A Yardstead is Your Homesteading Dream Scaled to Fit Your Own Backyard.
The Yardsteading Society is about turning your backyard into something more: a place to learn new skills, build projects with your own hands, and discover just how much abundance can come from right where you are.
We are here to move you past, "I thought I needed acres of land to grow our own food" to "I realized all it takes is the backyard I already have".
How I Built a Yardstead That Changed My Life
I’ve walked this journey from the ground up—and now I’m here to guide you through the same transformation, step by step.
Before I ever grew my first tomato, I built a foundation of knowledge and experience in agriculture:
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of Alberta
Animal Science Diploma, Lakeland College
5+ years of hands-on experience in the agriculture industry as a Crop Advisor
But here’s the truth: while my education and work experience gave me a solid understanding of the industry and helped me get to where I am today, nothing could have prepared me for what the last 5 years would bring.
This is where my real motivation began. When I realized I couldn’t rely on grocery stores, and I became determined to figure it all out myself, right in my own backyard, building my very own Yardstead.
HOW IT WORKS
Inside the Yardsteading Movement
✓ Join Live Monthly Q&A with Carolynne
Skip the trial-and-error. Get direct access to Carolynne for expert answers, personalized guidance, and real-life tips on building, gardening, raising chickens, and all aspects of yardstead life.
✓ Plan Every Project Like a Pro
From garden beds to coops, know exactly what to do and how to do it. Our planning tools and checklists make every project clear, doable, and stress-free—even your first build.
✓ Live the Yardstead Lifestyle
This isn’t just about projects—it’s about creating a backyard that feeds your family and your soul. Monthly recipes, seasonal guides, and curated content make self-sufficiency easy, fun, and rewarding.
✓ Get 24/7 Community Support
Never feel stuck. Ask questions, troubleshoot, and get encouragement anytime from a passionate community—and Carolynne—who’s guiding you every step of the way.
Access Pro-Level Yardstead Tools
Our project planning toolkit gives you the clarity and step-by-step structure to source, budget, and build while gaining skills you’ll use across every future yardstead project.
Here is What's Included:
The 5 Cornerstone Projects That Built Carolynne's Yardstead
Your's FREE When You Go Annual — $165 Value
Petunia
The Greenhouse of Your Dreams
$37 CAD Value*
Sweet Pea
A Mini Garden Refuge
$37 CAD Value*
Alder
The Modern Patio Lantern
$27 CAD Value*
Sage
A Garden Staple
$27 CAD Value*
Clover
Where the Growing Begins
$27 CAD Value*
The Journey You’re Invited To
It took me five years to discover a successful route to embracing the yardstead lifestyle. Our membership offers that pathway and will serve as your primary resource to guide you along the way.
Is this the path for you?
Do you want to start growing fresh food, gathering eggs, and filling your pantry—but don’t know where to begin?
Are you overwhelmed trying to plan DIY projects on your own and need expert guidance and planning tools?
Do you crave a supportive community of like-minded people to share wins, ask questions, and stay motivated?
Join over the 10,000+ DIY'ers
Who Love Their Hillside Builds Worldwide
Still have a few questions about how our membership works?
We're here to make it easy!
How does the Yardsteading Community work?
DIY is better together. Inside our private Yardsteading Society, you’ll connect with a supportive community of like-minded DIYers — including me, Carolynne.
It’s a 24/7 space to ask questions, share progress, troubleshoot challenges, and swap ideas with people who get it. Whether you’re looking for feedback, inspiration, or hands-on advice, this community ensures you never face the journey alone.
What is Yardsteading?
Yardsteading is about creating security, abundance, and connection right in your backyard.
Yardsteading is for the modern family. It’s learning to grow, preserve, and enjoy real food — and discovering that your backyard is enough to feed your family and build a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
How do the planning tools work?
Every successful build starts with a solid plan. That’s why our Yardsteading resources is packed with step-by-step tools — from permit checklists and lumber calculators to guides on avoiding common mistakes.
These tools aren’t just about building structures — they’re about building confidence. You’ll learn the skills once, and use them for a lifetime of projects.
How do the monthly perks work?
Each month, your membership reloads with fresh value:
- 30% off all DIY building guides
- $15 credit for Hillside Gear
We’ll remind you monthly so you never miss out — just note that credits expire, so make sure to put them to use fueling your yardstead dreams.
Who is this membership perfect for?
- Anyone who’s ever thought, “I want to feed my family from my own backyard.”
- DIYers who love rolling up their sleeves — whether you’re brand new or experienced.
- Families who want to learn self-sufficient skills and connect with others doing the same.
If you love our builds, want to grow new skills, and value a supportive community that celebrates progress, this is for you. Work at your own pace, lean on the group when you need it, and enjoy fresh content to keep your journey exciting.
How do I get my free DIY guides?
Annual members unlock my 5 cornerstone projects — the same ones that power my own yardstead — free (a $165 value).
Monthly members can upgrade anytime to access them.
Who are the monthly Q&A sessions for?
Everyone. Each session begins with me sharing something I’ve recently learned on my own yardsteading journey, then the floor opens for your questions.
Bring your build challenges, share your wins, or just listen in for inspiration. These sessions are a chance to connect directly with me — and with others walking the same path.
How do I cancel my membership?
You can cancel anytime in your Skool account.
- Log in, click your profile image → Settings
- Open the Communities tab and find our community
- Click Settings for the Yardsteading Society
- Choose Manage membership → Cancel membership
You’ll retain access until the end of your billing period.
Note: Canceling doesn’t automatically issue a refund — if you believe you’re eligible, reach out via support to request one.