing my diet. Best decision ever. By the time I moved here my health was great. Hence the not eating prepared food, and growing my own food. My "treatments" were based on research mostly in sites from and for people with my different conditions. (The fibromyalgia - had to crawl upstairs because the pain was so intense - solved itself when I increased the use of extra virgin olive oil and got rid of other oils, except sunflower made by local farmers.) I hadn't been sick in many years. Is it hard? Sure but I would not change what I'm doing for anything, although I'm going to do less gardening and more art (it's now or never). Of course my closest neighbor told me I could grow something in his property since he is "getting old at 65". I accepted but I will be growing low maintenance crops there such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and taro (tropical but grows fast in warm weather and then inside the house). I also like to bake bread, dehydrate and preserve. I have now added thing like making kimchi and mostly cooking Thai and Indian food, which seem to be rather healthy and I like. In winter I can work on the regular old fashion women things (sewing, crochet, etc.). Sound exhausting but as you know, when you love what you are doing, it's not really a chore. And yes, I do carry bags of manure and I'm 5 feet tall. (And I tend to be wordy, lol.)

[@LizZorab]

I love this! Thank you for sharing your story, it's most encouraging!

[@denisemartinez6456]

you've told my story minus the hubby part, we're still together. But we finally purchased a small place (shy of 3 acres) and are working on our dream as well. We love it. the chickens, the ducks, the mess and hard work, the building the coralls for goat's and pigs ECT. This is our first garden were putting in here (we moved and did home repairs ECT before planting this spring). All pig it is so worth it all. I can't wait for 55 and hubbys 64 to show us what were made from. thank you for your amazing encouraging post. Contnued blessings to you .

[@LizZorab]

Thank you, I'm now going back through the comments section and reading some of the great conversations folks are having - it's brilliant, so many people encouraging each other - yay!

[@slairdandraful]

1caramarie wow

[@margaretd3710]

I'm also 71 - I live on a typical suburban lot (1/4 acre - which includes the house) in an HOA, which doesn't allow any gardening in the front yard. So I've put up a 6' fence around the sides and back yards and had raised veggie beds made on each side yard - on one side, it's 5x85', the other is 4x100' - and the back yard is fruit trees - currently around 14. My son built me a lovely pergola where I'm growing grapes. I plan on adding some more trees and berries that I'm going to plant just outside my back fence because it's an open area and my neighbors also plant shrubs in that area behind their property, so I won't be doing something disapproved of. We aren't allowed to have chickens or any other farm animals, sadly. I grew up on a farm, but left at 17, and haven't gardened since. I'm excited about growing lots of "new" types of vegetables and fruits that I haven't heard of as well as the standard types of things like salad greens, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, peppers, etc. -- It's a lot of work getting everything put together - and rather pricey - but it's a source of true joy and I'm looking on having lots of food to eat and to share with friends and neighbors, and maybe even some to can or freeze. Of course, I'm on a learning curve - trying to get used to Florida weather (hurricane's heading our way as I write this), and the sandy stuff that passes for soil (ergo: raised beds). Lots to learn, lots of mistakes to make, lots of laughter along the way.

[@Leslie_AvalonAcresFarm]

When we lost our homestead after hubby's heart attack, we had no idea what we were going to do. Eventually, we realized that the homesteading life was the healthiest way to live and that somehow, we had to get back to it. Hubby is in congestive heart failure, and his heart was so damaged by the heart attack that only 1/3 of it is still alive. Then, we lost our son to suicide. That loss ignited a flame under us to start over. At 52 and 55, we are building a new homestead from scratch, making a home out of a shed and a small farm out of raw land. It's a lot of hard, backbreaking work, but if anything happens to hubby, my youngest who is autistic, and I have the security of a forever home. And I wouldnt do it any differently!! Thanks Liz, great video, I can relate in so many ways!!~~Leslie

[@LizZorab]

Hi Leslie, thank you for sharing this. Hopefully anyone who has doubts about the benefits and the possibilities of homesteading in our middle years will be encouraged by the fabulous responses to this video.

[@charlesburkhart800]

Getting his feet up, maybe even a few times a day, for short rest periods will give his heart a rest too. It is easier for his heart to pump if his feet are up, more on the level of his heart. So his heart gets a break too. Old RN

[@Leslie_AvalonAcresFarm]

Thanks Charles, I'll make sure he does just that!! ~~Leslie

[@denisemartinez6456]

Avalon Acres Farm I'm 54 and hubby 63.a year ago after he had several mini strokes, his dad passed away and with four adult son's with different disabilities ranging from MS, asperger's autism, heart and other issue's, and having health issues ourselves,we decided to move and begin our journey. We miraculously were able to purchase a small (2.5 acres) homestead and are living our dream. Our son's don't live here but come often.. very often thankfully, to give a hand where needed. Our home is small but we're all happy here. It's the best decision we've ever made. We love it. We're far from our goal of self sufficiency but we are definitely one our way to building our dream. congratulations on your new journey to you and hubby. blessings everyone!

[@Leslie_AvalonAcresFarm]

Oh Denise, blessings to you and yours as well! I'm so happy to hear that you are living your dream after so much heartache. It is very much the same for us, a small piece of land, a much smaller home---but it works and frankly, we are happier here than we were in the big farmhouse (although I LOVED that homestead....I still dream about it...) We don't see our grown children too much, they live 60 miles away and are busy with jobs and life, but our two youngest are still home with us and the 4 of us have done a good job of getting things started here, but the BIG work starts this spring, and I am SO looking forward to it! Thank you for sharing your story, we are riding the same path and I love to hear how others are doing as well!

[@caroldorsett8170]

Good video. I started a farm on my own at58 then at 72 sold it and down size as I found 42 acres plus cows, horses, goats, llamas, chickens and sheep a little to much.. If it is in your heart to homestead no mater what age you should do it. I still have chickens and a garden plus my dogs and cats.

