Start Homesteading: Your Complete Backyard Homestead Hub
Ready to grow your own food, raise your own chickens, and live more self-sufficiently? You're in the right place. Garden & Coops is a proudly American company that ships everything you need to start your backyard homestead fast and free via FedEx across the USA.
This page is your one-stop guide to everything homesteading — from your first chicken coop to raised garden beds, greenhouses, duck houses, and the tools to tie it all together.
1. Chicken Coops
Chickens are the cornerstone of most backyard homesteads. They provide fresh eggs daily, eat kitchen scraps, produce rich compost, and control garden pests naturally.
What to Look For
- At least 4 sq ft of indoor space per bird
- Nesting boxes (1 per 3–4 hens)
- Secure latches for predator protection
- Weather-treated wood and waterproof roofing
- Easy-clean sliding trays or removable floors
Our Top Chicken Coop Picks
- Wooden Chicken Coop with Nesting Box, Double Runs & Asphalt Roof — Best starter coop for 3–4 hens
- 66.5" Large Chicken Coop with 2 Nesting Boxes & Sliding Tray — Best for flocks of 6–8 birds
- 55" Chicken Coop Expansion Run — Add outdoor space as your flock grows
- Chicken Activity Swing Set with Perches & Hen Ladder — Keep your hens happy and healthy
Beginner tip: Start with 3–4 hens. Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpingtons, and Plymouth Rocks are hardy, friendly, and great egg layers.
2. Greenhouses
A greenhouse extends your growing season by 6–8 weeks in spring and keeps you harvesting well into fall. For serious homesteaders, it's a game-changer for year-round food production.
What to Look For
- UV-resistant cover or polycarbonate panels for insulation
- Good ventilation — roll-up doors or screen roofs
- Size appropriate for your space and goals
- Easy assembly — most under 1 hour
Our Top Greenhouse Picks
- Mini 5-Tier Portable Greenhouse — Best for beginners and small spaces
- Portable Greenhouse with 6 Shelves & Roll-Up Door — Best value walk-in greenhouse
- Wooden Cold Frame Greenhouse — Best for cold climates and year-round growing
- Twin-Wall Polycarbonate Panels — 10 Pack — Build your own custom greenhouse
Beginner tip: Start with a portable greenhouse for seed starting. Upgrade to a cold frame or polycarbonate setup when you're ready for year-round growing.
3. Raised Garden Beds
Raised beds are the easiest, most productive way to grow food at home. They warm up faster in spring, drain better, and keep weeds manageable — perfect for beginners.
What to Look For
- Sturdy wood or galvanized construction
- Appropriate depth — at least 8–12 inches for vegetables
- Size that fits your space — 4x4 ft is a great starter size
- Legs or elevated design for easy access
Our Top Raised Bed Picks
- 6-Piece Raised Garden Bed with Legs — Elevated for easy access, no bending required
- 39" Hexagon Screwless Planter Box — Assembles in minutes, beautiful in any yard
- 2-Tier Trellis Planter — Raised bed plus climbing support for beans and cucumbers
- 4x3ft Raised Garden Bed with Mini Greenhouse Cover — Start seeds earlier with built-in protection
Beginner tip: Fill with 60% topsoil, 30% compost, 10% perlite. Start with lettuce, herbs, radishes, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Duck Houses
Ducks are hardy, friendly, and excellent egg layers — producing up to 300 eggs per year. They're also natural pest controllers, eating slugs and snails that damage your garden.
What to Look For
- Ground-level or low-ramp entry — ducks can't hop like chickens
- Waterproof roof — ducks are messy with water
- Easy-clean access — openable roof or large doors
- Secure latches for predator protection
Our Top Duck House Picks
- Small Wooden Duck House with Waterproof Roof — Natural — Perfect for 2–3 ducks
- Small Wooden Duck House — Gray — Same great house in gray
- Small Wooden Duck House — Red — Classic red barn look
- Large Wooden Hutch with Outdoor Run & Lockable Doors — Best for flocks of 4–6 ducks
Beginner tip: Always keep at least 2 ducks — they're social animals and get stressed alone. Khaki Campbells are the top egg-laying breed for beginners.
5. Gardening Tools & Accessories
A well-organized homestead is an efficient one. The right tools make every task faster, easier, and more enjoyable.
Our Top Tool & Accessory Picks
- Garden Storage Cabinet with Galvanized Top & Two Shelves — Keep tools organized and weatherproof
- Potting Bench Table with Sink, Storage & Hooks — Dedicated workspace for potting and seed starting
- 6'x3' Crop Cage with Zippered Doors — Protect your garden from birds and pests
- PE-Coated Steel Garden Arch Trellis — Support climbing plants like roses and beans
- 85" Wooden Garden Arbor — White — Beautiful focal point for any garden
6. Beginner Homestead Checklist
- ✅ Check local zoning for chickens and structures
- ✅ Set up your chicken coop before bringing home birds
- ✅ Start with 1–2 raised garden beds
- ✅ Add a mini greenhouse for seed starting
- ✅ Start a compost bin from day one
- ✅ Organize tools in a weatherproof storage cabinet
- ✅ Plant cool-season crops first, then warm-season
- ✅ Consider ducks for pest control and extra eggs
- ✅ Keep a simple garden journal to track what works
Why Buy from Garden & Coops?
- ✅ American owned and operated
- ✅ Fast free FedEx shipping on every order
- ✅ Most orders arrive in 5–7 business days
- ✅ US-based customer support
- ✅ Quality-tested products built for real backyards
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to start a backyard homestead?
Start with the basics: a chicken coop, one or two raised garden beds, and basic tools. Add a greenhouse and duck house as you grow. Garden & Coops has everything you need shipped fast and free.
How much space do I need to homestead?
As little as a 20x20 foot backyard. A small coop, two raised beds, and a mini greenhouse can all fit in a surprisingly small space.
How much does it cost to start homesteading?
A solid beginner setup — coop, one raised bed, basic tools — can be done for $300–$600. Garden & Coops offers free FedEx shipping on everything so there are no surprise freight costs.
Does Garden & Coops ship fast?
Yes! As an American company, we ship all orders fast and free via FedEx across the continental USA. Most orders arrive within 5–7 business days.
Can I homestead if I rent?
Possibly — check your lease and local ordinances. Our portable greenhouses and elevated raised beds are perfect for renters who may need to move their setup.
Ready to start? Browse our full collection: Shop All Homestead Essentials at Garden & Coops — fast, free FedEx shipping from our American warehouse to your door.