Homesteading:
How to unleash your inner farmer and feed yourself
Reap the rewards of self-reliance when you begin producing your own food right at home. We’re talking fruits, vegetables, chickens and eggs, rabbits, and other livestock.
A self-sufficient property consists of gardening, livestock, and a lot of DIY projects. And, it can be done on as little as a quarter acre. Of course, the scale and scope of your activities may be more limited on a quarter acre compared to larger properties. All this to say that you can achieve self-sufficiency on smaller lots, and you can certainly embrace a more sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle.
And if you’ve got acreage …
Homestead, hobby farm, or farmstead?
Before we get started, let’s take time to define homestead, hobby farm, and farmstead.
While homesteading, hobby farming, and farmsteads all involve agricultural activities, they differ in their primary objectives, scale, and focus. Homesteading prioritizes self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a holistic lifestyle — some may even call it a preparedness lifestyle. Hobby farming emphasizes personal enjoyment and fulfillment through agricultural pursuits; and farmsteads center on commercial agricultural production with a focus on efficiency and profit. Each of these concepts offers a unique approach to living and working on the land, catering to a range of motivations and goals.
Because of the unique focus on self sufficiency and the ability to homestead on small to large plots of land, we homestead. We recommend you take steps to start homesteading too as part of your preparedness (and mental well-being) journey.
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Homesteading as a means of prepping
Both homesteading and prepping revolve around the concepts of self-sufficiency, resilience, and the ability to thrive in the face of unforeseen challenges. Homesteading skills contribute to prepping, while prepping strategies can be integrated into a homesteading lifestyle.
Take self sufficiency for example. Homesteading emphasizes the ability to provide for basic needs, such as food, water, and energy, through sustainable practices. This focus on self-sufficiency aligns closely with prepping goals, where individuals and families strive to be less reliant on external systems during times of crisis.
By adopting homesteading practices, such as growing food, raising livestock, and generating renewable energy, you inherently develop the skills and resources needed to navigate emergencies more effectively. You become prepared for an unpredictable future.
Cultivating a homesteading lifestyle helps you become better equipped to navigate prolonged emergencies or disruptions, resulting in longer-term self reliance and sustainability. With homesteading, the principles of preparedness become embedded in daily life, creating a foundation of resilience that extends beyond short-term crisis management.
By embracing the principles of homesteading, individuals not only enhance their day-to-day well-being but also fortify their ability to effectively respond to and recover from unexpected challenges, ensuring a more secure and sustainable future.
Are homesteaders preppers?
Every day, more and more people are making the move to embrace a self-sufficient life, going back to the way things used to be — raising animals, growing their own food, and repurposing or repairing what they already own. They're learning skills forgotten by the vast majority of the population. They’re making their own bread, preserving their harvests, collecting their own eggs, and processing their own livestock.
Whether they have a 40-acre parcel or small lot in suburbia, they’re reducing their reliance on the commercial food industry and municipal services to ensure that they have what they need to glide effortlessly through any challenge, and become self-reliant.
Yeah, but are they preppers?
More and more we hear something to the tune of, “I’m a homesteader, and that used to be just a normal way of life. Now it’s considered prepping.”
Our final answer, they can be, and we believe all homesteaders are a type of prepper, though not in the “doomsday” sense.
While preppers prepare for the unexpected by stockpiling essentials and acquiring specific survival skills, homesteaders cultivate a resilient way of life through sustainable practices, resource production, and a connection to the land. Both prepping and homesteading complement each other, with prepping providing short-term security and homesteading offering a longer-term foundation for self-reliance and sustainable living.
At Prepper Team, we believe they’re both essential to a truly self-reliant future. We practice both and urge those visiting our site to do the same. After all, stockpiles are finite while homesteading continually produces new reserves and is a sustainable way of life.
What is homesteading?
Homesteading refers to a lifestyle and practice centered around self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a strong connection to the land. It’s about adopting a more hands-on approach to daily needs by producing your own food, energy, and resources. Homesteading encompasses a wide range of activities, including gardening, animal production, food preservation, alternative energy, and DIY skills.
The history of homesteading
One of the most well-known chapters in homesteading history is the American Homestead Act of 1862. During the westward expansion of the United States, the government sought to encourage settlement of the frontier by offering land to individuals and families willing to develop and improve it. Under the act, homesteaders could claim up to 160 acres of public land, cultivate the land, build a home, and establish a residence. After five years of continuous improvement, the homesteader could acquire full ownership of the land.
This initiative led to a wave of settlers heading west to stake their claims.
Homesteading is a testament to the human drive to secure a livelihood from the land, adapt to changing circumstances, and embrace a more self-reliant way of life. It remains an enduring and dynamic concept that continues to inspire individuals and communities around the world.
What is modern homesteading?