[@LizZorab]

Hi Carol, thank you for sharing this, I hope that the viewer who posed the question is uplifted by how many of us have started homesteading later in life and encouraged to take the plunge herself.

[@caroldorsett8170]

Liz Zorab - Byther Farm it is never to Kate to follow a dream. Start slow and enjoy each step.

[@janebotten2969]

I'm an obese 63 with mental health issues and you so inspire me. I LOVE your attitude towards life, it is fantastic. Today, hubby and I are going to build a huge compost bin in the garden, to match the one we built yesterday. Oh, hubby is 72, both of us a bit cronky but so excited to maximise the garden we do have. We certainly sleep well! You are the bees knees Liz.

[@LizZorab]

Cronky people make the world go around! Sending best wishes for a fantastic compost heap project!

[@secondhalfhomestead8506]

I am going to be 53. I have been interested in homesteading since the early 90s. My husband constantly disuaded me, so I worked on low cost food preparation, and was successful. Now that we have seperated, I habe chickens, am planting a forage garden, and contaimer gardening. I am also canning quite a lot. Wish I had had the courage in my 30s.

[@LizZorab]

Thanks for sharing this Tricia, I know that the viewer who posed the question will read all the comments and hopefully will be encouraged by them.

[@jw6180]

You are awesome! 🙌

[@secondhalfhomestead8506]

Joanna W Not really. I regret not making the plunge years ago.

[@LizZorab]

Tricia, we can't change the past, it was what it was. You are doing what you wanted to now and that's awesome!

[@debrakessler5141]

Second Half Homestead , good for you!

[@lindaellin559]

I am a 53 yo single woman and have just bought 4.6acre property in Australia and i cant want to get started. I have been learning for the last couple of years from wonderful homesteaders on youtube and reading lots of books. I'm just going to do something every day and slowly build my own homestead. I have 2 adult boys that wont be joining me but they are supportive and excited for me also. You never know until you give it a go!!!

[@LizZorab]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! How exciting! Please, please record your experiences to share with others, whether in a blog or a vlog, it'd be great to learn about how you get on.

[@beefriendlypermaculture]

Welcome to OZ! What state are you in? I am in Victoria . Would be happy to share seeds with you - but can't send seeds to Tasmania or WA.

[@lindaellin559]

Thank you - yes I'm really thinking about putting it up on youtube as I've been so inspired myself by everyone sharing through video

[@lindaellin559]

Thanks Liz I am really excited. I do hope to share it all and will let you know when I get started. Thank you for inspiring us all!!

[@lindaellin559]

Calendula fields Nursery - I'm in Victoria also - in Melbourne atm but will be moving in May to my new place near Korumburra. Seed sharing sounds like a great idea!!

[@Annie.xx-xx]

Liz you have enlightened me. Your words are valuable and honest. And it makes me think I should be braver and maybe sometimes take a chance and take a risk and push on, don't be scared and move forward. You are such a hard worker and dedicated, kind and caring and your opinions will be greatly appreciated by many. I've really enjoyed this video. Thank you liz. And the lemon and caramel cake I made from watching your videos were absolutely delightful.The boys greatly appreciated them. And ive hidden a slice of both in a container at the back of the fridge for tomorrow with a cup of tea, otherwise they'd be gone in a flash. Xx💟

[@LizZorab]

Did you get that last slice of cake Anna? Gluten free cake never really seems as nice the next day - that's one of my excuses for eating it all in one day!

[@AcornHillHomestead]

Anna williams There seems to be something about homesteading that brings out the best in people and fears seem to melt away with every learned skill. I think if its the life you long for.. go for it. The worst thing to do is regret never giving it a go. Do it at whatever level you think you can manage.

[@jasonward6723]

trying and failing is better than never trying and having regrets, thats the worse feeling in the world

[@patriciawoodward2566]

Though there would be some things I couldn't do by myself, I believe that even at 59, if I were on my own, I would still try to live the life I love. I don't want to live a life with too much regret! Even if you try and fail, at least you tried--Right?

[@LizZorab]

Right! As I'm learning more, I'm realising that many of the things I thought I couldn't do, I can, I just have to be slower and think more outside the box to find ways to achieve them.

[@annfinster]

Starting over here at 75 with .4 acre. Thank you for sharing! Yes, I am adding skills and no I do not drive. You are such an inspiration. Just baby steps here. Only at it for six months. But, I look to add value to what I have and maximize space so that everything is useful, not just stored. This week, I made my first cottage cheese! And beginning with May, every meal has one item I grew myself. Thank you, again. 🌹

[@joannewolfe5688]

I've been starting over at age 68 by necessity, including installing ALL infrastructure (fences, high tunnel, garden beds, chicken house and run, water collection and on and on -- PLUS rehabbing an old house). One does what one must. BUT, I was able to get a small house on a large lot on the edge of a small village -- and get it inexpensively. There are always trade-offs.

[@pamt8430]

WOW!! Thank you Liz....I needed this encouragement. You are a wonderful Lady.

[@LizZorab]

Thank you!

[@spoolsandbobbins]

This video and these comments are soooo encouraging! My husband and I are heading into our 50’s. 7 years ago God gave us 5 precious children from a mom who couldn’t look after them. We homeschool and live on 2 acre which we started converting to gardens last year. We also started raising and breeding our own rabbits. We’ve run out of space and the deer, raccoons, ground hogs, squirrels, chipmunks and slugs have gotten pretty bad (I guess our veggies are pretty good!). This has encouraged me even more to begin again! God has a plan :)

[@maryngeoh9007]

just bought myself a car, driving for the first time, knowing nothing about gardening and start learning. Life is great!

