When I first heard the word “homesteading,” my mind conjured images of sprawling acres, vast fields of crops, and a life dedicated to full-scale farming. I pictured rugged farmers in overalls, toiling from dawn to dusk on massive plots of land, completely self-sufficient and cut off from the modern world. To me, homesteading seemed like something reserved for those with the resources to own big farms and the expertise to manage them. But as I dove deeper into the idea, I quickly realized I had it all wrong. Homesteading isn’t about the size of your land or the scale of your operation—it’s about a lifestyle rooted in intention, a deliberate choice to live closer to nature, no matter where you are or how much space you have.
Redefining Homesteading
The beauty of homesteading lies in its flexibility. It’s not confined to a specific location, a certain amount of acreage, or even a particular skill set. Homesteading is a mindset, a commitment to taking small, meaningful steps toward a more natural, self-reliant way of living. It’s about making conscious choices to produce some of your own food, reduce waste, and reconnect with the rhythms of the earth. Whether you’re in a small urban apartment with a balcony herb garden or on a rural plot with a flock of chickens, homesteading is about what you do, not how much you own.
For me, this realization was liberating. I used to think I couldn’t homestead because I didn’t have acres of land or the means to run a full-fledged farm. But then I started small—a few pots of tomatoes and basil on my windowsill, a compost bin in the corner of my kitchen, and a couple of backyard chickens for fresh eggs. These small acts felt like rebellion against the fast-paced, consumer-driven world. They were my way of saying, “I’m choosing to live differently.” And that’s when it hit me: homesteading isn’t about being big; it’s about being intentional.
Homesteading in Small Spaces
One of the most empowering aspects of homesteading is that it can happen anywhere. You don’t need a big farm to grow your own food or embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. In a small home with a tiny yard—or even no yard at all—you can still homestead. A few examples of how this looks in practice:
- Gardening in Small Spaces: A few raised garden beds, vertical planters, or even containers on a patio can yield fresh vegetables and herbs. I started with a single raised bed in my backyard, growing lettuce, kale, tomatoes and zucchini. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to feel connected to the food I was eating.
- Small Livestock: Chickens are a fantastic entry point for homesteaders. A small flock of three or four hens can provide a steady supply of eggs without needing much space. I built a simple coop in my backyard, and now my family enjoys fresh eggs daily. If chickens aren’t an option, consider quail or even beekeeping for honey.
- Preserving and Fermenting: Homesteading isn’t just about growing food—it’s about making the most of what you have. Learning to can, pickle, or ferment vegetables has been a game-changer for me. A few jars of homemade tomato stew, green beans and pickled cucumbers make me feel like I’m preserving the summer’s bounty, even in my small kitchen.
- Reducing Waste: Composting kitchen scraps, reusing materials, and making your own cleaning products are all homesteading practices that don’t require land. These small choices add up, reducing your environmental footprint and fostering a deeper connection to the resources you use.
The Heart of Homesteading: Intention
What ties all these practices together is intentionality. Homesteading is about making deliberate choices to live more sustainably, to rely less on external systems, and to reconnect with the natural world. It’s about asking, “How can I take one step closer to providing for myself and my family?” For some, that might mean a large farm with livestock and crops. For others, it’s a windowsill garden or a couple of chickens scratching in a suburban backyard. The scale doesn’t matter—what matters is the choice to act.
This shift in perspective has changed how I approach my daily life. Every small action, from planting a seed to collecting eggs, feels like a step toward something bigger. It’s a reminder that I’m not just a consumer; I’m a creator, a steward of my little corner of the world. And that’s what homesteading is all about: living with purpose, no matter how big or small your space.
Getting Started
If you’re curious about homesteading but feel intimidated, start small. Pick one thing that excites you—maybe it’s growing herbs, keeping a few chickens, or learning to bake your own bread. Don’t worry about having the “perfect” setup or enough land. Homesteading is a journey, and every step counts. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start Where You Are: Use whatever space you have, whether it’s a balcony, a backyard, or a sunny windowsill. Even a single potted plant is a start.
- Learn One Skill at a Time: Homesteading can feel overwhelming, so focus on mastering one thing before moving to the next. For me, it was gardening first, then chickens, then composting.
- Connect with Others: Online communities, local gardening groups, or homesteading blogs are great places to learn and find inspiration. I’ve learned so much from others who are further along in their journey.
- Embrace Imperfection: Your garden might not thrive right away, or your first batch of pickles might be too salty (mine were!). That’s okay. Homesteading is about learning and growing.
The Joy of Homesteading
Homesteading has brought a sense of purpose and joy to my life that I didn’t expect. There’s something deeply satisfying about eating a salad made from greens I grew myself or cracking open a fresh egg from my hens. These small victories remind me that I’m capable of more than I thought, and they ground me in a world that often feels chaotic.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a big farm or starting with a single tomato plant, know that homesteading is within your reach. It’s not about the land—it’s about the lifestyle. It’s about choosing to live intentionally, one small step at a time. What’s your first step going to be?