The Dream That Keeps Calling
There’s something about the Santa Cruz Mountains—maybe it’s the misty mornings, the scent of redwoods, or the quiet hum of life moving at nature’s pace. For many, the dream of carving out a homestead, growing food or living off the land and reconnecting with nature rooted in tradition feels out of reach, but it's not. You can literally take a tiny space and recreate it based on your needs.
Yes, it's true. Homesteading is a commitment. It’s the early mornings, dirt under your nails, patience of waiting for your first tomato to ripen, the triumph of mastering sourdough, and the deep satisfaction of a home-cooked meal made entirely from your own efforts.
It’s not always easy. But for those who hear the call, it’s always worth it.
Learning from the Elders
When I first started down this path, I had this romantic vision—rows of thriving crops, happy chickens pecking at the earth, a perfect little cabin tucked into the trees. What I didn’t expect? The time it takes to get where I want to go with limited resources and of course, the learning curve.
I remember the first time I tried canning tomatoes—I did everything wrong. Lids didn’t seal, jars cracked, and I ended up with a sticky, soupy mess instead of the pantry full of preserved goodness I had envisioned. That’s when I realized: homesteading isn’t something you just do. It’s something you learn.
I turned to the wisdom of those who came before us. The old-timers who knew how to store food without electricity, how to raise animals without factory farms, how to make medicine from the plants growing right outside their doors.
This knowledge—passed down through generations—is what makes homesteading possible. And it’s what Wylder Space is here to share.
How Wylder Space Can Help You Get There
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been homesteading for years, having the right guidance makes all the difference. That’s why we created Wylder Space—to be more than just a brand, but a resource, a community, and a movement.
Here’s how you can start living your homesteading dream today:
✅ Learn from the Best – Our Wisdom from the Elders digital guide brings together time-tested techniques for self-sufficiency, food preservation, and traditional skills. It’s the knowledge you need, distilled into an easy-to-follow guide.
✅ Master the Basics – Wylder's Nourishing Traditions Course takes you step-by-step through the fundamentals of sustainable living. Whether you want to grow your own food, learn fermenting, or implement traditional food preservation methods, this course will walk you through it.
✅ Cook with Confidence – The Wylder Space Cookbook is packed with recipes that celebrate real, whole food—designed for those who want to eat seasonally, cook from scratch, and embrace the rhythms of the land, this cookbook will teach you a step by step process to water bath canning and pressure canning.
✅ Join the Community – The Wylder Cultivator Community is where you’ll find support, inspiration, and real conversations with people walking the same path. From troubleshooting your first sourdough starter to learning how to barter homegrown goods, this is where connection happens.
Get Started Today
Want to take the next step toward a more self-sufficient life? Here’s where to begin:
Practical Tips to Start Homesteading Today
If you’re feeling the pull toward this lifestyle, don’t wait for “someday.” Start where you are, with what you have. Here are three easy ways to begin:
1️⃣ Grow Something—Anything. Even if it’s just a pot of herbs on your kitchen counter, the act of growing food connects you to the process in a way nothing else can.
2️⃣ Cook One Meal from Scratch. Skip the processed foods for a day. Make your own bread, broth, or even just a simple salad with real, whole ingredients.
3️⃣ Reduce Waste. Start composting, reuse what you can, and find ways to cut down on single-use packaging. Sustainability starts with small, everyday choices.
Your Homesteading Journey Starts Now
Have you heard the saying "progress, not perfection?" . Homesteading is about making choices towards a life that feels more connected, intentional, and fulfilling.
If the dream of a homestead in the Santa Cruz Mountains (or anywhere else) is calling to you, don’t ignore it. The knowledge, the community, and the support are all here waiting for you.
🌿 What’s stopping you from starting your homestead today? Drop a comment below and let’s chat!
👉 Know someone dreaming of homesteading? Share this post with them!
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