[@RalfyCustoms]

Hi Liz, only just found this, absolutely fantastic hun, I'm 55 and after my second marriage ended about a decade ago, I had to start again for the 3rd time, fast forward to today and I'm incredibly happy, settled in a little cottage with my own Liz, with a little vegetable garden, a nice workshop (I build custom motorbikes) Although I'm far from a homesteader, I've certainly had the life experience to be happy with my lifestyle choices Lots of love to you Liz and family, I really enjoy your channel

[@WhistleThicket]

We only have one life, so I say do what makes you happy! For us, one of the many things that does is living the homestead life! Even when I'm 80, I hope to be doing this!

[@LizZorab]

Hi Tom, there are plenty of 80 year old farmers, smallholders and homesteaders around, let's hope we will all still be doing what we love when we are octogenarians!

[@1958pobs]

What a wonderful discussion, thank you liz and everyone who joined in with their comments, really insightful and encouraging in a realistic way.

[@JJLewin1]

I believe it is all in your attitude and mindset. I emigrated when in my 30's to seek a new life, after just a few years that failed and I returned to England. At 50 I made a total change and re-married, this brought forward many new challenges. At 59 I suffered a heart attack, but never let this rule my life. At 62 I had a nasty life changing accident, but never gave in, I adapted and still take on new challenges and always will. Your expectations have to be realistic, but never be afraid of stepping out of the box and your comfort zone. Try something new, listen to other peoples ideas and adjust them to suit your own needs. Enjoy your life whatever age, believe you can do it and do your very best - Never give in :)

[@cathielittle2283]

Liz, your thoughts about starting again are great wisdom and encouragement for anyone thinking of making a major change in their lives, what ever it is. Thank you!

[@Om-ry4tb]

So glad I found this one. You're brilliant Liz!

[@LizZorab]

Thank you so much!

[@Om-ry4tb]

It's so good to see how you started out and the place you were in your life. It really gives me courage 🙂 Thank you Liz, all your videos are so much learning and inspiration to me. .

[@ericaslittlewelshgarden]

Watched about 30 seconds of your vid and had to sub, you sound amazing, moving with your little children! Strong woman 🤩

[@ericaslittlewelshgarden]

P. S I moved from Bristol to South Wales last year with my 5 year old and since then have had a baby, quit the city for the 'good life'.

[@LizZorab]

I grew up in Bristol and moved to Gloucestershire, Lancashire and Mid Wales before settling here in south east Wales. Please feel free to join my facebook group facebook.com/groups/1983205791946351/

[@LonelyPinesFarm]

What a challenging thought. I love your strength! You're channel is amazing and we're excited to follow along on your journey. Definitely subscribing!!

[@LizZorab]

Hello Lonely Pines! Thank you for your kind words and I hope you'll enjoy coming along with us.

[@lifewithoutsupermarkets8089]

After years, I finally talked my Husband into moving from our modest 5 bed Detached house, to become debt free & set up a smallholding, both aged 50. This was just over 18 mths ago. We are now living on top of a mountain, and for the time being, in a static van because the house is derelict with 16 acres. A storm blew the roof off the stable block & demolished the field shelter, constant power cuts & we are living in a static van with 10 dogs & 2 parrots - so yes, life is really tough at the moment. But, to anyone thinking of doing the same, we don’t regret it for a minute. I milk Dotty, our house cow, in the morning, grow our own veg. Over the next 5 years we intend to be fully off-grid (using hydro, wind & solar) & be almost self-sufficient. Life is very tough but feels honest & meaningful

[@LizZorab]

Hi Clare, I hope you have managed to stay warm and dry during these storms. But OMGoodness how exciting to be starting your new life on your smallholding!

[@karenbrooks4865]

Brilliant, helpful and informative vid Liz. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@LizZorab]

Hello Karen, I'm glad that you enjoyed the video, it was a great question that I was asked - long discussions over the dinner table were had before I made this video :-)

[@MarysNest]

Hi Liz, What a nice video for people wanting to start homesteading on their own. I can’t imagine doing something without my husband, as we - like you - have built our life together. However, that said, I think some of the comments here are wonderful. Taking a chance, even in a small way, and seeing how it goes is a smart idea so as to avoid regret later in life. Love, Mary ❤️😘❤️

[@LizZorab]

Hi Mary, thanks for watching - the comments have been fabulous, I'm so pleased that everyone is offering words of encouragement and sharing their stories. :-)

[@denisewilson8367]

Yes! I am doing it at 59 this year. It's never too late. And I only have 1 working arm. My life has been similar to yours, except I'm not ill. I tried to have a lot of things bought, put up, and supplies to start over with. But sadly someone thought they needed it more than I did, it was stolen. But I'm going to do it anyway, without everything I had wanted to have on hand.

[@LizZorab]

Hi Denise, how exciting for you! Not having your things stolen, that's not exciting, that's horrid. I hope you'll setting up your new place!

[@deiserottweiler]

Fair play to you. Love you're channel. J & Kate.

[@agnesdarkia3208]

Great video. I started a garden last year at 58. Your video comforts me in thinking that it is never too late, one just has to do it nicely his own way, and that I was right in wanting to realise my dream. Thank you so much

[@jenedge5579]

Thanks for the pep talk. I’m not starting a homestead, but I’m planting a big garden to produce food. I am a full time nurse and you have encouraged me in my endeavor to do what I can. I’m on .9 acres in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, USA. At 58, I’ll have some good set up in my retirement. We keep bees already (started as a hobby for my son when he was 14, now 21) and I’d love to have egg layer chickens. We have lots of deer, fox and other wild life including a resident Red-tail hawk (I’m listening to her squawk as I write), that make things interesting, so I’ll have to build in safety for my chickens and crops. I’m putting the food that the deer don’t care for in the front landscaping, like artichokes and asparagus and will add deer netting to the enclosed garden. As Jess from Roots and Refuge says, I’m letting my preset situation be my class room. I read and watch you all on KZbin and gradually build my skills and my garden.

[@Theaviarygarden]

I love this video. My husband and I are 60 next year but are going to move soon to a place with some land. I say I would rather drop dead working on my garden which I love every minute of than sit in a chair watching the months go by. I plan and have an orchard of trees in pots! Really enjoy your videos Liz.

