As someone who lives in a tiny space I have a hard time not looking in envy at those living that perfect homestead life. Wishing that it could be me. But why should I let the space I live in stop me from doing what I can to be my own version of a homesteader.
Lets look at ways to make this happen and become our own versions of homesteaders and find joy in the little things.
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What is homesteading?
I think it is important to start with this question. So what is homesteading?
Homesteading is a lifestyle of self sufficiency
To do this you may think ‘We need animals and land to be truly self sufficient, otherwise it isn’t truly homesteading’.
But is that true? Yes for the full experience then this is the ideal. But for the majority of us that may never happen. But in the mean time there are many areas of homesteading that we can do. Lets take a look at some of these areas.
Cooking from scratch
What is cooking from scratch? Put simply it means using simple whole, fresh ingredients. Like vegetables, fruit, nuts, flour, spices, herbs etc. It sounds simple but so many don’t know how to cook this way. Which is so sad to me.
This is a very basic element of homesteading but is probably one of the most important. What is the point in growing or raising anything if you can’t use it in the kitchen to feed your family.
If your new to cooking from scratch start simple, don’t over complicate it. Find a handful of basic recipes and master those first. Why not start with cooking simple vegetables like carrots, potatoes and broccoli. There are so many yummy recipes out there just for these veg.
Unfortunately processed foods have taken over our supermarkets, all those center aisles. The convenience of being able to place something straight in the oven or microwave and a few minutes later its ready to eat.
This can be very alluring to those of us that are worked to the bone with very little time to spare. I have been guilty of this trap when I am tired and rundown. Just the thought of cooking can be so overwhelming.
What is the solution?
The easy answer is planning. But over the years I have found that to be easier said than done. Not all of us are planners by nature so this can be very hard to master. But planning can come in many forms.
These can include:
- Prepping, this is great for ones that struggle deciding on what to cook every night, it takes away the thought process
- Bulk, this makes it easier for busy families but it will take a day or two for prep every month
- Making extra to freeze, this is great for when unexpected things come up and you are unable to cook.
If you would like more information and take a closer look at these different options then go check out my cooking from scratch post. There I break down each idea and break down the pros and cons of each.
Handmaking items for your homestead
This used to be a common skill that was a common sight in many homes. But this is another skill that has been pushed to the wayside in place of premade items that are easily accessible and cheap.
Now most of us even if we are already homesteaders are not going to start making everything for our home. But we can make a few things and we can also learn how to fix what we have.
We live in a throw away culture. Nothing is made to last any more, instead of fixing and reusing what we have we just go and get another. It can be cheaper sometimes to be this way, which is a sad fact. But to be able to mend and make do is so satisfying and also the sign of a true homesteader.
Useful handmaking skills and items to make
- Sewing. This will be a main skill to master. A great way to start is by learning to fix what you already have, patching is an easy and great skill to have.
- Cushions these are a great beginner sewing project you can do. Check out my envelope cushion pattern here to make your own
- Aprons. I love this easy pattern from
- Teatowels, another very simple item you can make.
Don’t forget if you can’t afford new fabric it can get expensive. Instead why not visit your local thrift store and buy fabric there. Bed sheets and blankets are also a great source of fabric.
- Knitting
- Tea cozy, this wont be an item for everyone but they are cute and fun to make, check out my pattern here
- Coasters
- Dishcloths
- Crochet
- Dishcloths
- Oven mitts, I made my own crochet oven mitt and I love it it has the be the best oven mitt I have. I shared the pattern on the blog, you can find it here.
- Trivet/potholders
Can’t Sew?
These skills wont be for everyone knitting and crochet are a bit more involved. But learning how to either knit or crochet can be very satisfying. They are also great to do on cold dark evenings, helps to stop scrolling on your phones.
- No sew items who says you need to be able to sew knit or crochet to create hand crafts. There are some great projects out there that require no needle and thread of any kind.
- Lampshades, these are a great glue gun project, check out this how-to from ourfifithhouse.com
- Curtains, I have used adhesive tape for my curtains before and it works fantastic.
There are so many ways to incorporate these into your home. Why not begin by choosing just one skill or item and go from there. Before you know it your home will be filled with so many handmade treasures.
Preserving
- Sourdough. Covid definitely made this skill popular again and I couldn’t be happier. You cannot beat sourdough bread. But there is so much more you can with sourdough including sourdough discard recipes. I used to be quite daunted by sourdough but then I found Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone and she made it look so simple. I highly recommend checking her out.
- Fermenting. This is a skill I am pretty new at. But again it is very simple once you know how to do it. I began with making sauerkraut, not something I used to love but now I do and it is so simple to make. all you need is cabbage, salt and some ferment lids like these ones. Check out this recipe from daringgourmet.com
- Canning. I admire those that have canning days, canning over 50 jars in a day. That’s not me, but I will can some items in small batches. If you are new to canning or do not have a pressure canner why not look into water baths. I preserve my homegrown tomatoes this way. You can also make jams, jellies and spreads. You just need a few jars and a large cooking pot. Simple.
Buy local produce
If you are unable to grow or raise anything yourself do not view this as a sign that you can’t homestead. Instead why not look at what you can do.
Fruit and vegetables. Are you able to buy locally grown fruit or vegetables and support your local farmers. Why not look for farmers markets.
Eggs. Do you know anyone with chickens that would share their eggs with you. I know a lot of cities are allowing chickens in urban areas now.
Meat. If you don’t have anything local them look online at anyone that may sell their products that way. More farmers are selling their meat online today.
Whatever your situation may be there are always options available to you. If you are on a tight budget then don’t worry about trying to tick all of the boxes why not start with local grown veg and go from there.
Growing a small homestead garden
Would you love to have your own garden grow all the food you need. Yes that is the dream.
But don’t forget gardening is hard work and take a lot of time so beginning small is always the best route anyway.
So many end up in the trap of go big or go home. And honestly most will end up going home. Gardening isn’t for the faint of heart, it takes time to learn what to grow how to grow it and so on. So this is where having a small space to begin your homestead journey may end up being a blessing in disguise.
So what are some ways you can grow your own garden while living in a small space?
- Pots, they are probably the best way to get started. They tend to be small and take up very little space. They are also cheap to maintain.
- Indoor planting and grow lights. If you have zero access to any outdoor space then optimizing windows or purchasing a grow light may work, like these ones. Why not start by growing a few herbs they grow easily inside and are easy to care for. Check out my herb series here.
- Allotments, community gardens. If these are available to you and you can afford one then this would be a great opportunity to expand your gardening skills. I think they are lovely to see in cities helping people to become more self sufficient. Its takes you back to a time after the war when victory gardens were popular.
Small homestead living summary
So after looking at what it means to be a homesteader. Do you really need to own acreage, have a huge home, grow a large garden and own a whole host of animals?
No you do not!
The whole idea of homesteading today means leading a simple life. One that is filled with good wholesome food make from scratch.
Reusing, mending and making items for your home. Items that will bring you joy when you see them and use them. Giving you a sense of accomplishment.
Supporting your local farmers and eating local produce where ever you can. This may seem small but has such a large impact on our lives.
If possible growing a few small vegetables and maybe some fruit. Even if it means you only grow a few herbs on you kitchen counter under a grow light. Or resprouting a few green onions. Seeing something grow that you planting will give you such a boost. It has to be one of the greatest feelings seeing seeds you planted grow.
So don’t give up, even if you only accomplish one of these areas you are a homesteader.
If you are a homesteader in your heart then that is what you are no matter where you live.
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