Creating an Annual Homestead Schedule + Plans
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Creating an annual homestead schedule is helpful for the success of the yearly goals on the farm. It helps to keep focused and plan out the structure of what we need to accomplish.
Here’s a month-by-month outline for an annual homestead schedule. It includes general garden tasks, animal care, and other homestead activities to keep everything running smoothly.
I’m the type of person who likes to make lists. I like to think that I’m somewhat organized – it helps keep me sane while raising 4 children on a busy homestead / cattle ranch.
So, when it comes to running our homestead, it’s no surprise that I have multiple lists for various things. It has been something that has become beneficial to us, especially as we are learning about and growing our homestead.
This post has been updated from its original publish date of January 15, 2016. It has been updated to provide better photos, additional helpful information and step by step instructions.
Annual Homestead Schedule
This upcoming year will almost be like starting from scratch for us. It will be the first year that we have brought many changes to our homestead. We are expanding our garden and are adding many new processes.
We have goats on our homestead this year, are adding more chickens and have hopes of participating in our local farmer’s markets. Keeping organized with our year, helps us to stay on track and will make our goals more achievable.
Here is a breakdown of our schedule by month. There may be changes that come up along the way, but I make notations in our calendar and planner when they arise.
January Plans
This is the month that I like to plan everything out for the year, set my goals, and vision plans.
- Plan the year. Make lists and goals for our homestead, put together annual homestead schedule.
- Make garden plans. We are expanding this year, so a lot of advance planning needs to happen.
- Purchase seeds and put together a seed sowing schedule for both indoors and outdoors.
- Baby goats! Our mama goats are set to have their babies sometime soon. We have seven left to kid after one lost her babies earlier this month.
- Put together liturgical plans, birthdays and celebrations for year.
Garden:
- Plan crops for the upcoming year, considering crop rotation and companion planting.
- Order seeds from trusted suppliers, focusing on both staple crops and new varieties.
- Start indoor seedlings for early crops like onions, leeks, and herbs.
- Maintain compost piles by turning and monitoring moisture levels.
Animals:
- Inspect animal shelters to ensure warmth and dryness; add bedding as needed.
- Break ice in water troughs daily or install heated waterers.
- Check feed stores and stockpile for the colder months.
- Begin health checks, looking for signs of cold stress or illness.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Repair fences, tools, and equipment to prepare for spring.
- Review and update farm records, including breeding and planting schedules.
- Plan any infrastructure improvements, such as barn renovations or new fencing.
February Plans
- Prep and complete taxes. Finalize financial plans for the year.
- Purge files. Clean out filing cabinets, organize office.
- Prep for spring cleaning. De-clutter, organize, deep clean.
- Utilize any down time to complete projects before the busy season kicks off.
Garden:
- Start seeds for hardy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbages indoors.
- Prepare seed trays and ensure proper lighting for seedlings.
- Test soil in garden beds and amend with compost or lime as needed.
Animals:
- Prepare birthing kits and clean stalls for animals expected to give birth.
- Monitor pregnant livestock closely for signs of labor.
- Continue ensuring water availability and feed quality.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Prune fruit trees and berry bushes, removing dead or diseased wood.
- Clean out barns and storage areas to reduce pests.
- Check and maintain small engines on tools like chainsaws and tillers.
March Plans
- Deep clean, organize goat and chicken shed/storage.
- Prep for wasp and pest control. We usually have a bad wasp problem and I like to make sure we have a plan in place to keep them under control.
- Calving (late)
Garden:
- Direct sow hardy crops like peas, spinach, and radishes into prepared beds.
- Begin hardening off indoor seedlings for transplanting.
- Prepare garden beds by removing weeds and incorporating compost.
Animals:
- Watch for signs of birthing in livestock and assist as needed.
- Increase feed for nursing animals and ensure clean water access.
- Administer vaccines or other routine care as scheduled.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Clean and prepare greenhouses or cold frames for spring planting.
- Check irrigation systems for leaks or clogs.
- Repair or build new garden structures like trellises or raised beds.
April Plans
- Start getting garden beds ready – pending last frost/weather. We very well could still have snow on the ground at this point.
- Start indoor seeds.
- Prep an area for a compost pile (new for us this year)
- Get ready for new baby chicks.
- Purchase / organize food storage. We need more storage for all of the preserving that I hope to accomplish this year.
Garden:
- Transplant seedlings like lettuce, kale, and cabbage into the garden.
- Sow root crops like carrots, beets, and potatoes directly.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Animals:
- Vaccinate and deworm livestock as part of spring health routines.
- Introduce chicks to brooder areas and monitor temperature.
- Start rotational grazing plans for pastured animals.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Build or repair fences and gates in pastures.
- Clean and inspect beekeeping equipment; prepare for new colonies.
- Organize tool sheds and ensure all tools are in working condition.
May Plans
- Spring cleaning indoors and outdoors. Weather radio set up. Clean out storm shelter.
- Purchase more goats (early)
- Depending on frost date – begin planting warmer season crops.
Garden:
- Plant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and beans.
- Thin seedlings to ensure proper spacing and strong growth.
- Water regularly and fertilize as plants establish.
Animals:
- Monitor pastures for overgrazing and rotate animals as needed.