[@LizZorab]

Thank you, how exciting to be moving to a place with some land. Yes I agree that keeping active in the garden is definitely better than sitting and watching the months go by. Do you know when you are moving?

[@kelleywake8234]

Hi Liz, I separated from my husband of 30 years a couple of years ago. We lived together in Australia, I'm from UK and soon to return closer to home to a place I've bought in Ireland. I want to make it a homestead similar to yours. I'm living on a large property at the moment living a semi self sufficient lifestyle so I'm learning heaps. I'm very scared of the big move to another country but also so excited. I'm late 40s with a teen daughter who loves the garden, so I'm not completely alone, still a bit scary though. New adventures

[@maryphillips864]

In the mid to late seventies when I was in my late twenties and a single mother with three school age children, there was a programme on the TV called The Good Life. I loved that series, the struggle of being self sufficient of the couple encouraged me to grow my first crops. But, unfortunately I wasn't in a position to go the whole hog. Now years later I have my allotment and I love growing my own food. I'm not entirely self sufficient, but it's still a good life 😊

[@wdc1692]

Mary Phillips I just love that programme and bought IT on dvd, I watch it at least once a year!

[@andreajohnsMyPotteryBliss]

We have lived in our home for 38 years. I have to agree with Liz that finding a property with at least some of the infrastructure in place makes homesteading easier and less costly. Our 1.5 acre place was part of a much larger farm many years ago. Our piece of the old place came with the barn and chicken house already built. We have converted the chicken house to a very large shop. That building alone is 65 ft long and 15 feet wide. They must have had a lot of chickens here at one time. The barn is not huge but certainly big enough for anything we have wanted to do. Years ago, when my kids were young, we used the barn for milk goats, and chickens. There came a time when I needed to work outside the home and we sold or ate the animals. You can only do so much when you work 40+ hours a week. We didn’t garden during some of that time but we did keep planting trees and shrubs. Now the old milking parlor side of the barn is set up for starting spring seeds. We have several long tables, a heat mat ( I can’t recommend this piece of equipment highly enough. I have near 100% germination of all my seeds), racks with adjustable height lights for the seedlings, storage for pots and seedling trays. The open side of the barn is home to extra firewood, dimensional lumber for building projects and, I have to admit, a good bit of junk. The downside of finding a place with infrastructure already in place is that our place is not laid out as efficiently as it could be. My zone one should be vegetable gardens, herbs and some fruit. I do have some lovely old standard size fruit trees near the back door but I also have a lot of lawn. I have no plans of changing this because my grandkids are here almost everyday. They need a safe place to play. The chicken coop, turned shop, is closer to the house than is the garden or new, smaller coop. Honestly, I love our place. We’ve improved it so much over the years. There is so much life and love here, and happy dreaming. I am so thankful we found our home all those years ago. Mind you, this place was an absolute dump when we first moved here. It had been a rental and seriously abused. The shop/coop was rented out to a business as was the field. We moved here as renters. We simply could not afford a better place at that time. The kitchen alone was so filthy it took 3 determined women 8 full hours to clean it. We started with the ceiling and worked our way down. All that elbow grease became our damage deposit. The landlord wanted 1st and last months rent up front too. The yard was full of broken, rusted car parts and general garbage. We cleaned that up along with the rest of the interior of the house. That became the 1st and last month rent. So we got into our rental with no money but a hell of a lot of work. The guy who rented the field and shop/coop moved his business three years later. We approached our landlord about buying the place. They were more than willing to sell to us. They carried the contract at a very reasonable interest rate. We now owned our own home. It didn’t happen immediately and it wasn’t easy but it was so worth every minute of hard work. We took this place from a ramshackle mess to a lovely, comfortable home. Our 4 kids were raised here. They had chores, they had fun, they knew where their eggs and milk, fruit and vegetables came from. I’m proud of us for providing for our little family so well. Now our grandkids experience all those things too.

[@LizZorab]

Thank you for sharing this Andrea, it's great to hear about how people have ended up where they are and that they are happy with their lot.

[@christineosborne9789]

Hello Liz you are always so helpful. Although I am 67 I want to have a go in a small way. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@LizZorab]

Go for it Christine and have fun :-)

[@easyandnatural6320]

Liz ,happy to found your channel. Great tips. You are not alone dear ..... I'm 55 years old ,and am growing my veggies in my pots ,as I have not got a big or soil garden..... I have a desire to move back to my home country ,to be in a warmer climate and grow my own fruits and vegetables and organic eggs ....I am very positive about it

[@StrivingforSelfSufficiency]

Great suggestions for those (of any age) eager to set up a homestead for the first time. Thanks!

[@pepper24able]

Liz I am sure you have read the amazing comments from this video. You are an inspiration. I am 69, my husband 82. We started our farm 8 years ago. It had nothing but an oak tree on-it. Now it has three homes, an orchard, chickens, ducks, geese, goats , cows. We breed dogs. It is hard work, but I wouldnt swap it for an easy retirement village for anything. Keeps us healthy and fit. Hopefully, grandchildren will want to continue it.

[@Bearcub599]

extremely useful and helpful! Thank you xxx Best Wishes

[@LizZorab]

Thanks!

[@matthewcunningham8691]

Brilliant video Liz, thanks

[@michaelmcclafferty3346]

Thanks Liz for your wonderful and brutally honest opinions in this video. You are an inspiration to many people. I love how you connect and learn with other You Tubers to share your knowledge and experiences.

[@LizZorab]

Thank you so much Michael.

[@JenninKanata]

Great video and I love how your shared your opinion..

[@LizZorab]

Hi Jenn, how are you? LOL, yup that was a big old opinion sign all through the video!

[@CBran-ng4zd]

I really enjoyed this post. It encourages me to keep moving forward with future plans to move to larger home. Living on small plot with limited space to grow veggies, but still we can grow something.

