Starting a backyard homestead is full of decisions: what will you grow, and how much? It's essential to take a close look at you and your family's needs, and what kind of environment you're working with. It's a good idea to start with an easy, hardy vegetable, that you know you and your family will eat. The most essential aspect here is making sure that you will enjoy the results. This makes it much more likely that you'll come back and try again.
Simple DIY greenhouses or cold frames are great places to start. These are cheap, easy to build, and can make a massive impact on the health and happiness of your crops.