Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader looking to deepen your understanding of this lifestyle or simply curious about trading in city streets for rural roads, we’ve got you covered. Perhaps you’re already well-versed in the ins and outs of farm life, or maybe you’re just starting to envision yourself surrounded by fresh air, green pastures, and the simple joys of self-sufficiency.
Whatever your current state may be, our words will guide you on this journey as we explore the world of homesteading together.
What Is Homesteading, Exactly?
The concept of homesteading is often associated with idyllic scenes of barns and rolling fields, but its meaning extends far beyond those stereotypes. At its core, homesteading is about creating a self-sufficient lifestyle, where one’s dwelling, whether it be a small apartment or a sprawling farm, becomes a hub for personal growth and sustainability. According to dictionary.
com, the original definition of homesteading referred to any dwelling with land and buildings where a family makes its home. However, modern interpretations lean more towards the pursuit of self-sufficiency, regardless of property size or type. This means that anyone can be a homesteader, from single individuals to families, whether they own a plot of land or simply have a small herb garden.
The beauty of homesteading lies in its adaptability – some may strive for total off-grid independence, while others aim to grow their own food and preserve a portion of it. Ultimately, the dream of being more self-sufficient is all that’s needed to take the first step towards becoming a homesteader.
How did Homesteading Come About?
In the early 17th century, a significant wave of settlers arrived in the New World, bringing with them limited resources and an unyielding determination to start anew. While countless individuals perished in their quest for a fresh beginning, many others persevered and ultimately flourished. The seeds of this pioneering spirit were sown centuries prior, laying the groundwork for future generations.
Fast forward to 1862, when Abraham Lincoln signed the amended Homestead Act into law.
This landmark legislation granted US citizens, as well as those seeking citizenship, the opportunity to claim up to 160 acres of public land in exchange for a modest registration fee and their commitment to building a home, tilling the soil, and cultivating the land.
The act’s provisions were surprisingly inclusive, extending eligibility to unmarried women, immigrants awaiting citizenship approval, and – as amended in 1866 – African Americans, though they faced staggering discrimination and obstacles. The Homestead Act remained a driving force behind American expansion until its official termination in 1976, driven by the sheer volume of applicants who sought to stake their claim on the great American frontier.
Why Homestead Today? Why is this Even a Thing?
Human connection with the land has been marked by paradox. On one hand, we rely on the earth’s bounty for sustenance; on the other, our ancestors toiled tirelessly to till the soil, only to seek respite in urban settings as cities grew and thrived. The allure of convenience proved too great, with many opting for a life of relative ease over the backbreaking labor of farming. However, this modern convenience comes at a cost.
Many individuals have grown disillusioned with aspects of contemporary life, recognizing both the benefits and drawbacks of our reliance on industrialized systems. For instance, while pre-packaged foods may be convenient, they often contain preservatives, added sugars, and fillers that compromise nutritional value. Moreover, the environmental and ethical implications of industrial farming – from animal welfare concerns to ecological degradation – cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, society’s penchant for disposable, low-cost items has led to a decline in appreciation for craftsmanship and durability. Handcrafted wooden utensils, though more expensive and requiring greater care, possess a timeless quality that is lost with mass-produced alternatives. In an era where convenience often reigns supreme, many are rediscovering the value of slowing down, taking time to create, and cherishing well-made items that can be passed down through generations.
Embracing a More Sustainable, Holistic Lifestyle
As the world’s pace quickens, many individuals are rediscovering the allure of self-sufficiency. They’re opting out of mass-produced, disposable practices that dominated post-war society, instead embracing the back-to-the-land movement that gained popularity in the 1970s. In fact, some are even drawing inspiration from ancient civilizations and industrial-era innovations. One of the driving forces behind this homesteading revival is a desire for autonomy and harmony with nature.
Those who choose this path often find themselves at odds with societal norms – perhaps due to unconventional beliefs or alternative family structures. As they immerse themselves in the natural world, they discover a sense of liberation and serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Today, spinning wheels are a symbol of community and connection across generations.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are filled with tutorials on gardening, herbal medicine, canning, and dehydrating, as well as intergenerational exchanges like knitting patterns being shared between young people and their grandparents. It’s heartwarming to witness this shift towards greater self-reliance and sustainability, and even more fulfilling to be a part of it.
The beauty is that anyone – regardless of space or time constraints – can adopt the principles of homesteading and cultivate a more meaningful, environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Common Homesteading Activities
In the world of homesteading, there are various approaches that can be applied depending on the space available. We’ll delve into the four most prominent types, showcasing what’s achievable with each. However, it’s essential to note that certain practices are universal among homesteaders. While you may not adopt every technique, incorporating some of these methods into your own plans could lead to a more fulfilling experience.