[@LizZorab]

Hi Connie, I'm glad it was encouraging, that was my hope. Hooray for being able to grow a few bits and pieces! In our last home the garden was so small and so dark that very little would grow in it (not even weeds!), so I feel thoroughly spoiled here :-)

[@TheNealsHomestead]

I wouldn't be able to do what we do on my own but I would do a much smaller amount...gardening, poultry, wood gathering, etc. ~Janette

[@LizZorab]

Your place is fabulous Janette, but I agree, trying to work on that scale on your own would be almost impossible! You do amazing stuff on your homestead :-)

[@cindyholton7234]

Been watching your Videos for a while but only just come across this one. I'm almost 60 and might soon be able to think about a Smallholding - like you I've been ill and still have fatigue - but I've worked hard to over come this! Working outside, even in bad weather is like feeding my soul with the luxuries of life. I'm gardening at the mo, but live (moor) on an old goods railway yard and never had soil as poor as this is. I'm already looking for something in Wales - I used to be just up the road from you - its perfect there and I'm jealous I'm not there now! Thanks for this video - its given me another boost that what I'll be doing is right!

[@MsMOLLYKINS]

I was just like you liz, when we brought our property I didn't and still don't drive. Our property was 20 k out of our small town and 40 k from the big towns . My son was ten at the time so the school bus picked him up and dropped him home so if I needed to go to town I could but it meant staying in this small town all day. It's a stretch but it's very doable and your right community is amazing and easy to intergrate. Ours was set up and we had so much to do and by saying we I mean me. My partner was away with work for two months at a time then home for a few weeks. This is why I love your channel . Xoxox

[@LizZorab]

Thank you Molly, I'm so pleased to see how many folks are commenting and contributing to the discussion, the homesteading community is a fabulous one!

[@Starlight22215]

I have moved away and bought a property with a large separate garden for homesteading. The biggest challenge is the fact we are on a hill so lots of steps, which is a bit of a pain but we were limited to price and distance for my husband to commute. I could have done without breaking my wrist during the move which has slowed me down, but I'm in my 60s. Life is an adventure. We are here to learn and I was pretty much fed up with my job which finished anyway. Due to our lovely Govt's change in pensions I won't get mine until 66 so I have no income at all and my husband doesn't earn enough to keep us both. At least I can help to feed us.

[@joymaskew]

Hello Liz, I just recently discovered your channel and I this weekend I started reading your book ( which I love, by the way). Your video, as well as the comments from some of your followers, has been very encouraging. Today I turned 52 and I have often asked myself, "Am I too old for starting this homesteading life?". I live with chronic illness as well and have wondered if I was crazy to think about homesteading. Your videos, and your book, have really encouraged and inspired me. Thank you so much.

[@grandmasewhappyhomestead187]

this is my lst time on your channel....very good insight..I live in the USA. It was so much to think about..thank you for making this video. I am over I am almost 60 so this was good info.

[@LizZorab]

Hello and welcome! I hope you'll enjoy finding out a bit more about our life on our tiny homestead. I will come and explore your channel too.

[@badgerarmy966]

brilliant liz. i am creating a council house garden food forest on a budget! limited resources and health issues thrown in but i am in my second year. this year we will be self sufficient in salads and peppers and the aim is to be as self sufficient in food as possible. i find your videos really useful and inspirational. love from another welshie xx

[@LizZorab]

Hello! Growing on a budget is, IMO, the best way to grow! Glad that you are finding the videos useful 😃🌱

[@josephinecronin1195]

Thanks, Liz. It is both easier and harder with kids and the school gate.

[@wendyroebuck657]

Very lovely lady and very good advice and I enjoyed your video very much so.

[@carolinegray3150]

You have done well

[@Kight213]

Absolutely phenomenal video

[@LizZorab]

Thank you!

[@TheDevonblacksmith]

Thank you for sharing. I have done the almost complete opposite. I bought a pieces of steep land with a building with no walls. I have been building my business as a blacksmith and building my home and workshops with reclaimed materials and at the same time terracing the gardens. All by hand. It has taken 16 years to get where I am now am and its no where near as I want it yet. Your advice is very sound. I did start at 42 but if I had been part way towards in any aspect it would have been a lot further on by now..

[@YouCantEatTheGrass]

I love the full length "opinion" disclaimer, lol. But great advice, and some really great ideas to think about!

[@LizZorab]

Well I can be an opinionated old girl and sometimes I think it's worth pointing out that I might be talking a load of garbage, but it's my garbage :-)

[@amerruru2443]

Thank you so much 🌻

[@LizZorab]

You are so welcome

[@carolinegray3150]

Good video

[@kathryngagne5813]

Wish we were neighbors, Liz. We have so much in common. Your gentile, straight forward approach is refreshing. God Bless- Kathryn in Quebec. ps. Started homesteading at age 42 and my husband at age 47 with a new baby :) 3 yrs of trial and error and wouldn't go back for anything!

[@LizZorab]

Hi Kathryn, we are neighbours, okay so not physically, but virtually we are! Thank you for your kind words and it's great to hear that you love your homesteading life. I'm hoping that the viewer who asked the question is going to be encouraged by everyone's comments.

[@koojiebear8464]

It's a great subject. We always wanted to have a holding but it's only recently that we have finally got here - just over a month ago! We had a large garden in the old place so we were already growing our own crops (potatoes were eventually ruled out because of space) and I had the chickens for my 50th birthday. I'm 60 now and he is 54 - a bit late in the day but at least we are giving it a go on a larger scale. A local sheep farmer has been allowed over the past years to mow the land and take the bales in return for trimming the hedges. He also brings 30 of his girls to graze for a few weeks prior to Christmas to keep the grass down - we see no reason to change that apart from fencing off an area for our own use. So there is always an option to rent your land out if it becomes too difficult to maintain in later years.

[@LizZorab]

That's so exciting! Those first few months in a new place are like a voyage of discovery :-) How much space to you have now?

