The Homesteader’s Supply Guide: What You Actually Need to Get Started

Introduction

This is a long one y'all, so buckle up. I promise it'll be worth it. 

Starting a homestead (or expanding an existing one) is exciting and overwhelming. Walk into any feed store or scroll through online catalogs and you’ll face an endless list of tools, seeds, supplies, and gadgets, each promising to make your life easier.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need everything. You need what works, what lasts, and what you’ll actually use.

We’ve spent the last two years building Olney Ranch, a (soon to be) real working homestead on 2.50 acres in Northern Nevada, and we’ve learned which supplies are genuine must-haves and which are just noise. Whether you’re a beginner or expanding an existing operation, this homesteading supplies guide covers exactly what you need to get started, organized by priority and type. Think of it as a starting a homestead checklist that cuts through the noise.

Who this guide is for

This is mostly a "homesteading supplies for beginners" post, but also useful for anyone expanding their operation. You’ll find essential homesteading equipment prioritized by what actually matters, plus practical guidance on phasing your investments over time.

Section 1: Water Systems (Priority: Absolute Must-Have)

Water is non-negotiable. Before anything else (before animals, before crops, before comfort), you need reliable access to clean water.

What you need:

·       Water storage tanks (food-grade, minimum 100-250 gallons to start)

·       Hoses and fittings (pressure-rated, freeze-resistant if in cold climates)

·       Water filtration system (basic carbon filter or gravity-fed; upgrade as needed)

·       Pumps (hand pump as backup, or solar/electric for daily use)

·       Collection containers (multiple sizes, durable)

Why it matters:

Without water infrastructure, you can’t maintain animals, sustain a garden, or handle emergencies. On our property, we invested in a well as soon as we could. Water is life. It’s the foundation everything else builds on.

Prior to the well, we hauled water. It was laborious but it had to happen. We kept a 75 gallon bag in the back of our gator, and went back and forth between our tank and our closest neighbor's well (that he allowed us to haul water from) until our 250 gallon tank was full. Once it was full, we never let it get empty, which lessoned the amount of times we had to go back and forth.

Pro tip:

Test your water source before buying major equipment. Know your water quality, flow rate, and seasonal availability. This determines what filtration and storage you actually need.

Section 2: Soil & Garden Foundation

A good garden feeds both you and your animals. Healthy soil is the starting point.

What you need:

·       Soil testing kit (know what you’re working with)

·       Quality compost or compost bin (for kitchen scraps and yard waste)

·       Mulch and wood chips (suppress weeds, retain moisture)

·       Basic hand tools (shovel, hoe, spade, rake; get good ones that won’t break)

·       Raised beds or tilling equipment (if your soil needs help)

Why it matters:

Nevada soil is alkaline and mineral-heavy. We have/had to amend heavily before planting. 

Garden-specific supplies to add:

·       Seeds (heirloom, open-pollinated varieties so you can save seed)

·       Fencing materials (to keep animals out)

·       Watering system (drip irrigation beats hand-watering; saves water and time. Ask us about Matt's first irrigation system he installed. It was absolutely brilliant)

Section 3: Shelter & Infrastructure

You need places to store things and protect animals from weather and predators.

What you need:

·       Storage shed or barn (weatherproof, accessible; start small if budget is tight)

·       Fencing materials (hardware cloth, posts, gates)

·       Roofing supplies (tarps, corrugated panels, or full roofing)

·       Ventilation (crucial for animal health; prevents moisture and ammonia buildup)

Why it matters:

A leaking roof or poorly ventilated shelter kills productivity and damages tools and feed. Don’t skimp here.

If you’re building livestock housing:

·       Nesting boxes (if raising poultry)

·       Feeders and waterers (sturdy, easy to clean)

·       Bedding materials (straw, shavings; order in bulk and budget for replacement)

Section 4: Homesteading Tools and Equipment (The Ones You’ll Actually Use)

Quality homesteading tools and equipment save time, prevent injury, and last. Cheap tools break and frustrate. Buy good once, not twice. This section breaks down the essential homesteading equipment you actually need, separated by hand tools and power tools.

Essential hand tools:

·       Shovel (long-handle for digging)

·       Spade (squared-off for edging and precision)

·       Hoe (for weeding and breaking up soil)

·       Rake (for leveling and clearing)

·       Pickaxe or mattock (for hard ground and rock removal)

·       Pruning shears (for plants and branches)

·       Hand saw or bow saw

·       Sledgehammer

·       Pry bar

Power tools (upgrade as needed):

·       Cordless drill/driver

·       Circular saw

·       Impact driver

·       Chainsaw (if you have trees; essential for firewood and land clearing)

Where we save and where we invest:

We buy mid-range for everyday tools and upgrade if we use them weekly. A $15 shovel used twice a year is fine; a shovel you use daily should be $60+. Quality makes the difference.

Section 5: Animal Supplies (If You’re Raising Livestock)

For poultry (chickens, ducks, geese):

·       Coop and run (predator-proof, ventilated)

·       Feeders and waterers (multiple sizes depending on flock size)

·       Bedding (pine shavings or straw; budget for frequent changes)

·       Nesting boxes (one per 3 hens)

·       Perches and roosts

·       First-aid kit (basic antibiotics, antiseptic spray, bandages)

For goats:

·       Shelter (three-sided is fine; they need wind/rain protection)

·       Feeders (hay racks, grain feeders)

·       Milking supplies (if dairy goats: bucket, strainer, bottles, cleaning supplies)

·       Hoof care tools (trimmer, rasp)

·       Fencing (goats are escape artists; invest in good fence)

For rabbits:

·       Hutches or cages (predator-proof, ventilated)

·       Feeders and waterers

·       Bedding

·       Nesting boxes (if breeding)

General livestock supplies:

·       Feed and supplements (buy in bulk where possible)

·       Salt blocks and minerals

·       First-aid kit (thermometer, antiseptic, bandages, electrolytes)

·       Predator deterrents (fencing, traps, motion lights)

Pro tip:

Start with one animal type (a lot of people start with chickens) Learn one system before adding another. Each requires different housing, feed, and care.