Homesteading continues to evolve in response to modern challenges and opportunities. Large-scale homesteading or farmsteading can provide complete self-sufficiency and income opportunities; while urban homesteading brings self-sufficiency to city dwellers through practices like container gardening, beekeeping, and composting.
Technological advancements have also allowed homesteaders to leverage innovations in renewable energy, hydroponics, and permaculture.
Modern homesteading offers varying levels of self-sufficiency and homesteaders can adopt the practices that align with their goals and available resources — and it’s gaining momentum.
Not sure where to learn the right homesteading skills? Check out these books:
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A modern homesteading example
The Urban Homestead is located in Pasadena, CA and it’s located on just 1/10 of an acre. They supply their “community with fresh produce and hands-on homesteading opportunities.”
A small lot with big yields, Urban Homestead feeds 150–200 families per year and donates over 10,000 boxes of food from their small operation. They’re proof that yes, you can indeed grow 100% of your own food on a very small parcel.
Why do people choose to homestead?
People choose to homestead for a variety of personal, practical, and philosophical reasons. The homesteading lifestyle offers a unique blend of self-sufficiency, connection to the land, and a return to more traditional ways of living.
Some are driven by concerns about an unstable supply chain, corruption, food security, and a desire for a simpler way of life.
Here are some common motivations behind the choice to homestead — you could also call them the benefits of living on a homestead.
Self-sufficiency
Many homesteaders are drawn to the idea of producing their own food, energy, and resources. They want to reduce their reliance on external systems, such as grocery stores, utility companies, and commercial agriculture, and gain a sense of empowerment by meeting their needs directly from the land.
Preparedness
Homesteading provides peace of mind in knowing that basic needs are met should any emergency arise. Not only are immediate needs accounted for, but homesteaders know that they can continue to produce food for the long run. They’ve also acquired the skills they need to continue preserving food, building structures, and sewing or mending their own clothing. Their ability to repurpose items also helps them to be ready for just about anything.
Health and nutrition
Homesteaders prioritize fresh, organic, and nutrient-dense foods. Growing their own produce allows them to control the quality and methods of cultivation, resulting in a healthier diet. Additionally, raising animals for meat, eggs, and dairy provides access to high-quality protein sources. Home food production is a big part of homesteading.
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Sustainability
Homesteading often emphasizes sustainable and regenerative practices. By growing food organically, conserving water, using renewable energy sources, and minimizing waste, homesteaders contribute to a healthier planet.
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Economic savings
Homesteading can lead to significant cost savings over time. Producing food at home reduces grocery bills, and generating energy through renewable sources lowers utility expenses. Skills like sewing, carpentry, and food preservation contribute to reduced spending on commercial products and services.
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Connection to nature
Homesteaders often seek a closer connection to the natural world. Working the land, observing seasonal cycles, and caring for animals provide a sense of fulfillment and grounding. The opportunity to immerse oneself in the outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature is often a driving factor.
Resilience
The ability to provide for one's needs during uncertain times is a powerful motivator. Homesteaders believe that cultivating their own food and resources enhances their resilience in the face of economic instability, natural disasters, or other disruptions.
Traditional skills
Many homesteaders are inspired by traditional skills that were commonplace in previous generations. Learning practices like food preservation, herbal medicine, natural building, and animal husbandry allows them to reconnect with heritage and heritage practices.
Personal fulfillment
Homesteading offers a sense of accomplishment. Witnessing the fruits of one's labor — from a bountiful garden harvest to the birth of farm animals — brings a unique sense of satisfaction and joy.
Escape from urban life
Some individuals seek an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living. Homesteading offers a quieter, simpler, and slower-paced lifestyle that can lead to reduced stress and improved well-being.
Educational opportunity
Homesteading provides a platform for ongoing learning and personal growth. Acquiring skills related to farming, food preservation, building, and renewable energy broadens knowledge and contributes to a well-rounded education.
Ultimately, the decision to homestead is a deeply personal one, driven by a combination of values, goals, and circumstances. While each homesteader's journey is unique, the common thread is a desire for a more intentional, sustainable, and fulfilling way of life.
What’s it take to run a homestead?
Homesteading takes a lot of hard work, sweat, and maybe even a few tears. But, it pays liberally in rewards of fresh produce, good livestock, and a satisfaction that can’t be gained through many other lifestyle endeavors. It’s connecting, fulfilling, and sustainable. What’s it take to homestead? Let’s take a look at a few common elements.
Small- or large-scale agriculture
Homesteaders often cultivate their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, either in traditional gardens, raised beds, or other innovative growing systems.
They tailor their efforts to their available space and resources. Whether it's a small backyard garden or a larger plot of land, they cultivate a wide range of crops, from staple vegetables like potatoes and carrots to specialty herbs and fruits. Innovative growing systems, such as hydroponics, the Mittleider method, or vertical gardening, may be employed to maximize space and yield.
Explore these gardening methods in more detail with these books:
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Livestock production and processing
Many homesteaders keep animals such as chickens, goats, rabbits, or even larger livestock like cows or pigs.