[@koojiebear8464]

We are loving it here. My husband had a heart attack last year which triggered the move. He is fine now - currently outside picking apples (in the rain - at least the wind has dropped) as we are juicing them! From a garden that was about 50ft wide and 75ft at its longest - a wedge shape - to 4 acres. The previous occupant was here 10 years but didn't do anything to the garden or the field at all, so all needs a good tidy (she did have someone mow the lawn though) and there are apple trees in need of tlc. Most of those are really old and very big! 12 in all but a couple not producing. There are 2 plums (one is a Victoria) and a cherry. A most enormous walnut tree that was laden - until the squirrels arrived going "whaheyyyyy!" while we went "grrrr!" The field is 4 acres - or maybe it is 4 acres in all - not exactly sure as we are still waiting for the deeds to be sent. I do like the idea of some new friends using part of the land. Have to say everyone around here is lovely - very friendly and some funny characters among them. They breed Dexter cattle and sheep (confirm their hogget is fantastic!) so it would be nice to see some of those from the window! They have an elderly ewe that was one of their original flock so perhaps she will come and stay here - they don't want to eat her as she is more of a pet now, but they have to think of costings and she no longer earns her keep. Chickens are currently in the garden so I can keep an eye on them but will eventually go in the field - we are lucky to be sloping down to the south but it's very high here so we do get the brunt of the windy weather (thankfully protected from the north and east by trees and hedgerows) from the south and west. I'm told that we get a good lot of snow too so we are stocking up the freezers but seeing how many you have - I think we need more. We also have a dehydrator from our last house which helps a lot with regard to storage. Update - 11 bottles of apple juice currently being pasteurised! I'd best go and help to chop up the next batch!

[@myplentyfoodproject5026]

Very honest and inspiring stuff. I've taken on an allotment this year for the first time in 30 years - my (now-ex) husband wasn't keen on gardening or growing and life/kids/work got in the way of my growing ambitions. I always managed to squeeze a few tomatoes and beans in amongst the borders but was always a little frustrated at how little I managed. But now I've moved house to an area that had no waiting list for plots I've taken the plunge - and am totally obsessed. So much so that I find myself dreaming of having a smallholding or market gardening. Not sure yet whether I'd have the strength to do it by myself - maybe I need to find my own Mr J first! But meanwhile am learning as much as I can - and doing what I can on my plot. A long way from self-sufficiency yet - but taking small steps towards it.

[@LizZorab]

Four years ago we had no idea that we would be smallholding, we both had office jobs (although mine was split between the office and a sports stadium) and no plan to be growing our own food on this scale - life has amazing twists and turns :-)

[@myplentyfoodproject5026]

@@LizZorab Life certainly does! Like you I have had several 'careers' - recycled paper merchant, community safety officer, secondhand bookdealer, archives assistant and genealogist - none of them planned! I'm 58 so I'm sure I've got time to fit in at least one more.... Who knows?

[@Missysnaturals]

I totally agree. I'd totally do it with or without a partner, any age and with or without children. Anyone can do whatever they put their mind to do. You go girl. ~ Melisa PS equipment helps, and if you can obtain the proper tools, work is lessened.

[@gudi361]

Love your attitude!

[@christiebetts4970]

I so enjoyed this talk

[@LizZorab]

Thank you Christie.

[@franceswade2625]

I am 69 yrs old live on a Farm for 9yrs my partner has just vanished 5 weeks ago , l am doing this on my own and finding it very hard work. l have 4 injured vertebrae so cutting back trees and cutting large lawns very difficult . On listening to your video l would suggest to think about age .Right now l am growing all my veg and Herbal Antibiotics. I will keep doing what l am till l can't physically do it anymore .

[@brendahere]

I think homesteading is so varied that it fits in all types of lives. From age 14 to 18 I lived on a hobby farm and while we didn't have very much livestock my friends families did. I moved on to college and more of a large town/small city life style. At 58 right now I have the urge to go back. Yes age and health issues limited me than some, but again to homestead according to my abilities would increase my physical activity and be a healthier eating. As far as being alone, you can be just as alone in town. The point is to network, join your community and get to know your neighbors.

[@LizZorab]

Spot on Brenda, the networking and building a community is vital. I hope that you can get to where you want to be very soon - let me know how you get on!

[@TheHappyheart77]

I think people tend to connect more in smaller villages/towns.Just my experience.I hope everything works out for you if you choose to go back:)x

[@thesoilliberator9154]

Hi Liz, thank you so much for this you are such an inspiration. I am 48 and bought a piece of land in Portugal and will be moving there next year March on my own. I will be completely off grid and starting from a blank canvas property. Sometimes I think I must be crazy undertaking such a huge project but I must agree with you on the reading/researching. I have bought numerous books, actually Huw Richards as well, which is how I found you on his latest video ;-) Anyone wanting to do it, I would say read, read read. Knowledge is power and be as prepared as is possible. Thank you so much for taking us along with your journey and look forward to see more.

[@LizZorab]

Hi! Please read the comments on the Leaf Mould or Hedgehog Home video. Someone left a comment saying they have just started on 5 acres in Portugal. Why not leave them a message and say you are there too? I love that this community is so diverse and so inclusive 😃

[@thesoilliberator9154]

@@LizZorab Oh wow, thank you so much I will!

[@ibislife]

I´m on the same path, turning 50, kids in their late teens. Starting a homestead from scratch. I am amazed how long time it takes to navigate through building permits, applying for drilling a well, private sewage, access to road etc. Good advise to have neighbors. I have 4, within a short distance. I am looking into chickens and vegetables, in the beginning, as well as keeping a part time job. Building a small/modest home of 115 square meters. I have designed the house in that way, I have all I need on the ground floor. And a wood burning stove! The coming years I will build a garage, a green house and expand my garden. And a big tip, keep a budget. What can you cut. And start saving.