Section 6: Food Preservation & Storage

Self-sufficiency means preserving what you grow and raise.

What you need:

·       Canning supplies (jars, lids, pectin, vinegar, salt)

·       Pressure canner (essential for low-acid foods like meat and vegetables)

·       Water bath canner (for high-acid foods like jams and pickles)

·       Root cellar or cool storage (even a shaded shed can work)

·       Freezer or cold storage (for meat and overflow produce)

·       Dehydrator (optional but useful for jerky, herbs, fruit)

·       Fermentation crocks or jars (for sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles)

•         Cookbooks (optional, but you'll wish you had them if you can't access the internet. Oh, you should also check out our Homestead Recipes Blog)
  

Why it matters:

A good harvest means nothing if you can’t preserve it. Canning, freezing, and fermenting extend your growing season into winter and build food security.

Section 7: Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Living on raw land means self-reliance. You need to be prepared.

What you need:

·       Fire suppression (shovels, rakes, hoses, fire breaks)

·       First-aid kit (beyond basic; add tweezers, bandages, antibiotics, pain relievers)

·       Backup power (generator, fuel, batteries, solar panels if possible)

·       Tools for emergencies (axe, crowbar, rope, come-along)

·       Flashlights and lanterns (multiple; redundancy is safety)

·       Water for emergencies (beyond drinking; at least 50 gallons for fire/disaster)

Why it matters:

We live in wildfire country. During the 2025 Conner Fire, our fire line and emergency prep saved our property. Preparedness isn’t paranoia. It’s responsibility.

Section 8: Skincare & Self-Care (The Supplies Most Skip)

Homesteading is hard on skin and hands. Harsh weather, manual labor, and constant exposure take a toll. Don’t neglect this.

What you need:

·       Heavy-duty balm (for dry, cracked skin. We recommend our Whipped Tallow Balm for the face, and Manuka Honey Tallow Balm for the hands and body)

·       Sunscreen (UV exposure is intense outdoors)

·       Lip balm (wind and sun cause chapping)

·       Work gloves (quality leather or hybrid)

·       Sturdy boots (waterproof, good support; your feet carry you all day)

Why it matters:

Neglected hands and skin crack, bleed, and get infected. You can’t work with infected cuts or hands too painful to close. Preventive skincare is a productivity tool.

Section 9: Optional but Useful (After You Have the Basics)

Once you’ve covered the essentials, these make life easier:

·       Tractor or walk-behind tiller (for large gardens; expensive but time-saving)

·       Greenhouse (extends growing season)

·       Rain catchment system (reduces water costs and reliance on wells)

·       Solar panels or wind generator (reduces energy costs; adds resilience)

·       Beekeeping supplies (honey, pollination, low-maintenance)

·       Herb drying rack or dedicated herb bed (for tea, medicine, seasoning)

·       Bulk seed storage (airtight containers in cool, dark space)

The Budget Reality: Start Small, Build Smart

You don’t buy everything at once. Here’s a realistic phase-in approach:

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)

·       Water system

·       Basic soil prep

·       Storage shelter

·       Hand tools

·       Safety gear

Estimated investment: $2,000–$5,000 (unless you are doing your well at this time, which is much more)

Phase 2: Production (Months 4-12)

·       Animal housing and supplies

·       Garden expansion

·       Food preservation equipment

·       Backup power

Estimated investment: $3,000–$7,000

Phase 3: Optimization (Year 2+)

·       Power systems

·       Larger infrastructure

·       Specialty equipment

·       Comfort upgrades

This timeline depends on your finances, land, climate, and goals. Work with what you have. A lot of our best equipment started as DIY builds or secondhand finds. Actually... most of what we started with was DIY and secondhand.

Where to Buy Homesteading Supplies

Local:

·       Farm stores (feed, fencing, basic tools)

·       Hardware stores (tools, nails, wood, fencing)

·       Farmers markets (seeds, local knowledge)

·       Neighbors (used equipment, advice, community)

Online:

·       Specialty retailers (seeds, preservation supplies)

·       Marketplaces (tools, equipment, bulk items)

·       Direct from makers (American-made, sustainable options)

Pro tip:

Buy American-made and sustainable where possible. It costs more upfront but lasts longer and aligns with homesteading values. We source everything we can domestically, from tallow balms for our weathered hands to locally-made tools.

Final Thoughts: Quality Over Quantity

The best homesteading supplies are the ones you’ll use every day. A $200 shovel you use five times a year is a waste. A $60 shovel you use weekly and rely on is an investment.

Start with what you need right now. Build from there. Avoid the trap of buying “just in case”. Storage space is limited, and most gear will break sitting unused.

Your homestead will tell you what it needs. Listen, invest wisely, and build something that lasts.

Ready to get started?

If you’re looking for quality American-made homesteading essentials, Olney Ranch offers carefully curated supplies for real homesteaders. From grass-fed tallow balm for weathered hands to practical home goods designed for the homesteader.

Every purchase supports a real Nevada homestead. Olney Ranch Marketplace.