Growing and/or Preserving Your Own Food
The cornerstone of modern homesteading lies in cultivating one’s own land, regardless of its size. With the fruits of their labor, individuals then employ various methods to preserve their harvest, including canning, pickling, dehydrating, and freezing. However, not everyone has the means or space to grow their own food. Fortunately, this obstacle can be overcome by sourcing in-season produce from local farmer’s markets.
By dedicating a few hours every other weekend to food preservation, it’s possible to stock one’s pantry with ease.
Raising Livestock
When it comes to homesteading, many individuals opt for raising animals as part of their self-sufficiency journey. The species of choice often depends on factors such as available space, desired outcomes, and personal comfort levels. From chickens to ducks, geese, goats, sheep, cows, and beyond, the possibilities are vast.
If you’re seeking fresh eggs, chickens or ducks might be an ideal starting point.
However, if you’re looking for a source of fresh meat, it’s essential to consider your willingness to humanely butcher animals that you’ve grown attached to. Before adding livestock to your homesteading endeavors, it’s a good idea to gain hands-on experience with butchering, such as volunteering at a farm or taking a workshop. If you’re confident in your ability to do so efficiently and compassionately, then incorporating animals into your homestead can be a rewarding experience.
Cooking from Scratch
Homesteaders often opt for homemade over pre-packaged options, prioritizing nutrient-rich whole foods. Ditch store-bought soups and stews in favor of crafting your own nourishing recipes. Master the art of baking bread from scratch, rather than relying on commercial loaves. For added control and satisfaction, consider grinding grains and seeds into flour using a coffee grinder or hand mill – a simple yet effective way to elevate your culinary endeavors.
Living in Harmony with the Land
When embracing homesteading, it’s essential to cultivate a deep respect for the land you’re sharing with nature. Those who have already adopted eco-friendly habits are likely familiar with this concept. To take it to the next level, opt for organic cleaning and personal care products that won’t harm the water table or other ecosystems.
Take the initiative to hang laundry to dry instead of relying on machines.
When tackling weeds in your lawn, consider manual removal rather than chemical pesticides. Leave designated areas of your land untamed to provide natural habitats for native pollinators, birds, and amphibians. By doing so, you’ll not only be promoting a healthier environment but also fostering biodiversity within your own backyard.
Making Your Own Household Items
In the past, our ancestors didn’t rely on modern conveniences to obtain essential household items. Instead, they took matters into their own hands by crafting many of these necessities themselves. From carving utensils like spoons and cooking implements to creating arrows, fish traps, and even pottery for plates and bowls, self-sufficiency was a way of life.
Today, some homesteaders continue this tradition by honing skills such as weaving baskets, building chairs, or constructing makeshift ovens when needed. In fact, some even go so far as to build their own barns, chicken coops, or even cottages and cabins – a testament to the resourcefulness of our ancestors.
Working with Textiles
Embracing self-sufficiency demands a fundamental understanding of textile creation. For those eager to take control, learning the art of spinning various fibers into thread or yarn is an essential skill. This acquired ability can be applied to a range of techniques, including weaving, knitting, crocheting, felting, and naalbinding (nålebinding).
Furthermore, grasping basic sewing principles enables individuals to craft essential items such as quilts and simple garments, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable lifestyle.
Reusing as Much as Possible
In the past, our ancestors were masters of minimizing waste. They would use every last bit of something, from leftover food scraps to worn-out clothing. In today’s throwaway society, it’s easy to get into the habit of discarding things without a second thought. But why not take a page out of their book and get creative with reuse? Start by designating a container in your freezer for storing scraps of cooked food.
When it’s full, use those leftovers to make a hearty soup stock or compost them to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. And don’t forget about the small things – save those soap slivers to melt down and re-mold into new bars, just like our ancestors did. Same goes for old candle butts – with a little bit of patience and some melted wax, you can turn them back into brand new candles.
Even old clothing can get a second life – learn how to darn socks and mend torn seams to breathe new life into your favorite pieces. And when it’s time to let go of something altogether, consider repurposing fabric scraps into handkerchiefs, quilts, or even rag rugs. The possibilities are endless, so why not give it a try?
Main Types of Homesteading
Homesteading is all about adapting your living situation to create a sustainable lifestyle. This flexibility allows you to tailor your approach to your current circumstances. For instance, you might consider:Urban homesteading for singles or couples in city settings, where small-scale gardening and maybe even a few chickens can thrive. Suburban homesteading for those with backyards in suburban areas, allowing for the creation of thriving food garden spaces and possibly a small livestock setup.