[@LizZorab]

The budget tip is a good one, thank you for sharing it. :-)

[@kre8abtrpace]

I am so inspired by you. Here from the US. I am 47 to be 48 in July. I am contemplating moving off the country and starting over. Thank you so much for saying all these things.

[@LizZorab]

How exciting Kate, I wish you luck and good fortune in your new adventure.

[@kre8abtrpace]

@@LizZorab thank you, Liz!

[@rassziggy]

congrat reaching 2k subscribers.

[@LizZorab]

Thank you! I'm delighted that so many folks are enjoying being part of this community.

[@shirleystieringer4349]

Very good advice at any age I think.

[@bsofar1675]

I live in town and deal with health issues too. I have five raised beds, various containers, hi-jacked parts of flower beds, and two tiny plots in a community garden. On bad days everything that needs done doesn't happen, but I don't have livestock dependent on me. I love dehydrating and also do some freezing and fermenting. I'm a pretty good stitcher, and have a few other skills up my sleeve. When finances improve, I would definitely go for a few rural acres. I'm approaching SS age and won't try to do it all, but just tailor it to what I can handle.

[@LizZorab]

And doing what we can handle is the way to go! Sounds like you must be growing a fair amount of food in your beds, containers and plots in the community garden. I haven't started dehydrating very much yet (only a few beans which I leave to dry naturally).

[@bsofar1675]

Be careful with the dehydrating - it can be addictive.

[@shelleybean1112]

Hi so happy iv found your channel ❤

[@LizZorab]

Hello Shelley, welcome to our little corner of this beautiful planet. I hope you'll enjoy getting to know our homestead life a little more.

[@LizZorab]

If you have any words of encouragement or pearls of wisdom to share about starting a smallholding/homestead either as a more mature person or on your own, please do leave a comment. I'd love for this community to encourage and welcome a potential homesteader, so that they can see what a wonderful group of people you all are! You are also welcome to join my facebook group at facebook.com/groups/1983205791946351

[@fulqwvr]

Great advice!

[@cornwallcelticexperience1867]

I would and I have! It's never to late to give it a go. I think it helps if you are the sort of person that talks to everyone.

[@LizZorab]

Fantastic! And yes, being an extrovert definitely helps.

[@dianeduncan2591]

Really enjoyed your video.

[@LizZorab]

Thank you Diane :-)

[@tiffcat1100]

I subscribe to Daniel from Mossy Bottom (Ireland), Jess from Roots & Refuge (USA) & Tanya from Lovely Greens (Isle of Man), all lovely plus v interesting, & occasionally Garden Ninja (England). Babington Leeks are on my list Liz ;)

[@SuperScorpio1956]

Hello Liz, I live in Italy and have a house with land about a hectare I don’t know what that is in acres The local farmer uses the I can’t, so there for I get wood for the fire in the winter I have hens for and chickens in the summer for meat and turkeys I used to have pigs but, when my husband passed away I had to pass them On So all I really wanted to say is good luck....... I just found your Chanel and found it very much fun and informative I’m an English lady living in Italy Yes 50 is just the beginning of your life good luck and wishing you all the best in your homestead x

[@karenrouth2056]

Jean, I moved here to Italy almost 6 years ago, on my own... south east Adriatic coast! where abouts are you?!

[@Cheriesgardenvegplot]

Hello Liz. Just found you this morningand am going back over your videos over the next few days. Thanks for making these videos they are proving invaluable. My dream is to have my own small homestead one day.. Just need my hubby to retire and we will start the search.

[@LizZorab]

Hello Cherie and welcome! If you have any questions, please do just leave them in the comments and I'll do my best to answer you (I'm not always the fastest at responding, but I do read every comment and try to reply in a timely manner).

[@Cheriesgardenvegplot]

@@LizZorab Hi Liz. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I am sure you must be very busy just now. I have been having a look online at properties in Carmarthenshire and am surprised and very pleased at just how much is available and the very reasonable costs.

[@delphinium5555]

And three years later you took the challenge and moved again! I'm sure you aren't regretting it although I'm sure it's really, really hard work. I find in my sixties I've less energy (except when I'm high but it's not all good then and the irritability is overwhelming). I've never moved since my marriage some 44 years ago and never likely to lol! It's lovely here though.. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, it's interesting and uplifting for everyone.

[@LizZorab]

I love that you are working your way through some of the older videos - I really appreciate that you are commenting on them and letting me know that you are enjoying them (also, please tell me if you aren't enjoying any of them!)

[@carolynsteele5116]

A woman of my own heart! As a single mom rearing several children I always had a garden, large or small, even if I had to borrow space in a neighbor's yard and share the produce. Four years ago at 66 I married and now have a giant garden, greenhouse and chickens...plus a man who helps me. The children are grown and gone, but every time they visit they fully expect mom to have a work project ready!

[@mentalhealthmatters8386]

Thanks. I needed this inspiration.

[@LizZorab]

You are welcome, I don't make very many of these one-to -one chats because they have to come from the heart and I need to feel passionate about the subject, but I'm always glad when I have made them :-)

[@mentalhealthmatters8386]

I am planning to start a little urban farm and it is hard to admit that I am scare to do it alone. But I am ready to do this and I have a plan and I want to wait till the " love of my life" shows up. HAHA

[@thepicolinos]

really enjoyed that Liz

[@LizZorab]

Thank you Ania, I was hoping that it would be interesting and not too 'heavy'.

[@thepicolinos]

it was perfect! :)

[@ITSJUNE2]

I am much closer to sixty than fifty IF I was healthy yes I would do it. Sending lots of love to you and MrJ.

[@LizZorab]

Thank you June. I hope you are feeling well (as you can be) today x

[@AlmostHomestead]

56 and almost a year into it. I have never been happier. It's hard work but it's so rewarding. Looking forward to having my wife join me full time. We get much more done when we are together.

[@LizZorab]

Your place looks so lovely!

