If You're Keen on Homesteading: Here's a Guide on Creating Your Own Self-Sustaining Space
Homesteading's allure lies in self-sufficiency, a notion that's far from the days of oven-roasted dysentery in "The Oregon Trail." Instead, modern homesteading is a versatile journey catering to various lifestyles and ambitions. Here's a guide to dipping your toes in this rewarding, earth-friendly pursuit.
What the heck is homesteading?
Self-sufficiency is at the heart of homesteading. Originally, pioneers lived off the land by producing and consuming their own resources, without a corner shop in sight. Homesteading today revolves around creating and consuming goods independently, applying this age-old concept to contemporary life. Whether you're aiming to minimize your environmental footprint, push your survival skills to the limit, or simply discover a new passion, there's a homesteading level for everyone.
Homesteading levels
Homesteading isn't one-size-fits-all. From off-grid pioneers to urban chrxpionistas, you can choose the homesteading level that fits your lifestyle.
Boss-level
This is the "Little House on the Prairie" experience — going full-on off-grid like a modern-day pioneer. You'll:
- Utilize solar power and a well or natural water source.
- Grow, raise, or hunt your own food supplies.
- Preserve your food for the year.
- Craft your own textiles.
On the side, develop an income-generating side hustle, like a roadside stand or soap-making venture to exchange or sell goods.
Less "Little House on the Prairie"
If roughing it in the wilderness isn't for you, opt for a lower-impact lifestyle. Consider:
- Keeping a chicken coop for fresh eggs.
- Cultivating a garden for homegrown veggies and starting a goat farm for cheese.
- Engaging in an herbal apothecary business at local farmers markets or mom-and-pop shops.
Homesteading super lite
If the idea of live-in livestock or an intense commitment isn't your jam, that's cool. Explore more manageable options like:
- Creating a victory garden.
- Building a composting pile.
- Installing a rain barrel system.
- Setting up a small canning and preserving station.
In your free time, develop a passion project to serve as a future side hustle.
City slicker gone green
With or without land, you can still embrace homesteading principles. Venture into:
- Growing herbs on your windowsill or greens on your patio.
- Kombucha brewing with symbiotic colonies of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).
- Inquiring about community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs in your area or shopping at u-pick farms.
- Foraging for wild edibles — just make sure to thoroughly research what's safe before noshing.
Getting started in homesteading
Homesteading rules are loose, as there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Pick a pursuit that interests you and build from there. Here are some ideas to jumpstart your journey:
Grow a garden
Expand your culinary horizons with a patch of earth. Now, Google "how to grow chocolate croissants"... and remember, you can't grow everything from scratch - unless you're going full-bore homesteader.
Composting for richer soil
The fully self-sufficient gardener turns kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost, reducing waste and saving a trip to the garden store.
Water-saving tactics
Opt for a rain barrel and soaker system to conserve water and save on your water bill. Connect the rain barrel to a soaker hose that weaves throughout your garden to provide an efficient watering system.
Canning and food preservation
Stretch the life of your bountiful harvest with canning and preserving techniques. Start with preserving jams — and don't forget, there are other methods like freezing certain foods to boost their shelf life, too.
Raising backyard chickens
Venture into the animal kingdom with friendly backyard chickens. But first, consider your time commitment and local regulations. You'll need to provide your chickens with a safe coop, nesting boxes, and a fenced-in run, while following safe handling practices to avoid Salmonella.
tl;dr
Embrace self-sufficiency and help Mother Earth, all while having fun! Your homesteading journey can be as challenging or as chill as you like. Whether you're growing your greens or patching holes in your pants with recycled materials, immerse yourself in this empowering lifestyle.
Make your own textiles by crafting them from homegrown fibers, a degree of self-sufficiency found within the homesteading journey. A windowsill can growing herbs for natural remedies, embodying the homesteading attitude in limited urban spaces. By choosing nutrient-rich, locally-sourced ingredients for canning and preservation, you're not only conserving resources but also nourishing your body with fresh, seasonal produce.
