Homesteading in the Desert Part 2

 Homesteading in the Desert

Part 2

Planning Your Desert Homestead

Successfully homesteading in the desert starts with thoughtful planning and design. The southern New Mexico desert offers a blank canvas where the possibilities are as vast as the landscape itself. However, to ensure long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency, it's essential to make informed decisions when selecting land, designing your homestead layout, and establishing core infrastructure. 

Choosing the Right Location: Land Selection Tips in Southern New Mexico

When scouting land in southern New Mexico, there are several key factors to consider:

1. Water Availability. The first and most crucial factor is water. If you plan to drill a well, investigate the depth, quality, and sustainability of local aquifers. Research neighboring properties to understand their water sources. Rainwater collection will also be essential, so consider how the land's slope and surrounding terrain could impact your water harvesting capabilities. 

2. Soil Quality. Although desert soil is typically nutrient-poor, certain areas may have better potential for improvement. Look for land with natural vegetation, such as native grasses and shrubs, which indicate healthier soil. You'll also want to avoid areas with heavy caliche (a hard, calcium-rich layer) close to the surface, which can be difficult to manage for gardening and construction. 

3. Sun and Wind Exposure. Southern New Mexico's intense sunlight is an asset for solar power, but it also requires careful planning. When selecting your building site, chooser a location that can take advantage of natural shading during the hottest part of the day, Additionally, wind can be a significant factor, so consider the orientation of your structures and windbreaks to protect gardens and buildings.

4. Access and Community. While homesteading often appeals to those seeking solitude, proximity to essential services, local markets, and community can be important, especially as you're getting started. Southern New Mexico has a growing community of desert homesteaders who share knowledge and resources, so consider how close you want to be to like-minded neighbors.

Essential Infrastructure: Shelter, Water, Waste Management Systems

Once you've chosen your land, the next step is to plan the core infrastructure of your homestead. In the desert, simplicity and efficiency are key:

1. Shelter. Whether you build an earthbag home, straw-bale house, or a traditional adobe, your shelter should be designed for maximum energy efficiency and climate resilience. Passive solar principles-such as positioning windows for winter sun and using thermal mass to stabilize indoor temperatures-are critical in desert environments. 

2. Water Systems. Water is the most significant infrastructure challenge in desert homesteading. Your setup should include a combination of rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and possibly a well. 

3. Waste Management. Off-grid homesteads require sustainable waste management solutions. Composting toilets, which break down waste into usable compost, are a popular choice. Greywater systems that safely redirect water from sinks and showers for irrigation are also crucial. Managing waste in a desert environment not only reduces your impact but also supports self-sufficiency. 

Designing a Self-Sufficient Homestead Layout

Creating a layout that flows logically and supports your daily activities is critical. Here's a basic overview of a homestead design that balances functionality, sustainability, and resilience. 

1. Zoning Your Homestead

    Zone 1. (Immediate Surroundings): This area includes your home, kitchen garden, water systems, and tools. It's the zone you'll visit multiple times daily, so it should be easily accessible.\

    Zone 2. (Productive Areas): Here, your might place larger gardens, small livestock enclosures (for chickens and goats), and composting areas.

    Zone 3. (Outlying Areas): Reserved for larger livestock, food forests, or low-maintenance crops, this area is less frequently visited.

    Zone 4, (Wild Zone): Often left as natural desert, this zone can support wildlife habitat, wild harvesting, or larger-scale earthworks like swales.

2. Strategic Positioning of Structures

    Home Orientation: Design your home to take advantage of natural shading and protection from prevailing winds.

    Gardens and Water Systems: Gardens should be placed near your water source to minimize the effort needed for irrigation. Consider installing swales to direct and slow runoff toward garden areas.

    Livestock Areas: Position these to reduce exposure to the hottest sun and wind, while still allowing easy access for daily care.

   

Zoning Laws and Legal Considerations for Homesteading

Before diving into construction or starting agricultural activities, familiarize yourself with local zoning laws and building codes. In many areas of southern New Mexico, rural land offers flexibility, but it's essential to confirm whether you'll need permits for building, water systems, or livestock. Some regions are more lenient about off-grid systems, while others may have restrictions. Be sure to also check water rights and any regulations regarding the use of greywater and rainwater.

Coming on next blog: Water, water, water.