Livestock plays a crucial role in self-reliance. Chickens provide fresh eggs, while goats and cows offer milk and meat. Rabbits are one of the most efficient livestock for meat production, and pigs are often raised for pork. The choice of livestock depends on specific goals, available space, and expertise.
Learn to raise and process animals with these books:
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Food preservation
Preserving excess produce is a vital part of homesteading. This can be done through canning, fermenting, drying, or freezing, and it allows individuals to enjoy homegrown food year-round.
Canning involves sealing food in jars to prevent spoilage, while fermenting preserves through natural fermentation processes. Drying removes moisture from foods, extending their shelf life, and freezing preserves the freshness of fruits and vegetables.
Some people even invest in freeze dryers. Freeze drying is a process of preserving food by freezing it and then gradually removing moisture through sublimation. This technique maintains the food's quality, flavor, and nutritional content while extending its shelf life. Freeze-dried food can be stored for long periods without refrigeration and easily rehydrated for consumption.
These techniques ensure a diverse and nutritious diet beyond the growing season.
Not sure where to start with food preservation? Check out these books:
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Energy independence
Some homesteaders embrace renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, or micro-hydro systems to generate their own power. These systems provide reliable and sustainable sources of power for homestead operations.
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Craftsmanship and DIY
Homesteaders often develop skills in woodworking, sewing, soap-making, and other crafts to create everyday necessities, repurpose existing items, or generate supplemental income.
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The homesteading lifestyle fosters a culture of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. Homesteaders often develop skills in woodworking to build structures, create furniture, or construct tools. They may also learn sewing to create clothing and fabric items, and soap-making to produce natural cleaning products. These skills not only meet practical needs but also contribute to a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.
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Natural building
Some homesteaders choose to build their homes or outbuildings using sustainable and natural materials like straw bales, cob (a mixture of sand, clay, and straw), or reclaimed wood. These materials have low environmental impact and can provide excellent insulation, contributing to energy efficiency.
Community engagement
While self-sufficiency is a goal, homesteaders recognize the value of community connections. They often participate in local farmers' markets, workshops, or skill-sharing events, where they can exchange resources, knowledge, and experiences. Building a network of like-minded individuals enhances resilience and fosters a sense of belonging.
Environmental stewardship
Homesteading emphasizes responsible land management. Practices such as composting, cover cropping, and rotational grazing promote soil health and biodiversity. Homesteaders aim to minimize chemical inputs, reduce waste, and restore ecosystems, ensuring that their land thrives for generations to come.
Prepper tip: Modern homesteading can vary widely based on factors like location, available resources, and personal goals. While some homesteaders strive for complete self-sufficiency, others may focus on producing a portion of their food and resources while maintaining ties to the broader community and economy.
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How do I get started with homesteading?
Set goals. Create a clear outline of what you want to accomplish and the lifestyle you want to create. Explore the resources you have and make a list of the things you need to change to see your goals to fruition.
Start small. Build on your current skills in whatever setting you live in at this moment — whether your skills are in gardening, raising small livestock, sewing, or welding. Use your skills to develop more self sufficiency. Share those skills with neighbors and friends. Develop more skills as you move toward your goals.
When we began our homesteading journey, we lived on a quarter acre in town — with a very strict HOA. We had a beautiful vegetable garden, herb garden, and a dozen fruiting trees. We were not allowed to keep animals. We began collecting seeds and gardening tools. We learned how to compost. Then, we made our big move. We bought acreage in the mountains and began to push for more.
How do homesteaders make money?
This is a common question and one with many answers. Some homesteaders sell what they produce. Some teach classes on homesteading skills or provide homestead experiences (cheesemaking, intro to homesteading) on platforms like Airbnb. Many offer lodging for rent either in a furnished structure by providing a place for camping.
Some homesteaders maintain part- or full-time jobs to pay the bills while they run their homestead. It’s also common for one spouse to work and the other to take on the majority of the daily chores around the property.
More and more people who work remotely or in tech are also moving to a homesteading lifestyle, finding new balance in life by moving between technology and laboring in physically rewarding and life-sustaining skills. This could include feeding animals and working gardens before and after work, stepping inside to complete their employment tasks in between.
Urban Homestead, who we mentioned before, functions as a non-profit, but they keep their expenses paid through a Farm Box program, educational experiences, tours, and donations.
Why is homesteading a good idea?
Homesteading aligns remarkably well with the goals of preppers and individuals seeking self-sufficiency due to its focus on resilience, resourcefulness, and sustainable living.
While homesteading requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn, the benefits far outweigh the challenges for many individuals and families. Homesteading offers a comprehensive and holistic approach that complements the goals of preppers and individuals seeking self-sufficiency. It equips them with essential skills, resources, and a lifestyle that fosters preparedness, resilience, and the ability to thrive in both everyday life and times of crisis
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