- Provide fly control methods, such as fly traps or repellents.
- Check for signs of heat stress as temperatures rise.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Begin harvesting spring honey from beehives.
- Clean and refill rain barrels for irrigation.
- Sharpen and maintain garden tools regularly.
June Plans
- Preserve any extra fruits, veggies, etc. – This will be ongoing every month as the need arises. Preserve by freezing, canning and dehydrating.
- Gather wood for the winter.
- Participate in local farmer’s markets.
Garden:
- Maintain regular weeding and monitor for pests.
- Fertilize as needed based on plant growth.
- Begin harvesting early crops like lettuce and radishes.
Animals:
- Shear sheep to prevent overheating.
- Inspect animals daily for signs of parasites or illness.
- Ensure water tanks are cleaned and refilled frequently.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Repair or replace summer equipment, such as mowers or sprayers.
- Inspect roofs and gutters for wear and tear.
- Maintain firebreaks if in a wildfire-prone area.
July Plans
- Hay field work begins.
- Preserve garden fruits/veggies.
- Focus on homestead crafts, organization, etc.
- Replenish home apothecary before cold & flu season.
Garden:
- Harvest summer vegetables like zucchini, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
- Succession plant crops like beans and carrots for a late-season harvest.
- Mulch to retain soil moisture during hot months.
Animals:
- Provide ample shade and fresh water for all animals.
- Maintain dust baths for poultry to prevent mites.
- Inspect and maintain electric fencing to contain animals.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Can, freeze, or dehydrate surplus produce.
- Clean and organize storage areas for preserved goods.
- Inspect barns and sheds for structural issues.
August Plans
- Painting the house and deck if the time/weather allows. Regular home maintenance/updates.
- Preserve garden fruits/ veggies.
- Gather fire wood for the winter.
Garden:
- Continue harvesting and preserving summer crops.
- Plant fall crops like kale, broccoli, and spinach.
- Monitor for late-season pests and diseases.
Animals:
- Begin preparations for breeding season; separate males if needed.
- Check shelters for adequate ventilation during hot days.
- Treat animals for parasites before cooler weather arrives.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Store harvested grains and clean storage areas to prevent pests.
- Inspect and repair gates, latches, and doors.
- Sharpen and maintain shears, knives, and other tools.
September Plans
- Fall homestead crafts.
- Preserve garden fruits/veggies.
Garden:
- Harvest root vegetables like carrots and beets.
- Prepare beds for winter by adding compost or planting cover crops.
- Save seeds from heirloom varieties for next season.
Animals:
- Trim hooves and perform routine health checks on livestock.
- Begin transitioning animals to winter feed.
- Inspect shelters and repair drafts.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Stack firewood and clean chimneys for winter heating.
- Winterize irrigation systems by draining and storing hoses.
- Perform a final mow and mulch fallen leaves for compost.
October Plans
- Fall cleaning – just like spring cleaning, but I also include plans for winterizing.
- Plan & prep for fall/winter gardens.
- Preserve garden harvest.
- Gather fire wood for winter.
Garden:
- Plant garlic and other overwintering crops.
- Mulch perennials and berry bushes to protect roots.
- Store garden tools in a dry location.
Animals:
- Increase feed rations to account for cooler temperatures.
- Ensure all animals have clean, dry bedding.
- Begin transitioning poultry to winter housing.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Winterize water pipes and insulate barns.
- Check and clean gutters to prevent ice buildup.
- Store garden equipment and machinery properly.
November Plans
- Finalize harvest and winterizing of homestead.
- Sell off excess goats before winter. We have several that we keep around the homestead and will have pregnant nannies that remain on our homestead through the winter and following year.
Garden:
- Finish harvesting late crops; store root vegetables in a cool, dark place.
- Spread compost on dormant garden beds.
- Clean up remaining debris to reduce overwintering pests.
Animals:
- Monitor feed stores and adjust rations as needed.
- Provide windbreaks for outdoor animals.
- Start using heated waterers to prevent freezing.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Service vehicles and equipment to prepare for winter.
- Inspect and repair roofs on all structures.
- Begin planning next year’s major projects or expansions.
December Plans
- Prep year end expenses.
- Calculate year end yields and start plans for the coming year.
Garden:
- Review garden plans and successes from the year.
- Order seed catalogs and research new plant varieties.
- Maintain compost piles with kitchen scraps and garden debris.
Animals:
- Provide extra nutrition for pregnant livestock.
- Inspect shelters regularly during harsh weather.
- Monitor water supplies and break ice as needed.
Homestead Maintenance:
- Focus on indoor projects like soap-making or woodworking.
- Organize and inventory stored goods and supplies.
- Enjoy the slower season and plan for the year ahead.
These are only some of the events that come up through out the year. It doesn’t factor in our daily chores, household duties and additional work that we take on.
This calendar/schedule does help us to stay on track with planning what we need to accomplish for the year. The summer months don’t have much on our agenda, but they are our most busy season.
Homesteading is hard work, but it is also very rewarding and we enjoy every moment of it.
How do you plan your homestead year?
Let us know your thoughts on our Annual Homestead Schedule by leaving a comment below or sharing it on Pinterest!
Thank you! ~ Mary
