Why You Should Start Your Own Homestead

Why Starting a Homestead with Chickens, Herbs, and Veggies is the Best Decision You’ll Ever Make

In a world that feels increasingly disconnected from nature, there's something incredibly fulfilling about returning to the basics. The idea of living sustainably, growing your own food, and caring for animals has become more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle that’s catching the attention of more people every day. If you’ve ever wondered whether starting a homestead might be right for you, here are five compelling reasons why you should take the leap and begin your homesteading journey with chickens, herbs, and veggies.

1. Fresh, Healthy Food Right at Your Doorstep

One of the most rewarding aspects of homesteading is the ability to harvest fresh food daily, right from your own backyard. Imagine stepping outside to gather eggs from your chickens, pluck fresh herbs for dinner, or pick veggies that were grown just a few feet away. The difference in taste and nutritional value compared to store-bought produce is extraordinary. Homegrown vegetables and herbs retain more vitamins and minerals because they’re harvested at their peak ripeness, and the quality of your eggs will be unbeatable when your chickens roam freely, eating a natural diet.

Why It Matters:

Nutrient Density: Fresh, homegrown vegetables and eggs are far more nutrient-dense than store-bought items that often spend days or even weeks in transit before reaching your plate.
Flavor: There’s nothing like the rich, vibrant taste of a vine-ripened tomato or a fresh, tender herb like basil or rosemary—these flavors simply can’t be replicated by mass-produced foods.

2. Cost Savings in the Long Run

Starting a homestead can feel like an investment upfront, but over time, it’s incredibly cost-effective. By growing your own vegetables and raising chickens for eggs, you’ll dramatically reduce your grocery bill. Imagine not needing to purchase eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, or even some fruits ever again. You can also compost kitchen scraps, turning them into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

How it Adds Up:

Eggs: Store-bought eggs can be pricey, especially for organic or free-range options. Raising chickens means a steady supply of eggs for a fraction of the cost.
Herbs and Veggies: Herbs can be expensive at the grocery store, especially if you buy fresh bundles weekly. Growing your own means fresh basil, mint, cilantro, and more—whenever you need it.
Long-Term Savings: Once your garden is established, and your chickens are laying consistently, you'll spend less on food while enjoying healthier, homegrown alternatives.

3. Increased Self-Sufficiency

We all rely on grocery stores for our food, but there's something empowering about knowing you can take care of your own needs—especially in uncertain times. A homestead with chickens, herbs, and veggies allows you to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on external sources. When you have a sustainable food system in place, you’re not as vulnerable to food shortages, inflation, or supply chain disruptions.

The Power of Self-Sufficiency:

Eggs & Protein: Chickens provide a consistent source of protein, reducing your dependence on store-bought meats.
Fresh Food Year-Round: A well-planned garden can provide produce seasonally, and you can preserve excess food through canning, drying, or freezing to use throughout the year.

4. Connection to Nature and Mental Well-Being

Living closer to nature has profound benefits for your mental health. Spending time outside, tending to your garden, and caring for animals has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The act of growing food or gathering eggs is deeply meditative and fulfilling, offering a sense of purpose that’s hard to replicate in our fast-paced, technology-driven world.

The Mental Health Benefits:

Outdoor Therapy: Gardening and caring for animals have been linked to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and increased feelings of relaxation and joy.
Mindful Living: The simple act of nurturing a plant or animal brings you into the present moment, creating mindfulness and a break from the constant noise of everyday life.

5. Teaching Sustainability to Future Generations

Homesteading with chickens, herbs, and vegetables isn’t just a personal journey—it’s an opportunity to teach younger generations about sustainability, responsibility, and where food comes from. Raising children or grandchildren on a homestead can instill values of hard work, patience, and appreciation for the natural world. They’ll learn firsthand the importance of taking care of animals and the earth while gaining invaluable life skills that will serve them for years to come.

Passing Down Knowledge:

Learning Responsibility: Caring for chickens and plants teaches responsibility, routine, and empathy.
Sustainability Practices: Kids who grow up around homegrown food are more likely to carry sustainable habits into adulthood, such as composting, gardening, and eating locally.

6. It’s Easier Than You Think!

You might be thinking that starting a homestead sounds like a daunting task, but it’s actually easier than most people assume—especially when you focus on manageable goals like chickens, herbs, and veggies. Chickens are relatively low-maintenance and can be easily incorporated into small backyard spaces. Growing a garden can start with a few raised beds and simple herbs in containers. There are countless resources online, from tutorials to blogs to local homesteading groups, where you can find support and advice from seasoned homesteaders.

Start Simple:

Chickens: Start with a small flock (even a few hens) and gradually build up your knowledge as you go.
Herbs & Veggies: Begin with a small garden or container garden—herbs like basil, parsley, and mint are incredibly easy to grow, and vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers thrive in small spaces.

