Jack Whitstead

Martha and I have been homesteading since 2008. We live in Washington State and owned an acre of property at the time. We decided to start a small garden. We grew all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Some were in raised garden beds like lettuce, asparagus, zucchini, different types of squash, tomatoes, onions, etc. Whereas others, like Raspberries, green beans, and corn, we planted in the ground. We also raised pygmy goats and Jersey cows for milk and meat. There were many challenges we endured, including 70 mph winds and cold snaps in the teens that we hardly ever see, and animals escaping multiple times. We had LOTS of experience fixing fences. We gathered most of the animals back but ended up losing one of the cows. By 2012, our family had grown so much that we needed to find a bigger place. We found a great place with 5 acres and a large enough home to fit the 5 of us. We started our homesteading journey again. Creating a rain harvesting system, building the structures needed for all the animals and chickens, new raised garden beds, and working on building a better greenhouse. We not only have a larger garden, but we've been able to preserve much of our harvesting by canning, freezing, and dehydrating foods. Freeze drying is new to us, but with the research Martha was able to do, we have the hang of it. We've enjoyed being on this journey as a family and passing down our traditions to the kids. Now, we want to pass down our traditions and experiences to others. We hope you enjoy the books we have published so that they help you in your successes as a homesteader, too.