8 Ways To Begin Homesteading Where You Are - Today!



Back when I would only dream of a homesteading lifestyle, I didn't think about all those things I could begin doing right where I was - in a rented condo in town.  I always thought "someday.....".  Someday I would have property, someday I would have a garden, someday I would preserve my own food, make my own products, etc.  Regardless of whether you dream of someday having a piece of property in the country or plan to live on a small postage stamp space in the city, there are many things you can do to adopt a homesteading lifestyle.  You just have to figure out what you want to do and give it a try!

Here are a few ideas:

1. Grow Your Own Food
You can have a garden just about anywhere, it's the size that may be limited.  If you have a decent sized backyard, you may be able to accommodate a garden bed or two.  Grow veggies that your family eats and use your space well by combining plants that grow well together and can be layered together {think the "three sisters" - corn, beans and squash}.  If you have a small space, try container gardening.  There are many varieties of veggies that can be grown in containers.  If you have no space, try the next item.

2. Grow Your Own Herbs/Learn To Use Herbs
Herbs are used in so many more ways than just culinary uses.  We use them in our skincare products, for all of our animals, in tea and in herbal salves, balms and ointments.  They can be easily incorporated into flower beds {make sure there's no way animals can urinate on them....}, garden beds, in a container on your porch or deck or grown right on your windowsill.

3. Plant Semi-Dwarf Fruit and/or Nut Trees
There are tons of semi-dwarf varieties out there allowing you to easily incorporate trees that produce delicious edibles in your yard.

4. Learn To Save Your Seeds
Start seed saving with your smaller garden so you're a pro once you've doubled or tripled the size.  It's a great way to save money every year and I love the challenge of growing things that cost me little to nothing!

5. Make Meals From Scratch and In Season
You don't have to grow your own food to cook from scratch.  And you certainly don't have to strive to cook everything from scratch.  Choose a few things every week or every month.  Learning to cook what's in season will allow you to begin thinking of ways to use up your produce while your garden is in bounty.   Shopping from a local farmer, a local farmer's market or the grocery store for in season produce opens your eyes to what will grow and when in your area.

6. Learn To Preserve Food
Again, even if you don't grow your own produce, this is something totally do-able.  Learn to water bath can, pressure can, oven can, dehydrate, freeze, and ferment.  It may seem scary or overwhelming, but if you aim to try one new thing every year, before you know it you'll be on your way to using every single thing you eventually grow.

7. Raise Some Critters
If you have the space and ability to do it, why not consider adding a couple of chickens, meat rabbits or a hive of honeybees to your backyard?

8. Practice Being Frugal
Learning to make do with what you have and recycling materials, products, etc. are part of the homesteading lifestyle.  Much different than hoarding, keeping potentially useful items on hand and well organized means you can quickly patch a fence before an animal gets out, fix a feeder, or get the tractor running again without having to run to town or hire someone else to do it. In addition, paying off debt and learning to live on less will help you become a successful homesteader.

What types of things are you planning on trying this year?



More Homesteading Posts:
Homesteading Where You Are Series
How We Homestead Series
25 Ways To Make Extra Money On The Homestead
Stocking The Pantry and Freezer
Homemade Laundry Detergent
10 Tips for Planning/Starting Your Garden
Homemade Cleaners


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1 comment

  1. I always love your "beginning homesteader" posts. You really need to put them all in a book.
    I think getting out of debt is key and it sure makes everything else fall into place a lot easier. You are a real inspiration Staci.

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