How many dekes should I start out with,for hunting early resident geese. And also how should I pattern them?

There isn't a good answer to your question. The number of decoys and the pattern they should be placed varies from place to place. You might want to invest in a dozen which is a good start and maybe the minimum you could get away with on some places and more than enough for others.
Watch real birds when ever you can , in what formation do they land and imediately after. What do they look like at reast, feeding etc. There are no shortcuts (mmmm maybe that robo decoy) in becoming a good waterfowler.

I have a few questions about decoys and resident geese too.
I am going to try and hunt a spot that geese fly over every morning on their way from a reservoir to feeding spots, and every evening where they are on there way back to the water for the nite.
I take it my best chances are to get them down in the morning?
I have a lush grassy 6 acre pasture, will they drop down there to feed, is it worth setting decoys up and trying to call them over grass, or do I need to find corn. How about soybean, do they feed on soybean? Which is best?
Thanks,
Mike

Hey Moose I have a couple of comments about your situation of hunting resident Geese. I have done very well hunting resident geese where I live. I have hunted them over pastures before and done ok., but that is where they wanted to be. I would suggest you find a corn field or winter wheat. And Yes they do eat Soybeans as well. As for the decoy spread. I would mix it up. If they get a lot of hunting pressure by people that use 3 dozen or so. I would go with anything but three dozen. Two or four. Geese are naturaly curious and usually very social. They tend to join other birds already on the ground. If you had some Goose Magnets. (Perfect in my opinion) They simulate landing geese. When the geese see these they usally hook right in for me. If you can convince one goose to come look, you got the whole flock behind him. I don't know how much hunting for honkers you do do. So I don't want tell you things you alread know. But Calling is the key. Listen, listen, listen. If they aren't talkin', you don't talk, other than to get their attention. Then try to imitate whatever they are callin' at you.

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Me thinks Discusdad has too much time on his hands, although I must admit, his post is funny.

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Thanks for the tips travyp, I have hunted geese a little, but mostly with experienced buddies that did the calling, or by sneak boating. But where I live now, I have the opportunity to hunt very closeby, so I plan on taking advantage of it often, and doing my own calling. Thanks for hopefully helping to make my season successful.
Mike