Homesteading

Ah, homesteading! A concept that has been bubbling under the surface for years, and lately, well, it's absolutely exploded in popularity. And quite right, too! People all over are beginning to rediscover the joy of self-sufficiency—growing their own food, raising a few chickens, maybe even keeping bees. And why not? There's something deeply gratifying about being able to put food on the table that you've nurtured from the ground up.

Now, what's this all about? Well, broadly speaking, homesteading is about self-reliance. It's about limiting your dependence on the supermarket and reconnecting with the land, even if it’s just in a modest way. Many people start homesteading because they want to simplify their lives, to live more naturally, and to have more control over what they consume. And I completely understand that. There’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes from knowing the eggs on your plate came from the chickens outside, or that the veggies in your stew grew in your own garden.

But here’s the thing, and this is what I absolutely love about the homesteading movement—it’s entirely up to you how you go about it. You can create a homesteading lifestyle that suits your own personal needs, no matter where you live or how much land you have. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing venture. You don't need acres of farmland to get started; homesteading is just as achievable in a small urban backyard, or even on a balcony.

Now, I’ve been sharing my own homesteading journey since 2010, and the most common comment I get is, “I can’t wait to start my own homestead.” And I always say, “Why wait?” The idea that you need a big plot of land before you can begin is a myth. Whether you’re in your twenties or sixties, in the city or countryside, you can begin right now. You don’t have to wait for the perfect circumstances. Start learning those essential skills bit by bit—whether it’s growing herbs in a pot, making your own bread, or learning how to preserve food. Trust me, it’s the little things that add up over time.

But let’s be honest here—homesteading isn’t always going to be a bed of roses. There will be tough days, frustrating days, and yes, days when things go wrong. And that's fine! It's part of the process. For example, let’s talk about chickens. If you’ve kept them, you’ll know they can get ill with respiratory issues, or—brace yourself—develop a prolapsed vent. The first time you see one of your chickens with part of its reproductive tract sticking out, you might be more than a little shocked. But you deal with it, and you learn. That’s the thing with homesteading—it’s a continuous learning journey.

So, how do you begin?

First, you need to create your vision. What do you want out of homesteading? Are you aiming to go completely off-grid, or just grow a few things? Will you raise livestock? These are important questions because your vision will help shape the steps you take. And remember, you don’t have to dive in all at once. Start small, and as you become more confident, you can expand.

Let’s say you want to bake your own bread. Don’t feel like you need to jump straight into growing your own wheat! Instead, start by learning to bake bread from scratch. Then, once you’ve got a few good recipes under your belt, you might experiment with different types of flour. Eventually, when you’re ready, you can look into sourcing whole grains and even milling your own flour. The key is to prioritize and pace yourself.

Another essential point—finances. Homesteading can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Focus on paying off debt and sticking to a budget. Think of ways to make your homesteading activities pay for themselves. For example, if you’re starting a garden, could you grow extra produce to sell? Or maybe sell plant starts? Likewise, if you’re raising chickens, could you sell eggs or meat to offset the cost? It’s about being smart with your resources and thinking creatively.

Assessing your property

Whether you’re on your forever land or not, take a good look at your space. What can you realistically do with what you’ve got? Even if you’re in a temporary location, there’s no reason you can’t start experimenting with growing food or keeping a few animals. Observe your land—see where the sun hits, where the shaded areas are, and think about how you might want to expand in the future.

Start now, not later!

You don’t need to wait for the perfect setup. Start learning today! Whether it’s gardening, raising chickens, or simply learning to preserve food—begin building your skill set. Every little thing you learn now will make it easier when you eventually expand your homestead. And trust me, there’s plenty to learn! You’ll find yourself picking up all sorts of useful skills over time—everything from carpentry to animal care, food preservation to gardening.

Preservation is key

If you’re growing or raising your own food, you’ll want to make the most of it. Learning to preserve food is one of the most crucial skills you can develop as a homesteader. Whether it’s canning, dehydrating, or freezing—find the methods that work for you and practice them. It’s no good having a bumper crop of tomatoes if you don’t know how to preserve them for the winter months.

And here’s an important tip—try different methods of preservation in small batches first. You might find your family prefers one method over another, and it’s much easier to figure that out before you fill your pantry with jars of food that no one wants to eat!

Prepare for animals

If you’re planning to keep animals, make sure you’re fully prepared. Animals require a lot more work than you might expect, and it’s important to understand their needs before you bring them onto your homestead. Do you have the right shelter? Are you ready to deal with illness or emergencies? These are all things you need to think about ahead of time.

Learning never stops

Homesteading is a continual process of learning. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re an opportunity to learn! Whether it’s a DIY project gone wrong or a failed crop, take it in stride. You’ll only grow more resilient and knowledgeable over time.

Finally, embrace free resources

Composting, rainwater collection, foraging for wild plants—there are so many ways to enhance your homesteading journey without spending a penny. Make the most of what’s available to you.

At the end of the day, homesteading is a deeply personal journey. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. What’s important is that you’re working toward a more self-sufficient life in a way that feels right for you. Enjoy the process, take your time, and remember—it’s the journey that counts!

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