Your Homesteading Journey Starts Now

Starting a homestead with chickens, herbs, and veggies is not just about growing food—it’s about embracing a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, sustainability, and connection to the earth. Whether you’re looking to eat healthier, save money, reduce stress, or teach future generations valuable lessons, homesteading offers an incredible opportunity to take control of your life and live in harmony with nature. So, why wait? Your homestead awaits, and the rewards will last for years to come.

Tax Advantages of Owning a Homestead in Texas

Owning a homestead in Texas can offer several tax advantages, both at the state and local levels. These advantages primarily focus on property tax exemptions, agricultural exemptions, and potential benefits related to the sale of property. Below is an overview of the tax benefits that homestead owners in Texas may be eligible for:

1. Homestead Exemption for Property Taxes

Texas offers a Homestead Exemption that can reduce the taxable value of your property, thus lowering your annual property tax bill. Here's how it works:

Standard Homestead Exemption:

Eligibility: You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on January 1st of the year you apply for the exemption.
Exemption Amount: For a school district property tax, the exemption is a $25,000 reduction in the taxable value of your home. This means that if your home is valued at $150,000, it will only be taxed as if it's worth $125,000 for school district purposes.
Additional Local Exemptions: In addition to the state exemption, local governments (cities and counties) may offer their own homestead exemptions, which can reduce your taxable value further. These exemptions vary by locality, but many cities offer a 20% to 25% exemption on the value of the home.

Over-65 or Disabled Homestead Exemption:

Eligibility: If you're over 65 years old or you have a disability, you can qualify for additional exemptions.
Exemption Amount: Seniors and disabled homeowners may receive an additional $10,000 exemption for school district property taxes, and many local governments provide even larger exemptions.
School Tax Freeze: If you're over 65, the school district portion of your property tax is frozen at the amount it was the year you turned 65. This means that your school taxes won't increase, regardless of changes in property value.

2. Agricultural (Ag) Use Exemption

If you use your homestead for farming or ranching, you may qualify for an Agricultural Use Exemption (also known as the 1-D-1 exemption), which significantly lowers your property taxes. This exemption is meant for properties actively engaged in agricultural activities, such as growing crops, raising livestock, or operating a farm or ranch.

Eligibility: The property must be used for agriculture or ranching purposes, and the land must be actively used for production. It's not enough to just own the land; it must be in active agricultural use.
Tax Reduction: The property is taxed based on its agricultural value rather than its market value, which can result in substantial tax savings. For example, land that would normally be valued at $10,000 an acre for development purposes could be taxed at a much lower rate if used for farming or ranching, sometimes as low as $100–$200 per acre.
Maintaining the Exemption: To retain the ag exemption, you must show that the property continues to be used for its designated agricultural purpose. If the land is no longer used for farming or ranching, the exemption can be lost, and you may have to pay back taxes.

3. Property Tax Deferral for Seniors and Disabled Homeowners

If you are 65 or older or disabled, you can apply for a tax deferral on your property taxes. While this does not reduce the amount of tax you owe, it allows you to defer your payments until the property is sold or the homeowner passes away.

Deferral Option: You can delay paying property taxes on your homestead if you qualify due to age or disability. This is particularly helpful for homeowners who may be on a fixed income.
Interest on Deferred Taxes: While the taxes are deferred, interest will accrue on the amount owed. However, it won't be due until the property is sold or the homeowner dies, at which point the back taxes and interest must be paid.

4. Exemption for Disabled Veterans

Texas offers a special property tax exemption for veterans with disabilities.

Eligibility: The exemption is available to disabled veterans who have a disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Exemption Amount: The exemption can be significant, up to 100% of the appraised value of the property, depending on the severity of the veteran’s disability. If a veteran is 100% disabled, the entire value of their homestead could be exempt from property taxes.
Surviving Spouse Exemption: If the veteran is deceased, their surviving spouse may also be eligible for a property tax exemption on the homestead.

5. No State Income Tax

One of the most well-known tax advantages of living in Texas is that the state does not have a state income tax. This means:

No tax on wages: Texas does not tax salaries or wages, which can save a significant amount compared to states with high-income tax rates.
No tax on retirement income: Texas does not tax Social Security benefits, pensions, or other forms of retirement income.

For individuals with substantial income or retirees, this is a major tax benefit that reduces the overall tax burden.

6. Capital Gains Tax Benefits (No State Tax)

When you sell your homestead in Texas, you may benefit from the lack of a state capital gains tax. The federal government taxes capital gains, but there is no additional state-level tax in Texas, so if you sell your home, the state will not take a share of your gains.

