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Building the Off-Grid Basics—Fences, Power, and Resilience

Updated: Jul 13

Starting a homestead from scratch is an adventure filled with both triumphs and trials. When we made the leap from city life to countryside, we faced a blank canvas, land with no fences, no shelter, and no power. Our first priority? Protecting our vision. We quickly learned that without basic infrastructure, every dream of self-sufficiency is at risk. For us, that meant fencing the main part of our property to keep out sheep and goats, which were eager to devour anything we tried to plant. Only then could we focus on essentials like water, shelter, and electricity. This post shares our journey of building the fundamentals, one practical step at a time, and the lessons that helped us turn a tough start into a resilient, thriving homestead.


Why Start with the Off-Grid Basics?

Permaculture teaches us to design from patterns to details, beginning with the larger context before diving into specifics. The “WAS” framework—Water, Access, Structures—guides us to prioritize what’s most essential for survival and growth. In our case, “Access” and “Structures” took on new urgency as we faced the realities of rural land.


Historically, homesteaders have always started with shelter and protection, but modern permaculture principles remind us to consider water first. In practice, we found ourselves juggling priorities: fencing the land was non-negotiable to safeguard our plantings from roaming livestock. Only once the perimeter was secure could we focus on water and shelter.

A wire fence along a grassy field with trees in the background, showing a simple rural boundary under an overcast sky.
Before: Our first line of defense. That fence stands tall, keeping the wild at bay, Kraut strength in every post! (March 2022)

Our journey mirrors the classic homesteading path, building infrastructure before comfort. As of now, we are still far away from the comforts of modern life. The first months tested our adaptability and creativity. With limited resources, we relied on simple solutions: manual labor for fencing, buckets for watering, and portable solar power for electricity. This approach kept us grounded in the realities of off-grid living and taught us the value of resilience.


Permaculture’s emphasis on “design from patterns to details” helped us see the bigger picture—climate, land shape, and water supply—before addressing the finer points of our homestead. This foundation has made every subsequent project more effective and sustainable.


Step 1: Fencing—Your First Line of Defense

Why Fence First?

Fencing was our top priority. Without it, sheep and goats would destroy every seedling and sapling we planted. We chose one-meter-high (4 ft) metal mesh fencing, a common recommendation for keeping out both goats (who climb) and sheep (who are vulnerable to predators). The investment in quality materials paid off, our plants survived, and we avoided costly losses.


Practical Tips:

  • Choose the Right Mesh: Opt for 10 cm square mesh (four-inch) to deter both climbing and predators.

  • Secure the Base: Bury the lower edge or use rocks to prevent animals from pushing under.

  • Check for Weak Spots: Regularly inspect and reinforce corners and gates.


Tough Tip:

The 10 cm square mesh is still to wide in our case. Sheep push their heads through the fence and graze as they please. I have been weaving in willow and mimosa branches for further reinforcement.

A rustic wooden fence with dry grass and trees in a field, near a water tank, under a clear blue sky, indicating a rural setting.
After: Check out this badass fence guarding the homestead, tough as nails in the wild! (June 2025)

Step 2: Water—Lifeblood of the Homestead

Early Challenges

With fencing in place, we turned to water. Our stone well was a long-term goal, but in the beginning, we hauled buckets from a nearby stream. This was hard work, but it taught us to value every drop.


Practical Tips:

  • Harvest Rainwater: Set up simple barrels under roof edges to catch rainwater for irrigation.

  • Prioritize Water Storage: Invest in large tanks or repurpose containers for emergency reserves.

  • Plan for Pumps: Once electricity was available, a pump made life much easier, but always have a manual backup.


Tough Tip:

Use gravity-fed systems for watering trees. Our mobile home is connected to an elevated IBC tank and water flows without a pump. Simple, reliable, and energy-free.

A large plastic water tank on wooden pallets in a dry grassy field, surrounded by trees and vegetation, with a clear blue sky. A hose and solar panel are nearby, suggesting a rural water system.
Elevated and unstoppable, this tank’s the heart of our rugged homestead!

Step 3: Shelter—Home Sweet (Mobile) Home

Living Arrangements

We started with a mobile home trailer and two shipping containers, which gave us basic shelter and storage. These structures were easy to move and set up, making them ideal for the early stages.


Practical Tips:

  • Start Small: Use mobile or modular structures for flexibility.

  • Insulate for Comfort: Even basic insulation makes a big difference in temperature extremes.

  • Plan for Expansion: Leave space for future buildings like a greenhouse or chicken coop.

A tiny house with a water tank on pallets, surrounded by dry grass and trees, with a fence, in a rural landscape under a clear sky.
This small mobile home and tank setup scream resilience.

Step 4: Power—Light, Fridge, and Pump

Electricity Essentials

Without electricity, we couldn’t run a fridge, pump water, or have light at night. We relied on Bluetti power banks and foldable solar panels, which were portable and easy to set up.


Practical Tips:

  • Portable Solar is a Game-Changer: Foldable panels and power banks are perfect for temporary setups.

  • Monitor Energy Use: Track your consumption to avoid draining batteries.

  • Upgrade Gradually: As your homestead grows, invest in a more permanent solar system.

A solar panel and water tank on pallets in a dry grassy field, with a hose, suggesting an off-grid water system under a blue sky.
Solar power and irrigation tanks, proof of our first steps living the off-grid life, Kraut-style!

Resilience Built Step by Step

Building a homestead is a marathon, not a sprint. By starting with the basics, including fencing, water, shelter, and power, we laid a strong foundation for everything that followed. Each challenge taught us new skills and deepened our connection to the land. Our journey is proof that even with limited resources, determination and practical know-how can turn a tough start into a thriving, self-sufficient life. Every small step counts! Share your own experiences, failures, and wins in the comments or join the Kraut Crew and our newsletter for more tips and community support. Together, we’re building resilience, one project at a time.


Herman’s Tough Kraut Fixes: Common Infrastructure Challenges

Every basic infrastructure homestead project has its challenges, but with these troubleshooting FAQs, you’re ready to tackle them! Drawing from our off-grid life in Portugal, where we managed to set up our basic infrastructure on our homestead, here are answers to common questions to keep your system afloat. These fixes are straight from the Tough Kraut playbook, practical, tested, and built for self-sufficiency. Got a question I missed? Leave a comment below, and the Kraut Crew will dive in to help!


Q: Animals Destroying Plants?

A: Invest in sturdy, high-enough mesh fencing. Regularly check for gaps and reinforce weak spots. Consider electric fencing for extra deterrence if needed.

Q: Lack of Water Access?

A: Use rainwater harvesting and manual hauling in the early stages. Plan for a reliable pump and storage system as soon as possible.

Q: No Shelter or Storage?

A: Start with mobile or modular structures like trailers or shipping containers. These are quick to set up and can be repurposed as your homestead grows.

Q: No Electricity?

A: Portable solar panels and power banks are an affordable, flexible option. Gradually upgrade to a permanent system as your needs and budget allow.

Q: Expanding Infrastructure?

A: Plan your site layout carefully, leaving room for future buildings and systems. Involve the community for advice and shared resources, collaboration makes every project easier.

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