Tag: what is homesteading

  • Homesteading: My Top Ten Tips

    Homesteading is a dream for many—living closer to nature, growing your own food, raising animals, and embracing self-sufficiency. It’s a lifestyle filled with rewards, but it’s also packed with challenges and surprises that most beginners don’t anticipate. Looking back on my journey, there are several things I wish I had known before diving into homesteading. If you’re just starting out, these lessons might save you time, money, and frustration.

    1. You Don’t Have to Do Everything at Once

    When I first started homesteading, I was eager to try it all—gardening, raising chickens, keeping bees, and preserving food—all at once. I figured if instead of just dipping a toe in, I would jump in both feet first. This was a recipe for burnout. I quickly learned that starting small and focusing on one or two projects at a time is the best approach. Homesteading is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s always time to add more as you gain experience and confidence. If you want to read about how I got started I’ll link it below.

    Embracing Homesteading: A Journey to Self-Sufficiency

    2. It’s Harder Than It Looks Online

    Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to romanticize homesteading. Beautiful gardens, happy animals, and rustic homes make it seem effortless. In reality, homesteading is a lot of hard work. Plants don’t always thrive, animals get sick, and fences break, a lot. Be prepared for challenges and bad days. Homesteading is about learning as you go, and remembering its okay to make mistakes.

    3. The Cost Can Add Up Quickly

    I assumed that homesteading would save me money right away, but I quickly realized that the upfront costs can be significant. Tools, seeds, fencing, animal feed, and infrastructure like coops and raised garden beds all require investment. While homesteading can save money in the long term, it’s important to budget wisely and prioritize essential projects first.  I also suggest prioritizing DIY projects and recycled materials before buying new. It’s more important for it to be purposeful than pretty.

    4. Research Is Your Best Friend

    One of the biggest lessons I learned is that knowledge is power. I made several mistakes early on because I didn’t research enough. For example, I didn’t now how to amend my soil or know what companion planting was. Let’s not start about how I misjudged the height of fencing I needed for my goat enclosure. Take the time to study your land, climate, and the requirements of the animals or plants you want to raise.  

    5. Time Management Is Key

    Homesteading is incredibly time-consuming. Between caring for animals, maintaining a garden, and tackling DIY projects, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I wish I had created a daily and seasonal schedule earlier to stay on top of tasks. Planning ahead, especially for busy times like planting and harvesting seasons, makes everything more manageable. 

    6. Pests and Predators Are Relentless

    One of the biggest shocks for me was how relentless pests and predators can be. From insects destroying crops to foxes breaking into the chicken coop, I learned that prevention is crucial. Invest in secure fencing, use natural pest control methods, and always be prepared to adapt your strategies.

    7. It’s Okay to Outsource Some Things

    As much as I wanted to do everything myself. I quickly realized that it’s okay to ask for help or outsource certain tasks. Whether it’s hiring someone to repair a fence or buying seedlings instead of starting from seed. Outsourcing can save you time and energy when you’re feeling overwhelmed. When I outsource I prefer to buy local or from other homesteaders to help support my community.

    8. Patience Is Essential

    Homesteading is a lifestyle that requires patience. Gardens don’t grow overnight, and animals take time to mature and produce. There will be setbacks and slow progress, but trust the process. Celebrate small victories and remember why you started.  

    9. Self-Care Matters

    In the early days of homesteading, I often worked from dawn to dusk, neglecting my own well-being. Over time, I learned that self-care is just as important as caring for your land and animals. Take breaks, rest when you need to, and make time for hobbies or relaxation to avoid burnout.  

    10. Homesteading Is a Journey, Not a Destination

    Finally, I wish I had embraced the mindset that homesteading is an ever-evolving journey. There’s always something new to learn, and your goals change over time. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress and enjoy the process of building a lifestyle that works for you.  

    Final Thoughts

    Homesteading is a fulfilling and transformative lifestyle, but it’s not without its challenges. By learning from my experiences, you can avoid some common pitfalls and set yourself up for success. Remember to start small, do your research, and give yourself grace as you learn and grow.  

    Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about taking the plunge, homesteading is a journey worth pursuing. What lessons have you learned or are you excited to explore? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • What is homesteading: Small Scale

    What is Homesteading on a Small Scale?

    Homesteading has long been associated with a self-sufficient lifestyle. One where individuals or families take responsibility for producing their own food, shelter, and energy. While large-scale homesteading properties often conjure up images of huge farms and pastures galore with animals, small-scale homesteading is a growing trend that focuses on achieving a similar sense of independence and sustainability—just on a smaller, more manageable scale. You can achieve small-scale homesteading whether you live on a small urban lot, a suburban backyard, or a few acres in the countryside (which is what I have). Small-scale homesteading allows you to embrace self-reliance in a way that fits your space, budget, and lifestyle.

    What Does Small-Scale Homesteading Involve?