7. Sales Tax Benefits

Though Texas has a state sales tax, it does not impose a sales tax on the sale of food for home consumption, and the state has lower sales taxes on goods that may be used in the homestead (e.g., tools, farming equipment).

Sales Tax Exemption on Food: There is no sales tax on most food items for home use, which can reduce the cost of groceries.
Sales Tax on Agricultural Goods: Agricultural items, including feed, seeds, and fertilizers, may be exempt from sales tax if they are used directly for farming or ranching.

8. Tax-Free Homestead Transfer (Exemption for Inheritance)

In Texas, if a homestead is passed to heirs, the homestead exemption can carry over to the new owner. For example, if a homeowner passes away, their heirs may continue to benefit from the homestead exemption, provided they continue to use the property as their primary residence.

Conclusion:

Owning a homestead in Texas provides a range of tax advantages, including substantial property tax exemptions (especially for seniors, disabled homeowners, and veterans), no state income tax, and potential savings on sales tax for agricultural goods and food. Additionally, the ability to defer property taxes for seniors and disabled individuals and the Agricultural Use Exemption for farming and ranching activities make Texas an attractive state for homesteading. Always check with local tax authorities or a tax professional to ensure you're taking full advantage of all available tax benefits.

How to Make Money from your Home Gardening Journey

Turning your homestead into a source of income can be a fulfilling way to support your lifestyle and goals. Here’s a guide to help you explore various avenues for making money from your homestead:

1. Identify Your Assets

Evaluate Resources: Take stock of what you have—land, water sources, animals, and skills. Determine which resources can be monetized.

2. Grow and Sell Produce

Vegetable Garden: Grow organic vegetables and sell them at local farmers’ markets or through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program.
Fruit Trees and Berries: Plant fruit trees and berry bushes, which can provide a seasonal income.

3. Herb and Flower Sales

Herbs: Cultivate culinary and medicinal herbs to sell fresh or dried. Consider value-added products like herbal teas or infused oils.
Cut Flowers: Grow flowers for bouquets or arrangements, especially during wedding and event seasons.

4. Livestock and Animal Products

Eggs and Dairy: Raise chickens for eggs or goats for milk. Selling fresh eggs or goat cheese can generate a steady income.
Meat Production: Consider raising livestock for meat, such as chickens, pigs, or rabbits, depending on local regulations and market demand.

5. Value-Added Products

Canning and Preserving: Turn surplus produce into jams, pickles, or sauces to sell at markets or online.
Baked Goods: Use your home-grown ingredients to create baked goods for sale, adhering to local cottage food laws.

6. Crafts and Handmade Goods

Artisan Products: Create and sell handmade items such as soaps, candles, or herbal products.
Craft Workshops: Host workshops teaching others how to make products like soap or candles.

7. Workshops and Classes

Gardening and Homesteading Skills: Offer classes on gardening, canning, animal care, or other homesteading skills.
Farm Tours: Host educational tours of your homestead for schools, families, or community groups.

8. Eco-Tourism and Experiences

Farm Stays: Consider setting up a bed-and-breakfast or Airbnb on your homestead for visitors looking for a rural experience.
Nature Tours: Offer guided tours or workshops in permaculture, herbalism, or wildlife observation.

9. Online Sales

E-commerce: Set up an online store to sell your products, whether it’s produce, crafts, or homemade goods.
Social Media Marketing: Use platforms like Instagram or Facebook to promote and sell your products directly.

10. Bartering and Community Support

Local Networks: Engage with your community for bartering opportunities, trading goods and services with neighbors.
Farmers' Markets: Build relationships with other local producers and collaborate on sales or events.

11. Grants and Programs

Research Funding: Look for grants and programs that support small farmers and homesteaders, particularly those focusing on sustainability or organic farming.

12. Diversification

Multiple Streams of Income: Explore various income sources to create a stable financial foundation. Consider combining several of the above ideas.

13. Stay Compliant

Regulations and Permits: Research local laws regarding selling food products, animal husbandry, and hosting events to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

By leveraging the resources and skills of your homestead, you can create a sustainable income stream while enjoying the rewards of a self-sufficient lifestyle. Start small, experiment, and build upon your successes! Feel free to start small, experiment, and enjoy the process. The best part of homesteading is that there’s no one right way to do it—only the way that works for you. Happy homesteading!

Not only are you able to produce higher quality produce and eggs, eventually you can grow your operation to something your entire family can benefit from for generations to come. There will be a lot of learning to do but learning from natural life cycles and resources is super rewarding in my opinion. You might even decide to throw in a couple of livestock dogs such as Great Pyreneese or similar livestock guardian dogs to ensure the safety of your flock. Make sure to recycle the hay/bedding which can be used for natural fertilizers after nitrogen levels reduce. Stay tuned for more gardening and homesteading posts!🌿🐓🥕