If you are thinking of starting a homestead, you might envision a beautiful farmhouse that sits on a few acres of land, with rolling hills and pigs in a pen, chickens in the backyard, and an orchard full of trees for fruit. Although this is a good idea, you can still use an enormous land area to become a homesteader.
No matter if you have city-oriented backyards, tenth one acre or even one hundred acres. Homesteading is ideal for those who want to live a slow, sustainable, self-sufficient, and sustainable life.
Homestead: What is it?
Homesteading is determined by your lifestyle choices, not whether you reside in the countryside or in the city. A homestead is a type of residence that can offer the homeowner certain legal and financial protections.
Starting a homestead?
If you’re someone who lives in the city and wants to start a homestead, you can easily incorporate many aspects of homesteading within a smaller space. There are many possibilities for a small backyard, and to some degree, even on a patio or apartment balcony.
Suppose you’re planning for homesteading to be your primary occupation and life. Your first consideration will be what you want to produce for income. The second consideration is how much space you will need. It takes sufficient space to plant enough fruits and vegetables to sell fresh.
If growing livestock is on the list, even small livestock needs pens and shelter, which can require significant land usage. Larger livestock, such as sheep and cows, will require larger acreage.
In addition to determining how much land you’ll need, you’ll also need to define the parameters for the areas you will be using for the different aspects – such as a garden, livestock, and orchards. Having a rough idea of what you will need to fulfill your homesteading dream before you purchase land will help tremendously.
Do you feel comfortable living in the most remote part of the country, or do you prefer to live in a rural area that is near, but not part of an incorporated town?
You must ensure that any property you are considering will fit the kind of homestead lifestyle that you’re trying to create.
If you’re looking to cultivate crops primarily, then sandy or rocky soil could create more difficulties for growing. Small areas of poor soil can be amended, but larger areas would require significant funds to adapt for gardening.
Budgeting & Income for your Homestead
Planning your budget with care is essential for homesteading, particularly when you’re looking to give up your job to be completely self-sufficient.
It is advisable to have several sources of income for your homestead. You could sell wool or fresh produce, value-added products, such as handspun yarn or jams, and jellies. You could also offer handmade products such as soap or other craft items.
Starting a Homestead Doesn’t Have to Wait
You don’t have to wait until you own the dream farm you’ve always wanted to start. Start your journey to homesteading immediately. A large part of homesteading is a way of life and a mindset rather than the place you reside.
Whatever your circumstance, or even if you’re inside an apartment or a house, you could begin to move towards living a more independent life this week.
If you have a sunny window, it is possible to start cultivating your herbs or lettuce inside.
Have a huge backyard only been utilized for lawns and grass?
Set up an area of the garden or raised bed this spring, and you can begin growing some vegetables for your family. (Be sure to select the vegetables you like and would want to eat frequently!)
Do you have a fireplace you aren’t using? It’s time to clear your chimney, then get some wood. Then, you can begin using it to lower your heating costs!
As time passes, you will slowly add more projects. Even if you make a few small changes to your lifestyle each year, the changes will begin to pile up in time.
You can even begin with raising chickens or beekeeping within your backyard. Make sure you check the bylaws of your area to ensure it’s legal before you start!
Make Starting a Homestead Work for You
Homesteading is about feeling what is suitable for you. You can define your priorities and work according to the order that makes the most sense for you.
For some, self-sufficiency in energy could be a top priority, and they might want to get solar panels immediately.
Others may be willing to pay for electricity and gas. Certain people might want to raise livestock immediately for egg and meat production, while others may choose not to go down that option due to ethical concerns.
No matter how you envision starting a homestead, you can start today and make it work for you. Choose your priorities and a starting point and begin living your homestead dream!