    Small-scale homesteading is about creating a lifestyle where you can provide for your basic needs without relying heavily on outside resources. It’s about being resourceful, learning new skills, and cultivating a sense of independence. Here are some key elements involved in small-scale homesteading:

    Growing Your Own Food

       One of the primary goals of homesteading is food production, and small-scale homesteaders often grow their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Even if you have a small garden or just a few containers on a balcony, you can grow a surprising amount of food. From tomatoes and peppers to greens like spinach and kale, many plants thrive in compact spaces. Raised garden beds, vertical gardening, and hydroponics are all popular methods for maximizing food production in small areas.

    Raising Livestock

       For those with a bit more space, raising small livestock can be a rewarding aspect of homesteading. Chickens for eggs, rabbits for meat, or even a few goats for milk are great options for small-scale homesteaders. These animals require less space and resources than larger livestock but still offer the benefits of fresh, home-produced food.

    Preserving the Harvest

       When you grow your own food, one of the key skills to master is food preservation. Canning, freezing, drying, and fermenting allow homesteaders to store food for the winter or times of scarcity. For small-scale homesteaders, this could mean a modest pantry full of homemade jams, pickles, or frozen vegetables, ensuring a year-round supply of nutritious food without relying on store-bought alternatives.

    Energy Independence

       Small-scale homesteaders often seek to reduce their dependency on traditional energy sources by adopting renewable energy practices. Solar panels, small wind turbines, and even rainwater harvesting systems can be incorporated into a homesteading lifestyle, making it more sustainable and cost-effective over time. Energy independence can be achieved incrementally, starting with small steps like installing energy-efficient appliances or using solar-powered lights.

    DIY Projects and Crafting

       Many small-scale homesteaders embrace the DIY mentality. This can range from woodworking and home repairs to making your own soap, candles, and cleaning products. The ability to create or repair items yourself not only saves money but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and reduces reliance on mass-produced goods. This mindset is central to homesteading on any scale, and it’s a great way to enhance your self-sufficiency.

    Sustainable Living

       Sustainability is a core tenet of homesteading, and even small-scale homesteaders can reduce their environmental impact. This can involve composting food scraps, using natural fertilizers, recycling materials, and minimizing waste. Even small actions, like using reusable bags and reducing plastic usage, contribute to a more sustainable way of life.

    Why Choose Small-Scale Homesteading?

    Small-scale homesteading offers numerous benefits, and it’s a lifestyle that appeals to a wide range of people. Here are some reasons homesteading is becoming so popular:

    Lower Cost of Living

    Growing your own food, raising animals for eggs or meat, and reducing your reliance on store-bought goods can lead to significant savings in the long run.

    Increased Self-Sufficiency

    With a small-scale homestead, you become less reliant on outside sources for food, water, and energy. This sense of independence can be both empowering and reassuring.

    Connection with Nature

    Homesteading allows you to develop a closer relationship with the land and the natural world. The satisfaction of growing your own food, taking care of animals, and using natural resources in sustainable ways can deepen your connection to nature.

    Healthier Living

    Growing your own organic food and avoiding processed items can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, the physical labor involved in homesteading, from gardening to building, can keep you active and engaged.

    A Sense of Accomplishment

    Homesteading teaches you new skills, such as gardening, carpentry, cooking, and animal care. Each task completed—from a successful harvest to a newly built chicken coop—provides a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

    How to Start Small-Scale Homesteading

    If you’re interested in starting your own small-scale homestead, it’s important to start small and work within your current capabilities. Here are a few tips to get started:

    1. Assess Your Space

    Whether you have a small backyard or an apartment balcony, determine what you can realistically grow or produce in your available space.

    2. Start with the Basics

    Begin by growing a few easy-to-care-for plants, like herbs or lettuce, and gradually expand your garden as you gain experience.

    3. Learn New Skills

    There are countless resources online and in libraries to help you learn homesteading skills like gardening, food preservation, and animal care.

    4. Invest in Essential Tools

    Reusing and recycling materials you have available to you should always be your primary goal however there are certain items you will want to invest it. Whether it’s gardening tools, a compost bin, or a small chicken coop, investing in the right equipment will help you get started and make your efforts more efficient.

    5. Join a Community

    Homesteading doesn’t have to be a solo venture. Find local homesteading groups or online forums where you can exchange advice, tips, and encouragement with others who share your interests. Tik tok and facebook both have great communities.

    Conclusion

    Small-scale homesteading is a rewarding lifestyle that allows individuals and families to embrace self-sufficiency, sustainability, and independence without the need for large plots of land. Whether you’re growing your own food, raising small livestock, or creating DIY projects, small-scale homesteading provides countless opportunities for personal growth, cost savings, and a deeper connection to nature. By starting small and working with what you have, you can create a homestead that fits your space, your time, and your life.

    Happy Homesteading!