Small-scale homesteading, often referred to as ‘hobby farms,’ which typically encompass less than 10 acres. This size allows you to comfortably feed your family and support some small livestock endeavors. Or, if you’re lucky enough to have over 10 acres of land at your disposal, you can create a more traditional homestead with large crop areas, animal pens, ponds, orchards – the possibilities are endless.
Apartment Style
Homesteading is not about abandoning modernity, but rather finding a balance between traditional skills and contemporary comforts. If you’re an urban dweller with a passion for self-sufficiency, there’s no reason why you can’t bring some homestead magic to your balcony or apartment. Start small by cultivating a container garden on your windowsill or balcony. You can grow a variety of edible and medicinal plants in containers, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even dwarf fruit trees.
If you have permission from your landlord and sufficient space, consider raising two hens for fresh eggs. Alternatively, focus on preserving food through canning, pickling, and freezing. Urban homesteading also means being creative with shared spaces. Look into community gardens or allotment projects in your area, where you can work alongside others to cultivate a plot of land and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
If that’s not feasible, consider approaching your landlord about creating a rooftop garden – a vast, underutilized space just begging for some greenery. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of handmade goods. In minimal space, you can still craft wooden spoons and bowls, knit clothing and washcloths, or pursue other creative endeavors that bring joy and independence.
Urban Homesteading
As I delved into the world of urban homesteading, a spark was lit. My husband introduced me to YouTube videos featuring self-sufficient individuals living in subdivisions. The idea struck me: if they can cultivate their own sustenance on a quarter acre, why couldn’t we do the same on two acres? And so, we took the leap. Urban homesteaders like ourselves strive for small-scale food production, often through garden plots that supply our families’ needs.
Additionally, some may raise small flocks of hens or enjoy fresh eggs, while others can even keep goats, depending on local regulations. A backyard homestead offers a highly manageable space to cultivate a thriving suburban oasis. By planning ahead and incorporating fruit trees, nut bushes, intercropping, and companion planting, you’ll be astonished at how much bounty you can reap in surprisingly little time.
Small and Large Scale Homesteads
Small-scale homesteading often thrives on rural properties spanning 10 acres or more, while smaller versions, dubbed ‘hobby farms,’ occupy as little as two acres. On a small- to medium-sized homestead, you can cultivate a substantial garden, orchard, and berry patch, complemented by grapevines, greenhouses, beekeeping, and a menagerie featuring chickens, ducks, rabbits, or goats. This setup leaves room for versatility and experimentation.
A potential drawback of smaller-scale homesteading is the need to purchase some animal feed during colder months, as you might not have sufficient space to grow all the necessary hay. In my case, I supplement with locally sourced hay from fellow farmers, while still relying on my own gardens and orchards for sustenance. In contrast, larger homesteads can achieve complete self-sufficiency in terms of animal feed.
These properties offer ample space to raise large livestock, including cows for milk production, as well as other animals.
What You Need to Do to Get Started
Before embarking on a homesteading journey, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and develop a comprehensive plan. This planning phase should address the following crucial aspects:* Clarify your vision for homesteading: Will you focus on growing and preserving vegetables, or will livestock be a significant part of your operation? Take the time to define what this looks like in practice.
* Establish a realistic budget: Determine how much money you’re willing to allocate towards your homesteading goals. This will help you make informed decisions about the resources you need to acquire.* Assess your current skills and experience: Are you already familiar with growing food plants, or do you need to develop this skill? Do you have available outdoor space that can be utilized for your homesteading endeavors?
* Consider the time commitment required: How much time can you realistically dedicate to homesteading activities? This will help you prioritize tasks and avoid burnout.* Identify your core practices: What specific aspects of homesteading excite you the most? Do you want to raise goats for meat and milk, or perhaps focus on fiber production like cashmere? Be honest about your capabilities and limitations in these areas.
* Familiarize yourself with local regulations: Check building codes, zoning laws, and other relevant restrictions in your area. This will ensure that you’re aware of any potential challenges or opportunities related to raising animals, such as chickens, in your locality.* Reflect on self-sufficiency: Are there items you currently purchase that could be made or produced by yourself? If so, do you possess the necessary skills or knowledge to make this happen?
If not, add these skills to your ‘to learn’ list. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to develop a more comprehensive and sustainable homesteading strategy.
Basic Steps to Starting a Small Homestead
As you reflect on the myriad possibilities that have emerged from your exploration, it’s essential to prioritize those pursuits that spark the greatest passion and excitement within you. What is it that you’ve always dreamed of accomplishing? Which hobbies or passions do you feel most drawn to? Once you’ve identified your top goals, consider how you can start making progress on them right where you are, rather than waiting for a hypothetical ‘perfect’ situation.