[@edieboudreau9637]

I think prepping involves looking at all the possibilities of what you're trying to do and anticipating as many problems as possible. I think about each of those & do what I can to be ready for any of those. I KNOW THAT I KNOW I Won't think of everything & CAN'T plan for it all. Having said that I know what I can do & can't. I always think of multiple ways of using everything. Simplest example: a box is more than something to store in, carry in, Ship in, or even birth animals in. It's also something to burn, lay on, wind break, feed worms, kill weeds, keep birds off seeds and so much more. Ads have us thinking that there's only 1 use for anything and then it's just trash. We have to realize that there are so many options. Sorry for booking in here. You have LOTS of great ideas & suggestions & each will work differently based on where you are.

[@LizZorab]

Please don't be sorry for contributing to this discussion! The more ideas and help we all offer each other, the less time will be spent reinventing the wheel.

[@cathyneumans6685]

Thank you for this video. I'm 60+ and ready to retire from corporate world!!

[@bettinah.7429]

Great video! This will/may be me in the future. I am 49. I went through a rather awful marriage split when I was around 40. I managed to hold on to(buy)the marital home. I stayed here in the city as I could not afford a farm at the time. Also the kids were little and my parents are older so I wanted to stay close to my parents. Boy are teenagers now and have no interest in moving away. So I will stay till they are done school. Lost my dad in 2017,my mum is still in her home which is 10 minutes away so it is better I am still here. I am single,so I do worry that by the time I can leave it will be too difficult. I live in an area where land prices would be too high so I will have to go further away. Of course that also means I should be in a good situation to sell one day but will have to leave family etc. My mum is actually still at my childhood home,literally just outside the city. We had 2 acres there, my horse barn is still there as is my garden. Unfortunately,it was refined many years back as a residential hamlet and you need 5 acres to have livestock. If that were not the case I would consider buying my mums house one day. Anyway,this post and the comments gave me hope that I still may get to live my dream of a farm.

[@karenb221]

Thank you. Very inspiring but our challenge is my partner is concerned with being isolated away from friends in our current city life as he is retired and I'm still working.

[@EmptyNesters365]

We are starting our as emptynester homesteaders slowly....backyard chickens to start and looking for land that is zoned for what we want to do..I subbed

[@LizZorab]

Hello EmptyNesters, I think slowly is a good idea, getting used to one thing before leaping into the next!

[@AcornHillHomestead]

Im in the rural but not in the middle of nowhere, midwest, US zone 4, age 62 and I would do it in a heart beat. Would it be hard? Sure, but so satisfying. Not sure I would have many chickens as I am vegetarian. I am always learning and love to learn new things about homesteading. I just love the simple back to the basics life. I would get a wood fired cook stove, still hoping to get a decent green house built soon and put up a good sized-poly tunnel. which we may still put up in spring. I am big on stocking up and being prepped for being shut in. The house is close to the road, close to a large lake and the rest of our 5 acres are in the back of the house. We have geo thermal heat but I would love solar roof panels and heating by wood stove. If starting out on my own I think I would have a much smaller home. My husband is in the trades so I know how to speak to contractors I think. I can, dehydrate, cook from scratch, bake, sew, paint and have a keen sense of how to live on my own. 50 is still a youngster.

[@LizZorab]

Thank you for sharing your story :-)

[@petercockerill7366]

Hi liz, Enjoyed your inspirational comments. Unfortunately I cannot complete my donation to you, the “menus” doesn’t recognise my input!! Many thanks Pete. X

[@debrakessler5141]

I started homesteading by myself at the age of 58. Goats, chickens, ducks and bees. I haven't looked back.

[@SouthpawDavey]

Do what yo have to do. I have lived and worked in 4 country's and all over the UK You can do it. But harder as a man though.

[@vickiemedina4446]

I am in my mid 60's and I want to start a mini homestead!🙂

[@LizZorab]

If there is any way that you can Vickie, go for it! Even a small urban plot can be made successfully into a homestead if that's what folks want. :-)

[@mima4392]

@@LizZorab I'm 65 and that's what I did here. I'm on Long Island, NY on a 1/3 of an acre. I have a fairly big garden and 8 Khaki Campbells. I wish I could move but I wouldn't have enough money out of the sale of my home, as I always wanted a few acres, but life got in the way. So now that I've been a widow for the 2nd time for 7yrs. I decided to do homesteading here. I took down all the oak and maple trees and will replacing them with fruit trees. I will be catching water off the roof of my duck run to water the ducks after the roof is finished. I turned my shed into my ducks home. So far so good. I wish I could add more, but I'm two over the limit now. lol I can tomato sauce, cucumbers, peaches, and freeze the peas, beans and peppers. Squash is used as I pick it, same with the eggplant. My 6yr. old grandson helps a lot. I can't even believe how much he helps. I wish I had someone to share my life with though. Love and Blessings to all.

[@mywildhomestead8868]

So many thoughts in all different directions in response to this video. To keep my answer towards the viewer and their question I can say that you can do more than you think on your own. My husband works a lot so most of the homesteading chores are my domain. My children are nearly grown and I have been able to do more and more as their needs have gotten less and less. I'd say start slowly and add things as you master others. Would I choose this exact lifestyle if I were starting again on my own in middle age, not exactly, I would downsize from this drafty old farmhouse and live less rurally but I feel could do this on my own if I wanted to and you can too.

[@LizZorab]

Thanks Jodi, the response to this video and the viewer's question has been wonderful. It's so nice to see a community encouraging others like this. (It's made me feel all mushy inside to see these lovely comments)

[@karenw9996]

Hello, I'm in the US. Single all my life & in my 60s, wondering if this lifestyle is plausible. You gave very helpful information & things to consider. Thank you!

[@DaybirdAviaries]

We've learned that we can't do this completely on our own. We need help. We currently only have two acres and while we wish we had more land we need to be close to town. This likely wouldn't be the case if we didn't have small and/or special needs children but for now we need help.