By doing so, you’ll be able to build momentum and make steady progress towards achieving your aspirations.
Start Small as a Trial Run
Imagine a thriving permaculture homestead, teeming with an abundance of food. To achieve this, start by cultivating three to four diverse species, focusing on the traditional crop rotation quartet: fruits, legumes, greens, and roots. Ensure these varieties are suitable for preservation methods like canning, fermenting, or pickling.
For instance, consider growing tomatoes, which can be transformed into sauce or salsa and water bath canned, climbing peas that require pressure canning, cabbages perfect for sauerkraut or kimchi, and carrots ideal for pickling with your preferred seasonings. As you tend to these plants and preserve their bounty, pay attention to your emotions. Do you feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities or empowered by the sense of accomplishment?
This introspection will help guide your decisions about expanding your permaculture homestead.
Be Aware of the Costs of Homesteading
When considering a homestead, it’s crucial to research various locales thoroughly, taking into account the affordability and healthiness of the land. If you’re set on staying in your current location, be realistic about what you’re willing to sacrifice for the sake of homesteading. For example, if you’re looking at more affordable options like Georgia or Arkansas in the USA, or Manitoba and the Yukon in Canada, weigh the pros and cons of settling there.
Think about the weather, soil makeup, and whether you’ll still have access to a power grid. If off-grid living is your goal, research the benefits and drawbacks of hydro, solar, and generator-based power options. This will help you make an informed decision. Estimated costs for starting a homestead can vary greatly depending on location.
However, here are some rough estimates: land to live on and cultivate might cost around $40,000, while housing – whether building or purchasing a double-wide trailer – could set you back $55,000 (or about $300 per month). Water, if not already available, may require an additional $3,000 to $5,000 for a well. A septic system will cost around $1,500, with annual maintenance costs of a few hundred dollars.
For growing vegetables, you’ll need to budget for seeds, soil amendments, tools, and canning supplies – about $1,400 per year. If you plan on keeping livestock, an optional barn might cost between $3,000 and $8,000, while a chicken coop will set you back around $500. Chickens themselves will require annual costs of $50 to $100 for chicks and $350 for feed, mite protection, heating lamps, etc. Off-grid electricity is another significant expense, estimated at around $2,500 per year.
As you can see, starting a homestead can be costly, but with careful planning and research, it’s achievable.
Cost vs Return and Pros & Cons
While homesteading can offer a sense of authenticity and financial savings, it’s essential to recognize that not all aspects are created equal. Take bread-making as an example. Store-bought whole-wheat bread typically costs around two dollars, but making one from scratch can be a time-consuming process. Not only do you need to factor in the cost of specialized equipment like bread tins, but also the ingredients themselves, including flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and oil.
And let’s not forget about the labor involved – mixing, kneading, letting it rise multiple times before baking. You could be spending hours on this process, only to end up with a loaf that’s healthier, tastier, and more nutritious than its store-bought counterpart. But at what cost in terms of time, energy, and resources?
Be Realistic About Creature Comforts (and the Lack Thereof)
While city dwellers may take for granted the convenience of their local cafe or reliable internet connection, rural living often means making do with limited resources. For instance, your nearest coffee shop might be a considerable drive away and not always open. Meanwhile, internet connectivity is likely to be patchy at best. Furthermore, when it comes to medical emergencies, rural residents may face longer response times for ambulance services or hospital treatment.
Similarly, if you’re an animal owner, veterinary care may also require a bit more planning. To prepare for these challenges, consider developing backup skills that can help in emergency situations, such as cooking on alternative heat sources like wood stoves or fireplaces, or finding ways to purify snowmelt into drinking water.
In the end, it’s essential to be comfortable with the idea of adapting to life without certain modern conveniences and having a plan B ready when unexpected events arise.
Homesteading Can Be Very Difficult
While the idea of an idyllic countryside life may seem appealing, homesteading is a challenging endeavor that requires resilience. You’ll inevitably face physical setbacks like injuries from manual labor, insect bites, and minor cuts and scrapes. Crops will fail, animals will fall ill or be taken out by predators, and you’ll experience power outages and harsh weather conditions.
However, these difficulties are balanced by the benefits of spending time outdoors, exercising in natural environments, and enjoying wholesome food. If homesteading is your calling, it’s achievable with the right mindset and support. Take advantage of our comprehensive resources on topics like growing guides, canning, barn building, and more to aid you on your journey.
With determination and guidance, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and reap the rewards of a fulfilling homesteading lifestyle.
