Homesteading has always held a special place in my heart because it represents so much more than just growing food or raising animals—it’s about reclaiming personal freedom.
In a world that often feels fast-paced and disconnected from nature, homesteading is my way of slowing down and taking control of the essentials in life. It’s about self-sufficiency, sustainability, and living in harmony with the land, no matter how much or how little space I have.
For me, homesteading is a path to personal empowerment, offering the freedom to break away from the system, reduce dependency on outside resources, and create a more intentional, fulfilling life.
I believe that anyone, whether they live in the heart of the city or on acres of farmland, can embrace homesteading as a way to gain greater autonomy, connect with nature, and nurture their sense of independence.
That’s why I’m passionate about helping others discover how they can start homesteading today, no matter their circumstances.
Homesteading the Practical Freedom Movement
Homesteading has become a movement of self-sufficiency and connection to the land that appeals to many people, whether they live on sprawling farms or in cozy urban apartments.
The beautiful thing about homesteading is that you can start no matter where you live or how much land you have. From a quarter-acre suburban plot to a tiny balcony in the city, these 16 homesteading ideas will show you how to get started on your journey towards a more sustainable, fulfilling lifestyle.
1. Grow Your Own Herbs
You don’t need a big garden to grow herbs. A small windowsill or a few pots on your balcony can yield a bounty of fresh, homegrown herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint. Herbs are often the gateway into more extensive gardening because they’re easy to grow and can thrive in small spaces.
Why it works for any size property: Even if you live in a city apartment, herb gardens can grow indoors, making them a perfect introduction to homesteading.
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2. Start Composting
Composting is one of the easiest ways to begin your homesteading journey. You can start a compost bin or pile in your backyard, or if you live in an apartment, consider a small vermicomposting bin (using worms) under your sink. Composting reduces waste and gives you rich, nutritious soil for your plants.
Why it works for any size property: Composting works anywhere, even in the tiniest of spaces. Worm bins and Bokashi bins make it easy for apartment dwellers to compost without a traditional pile.
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3. Raise Chickens (Even on Small Plots)
If you have some outdoor space, raising chickens for eggs is one of the most rewarding aspects of homesteading. You don’t need a massive farm to keep a few chickens. Backyard chickens are relatively easy to care for and provide you with fresh, healthy eggs year-round.
Why it works for any size property: Even small suburban lots can accommodate a few chickens, and they’ll help you manage pests and enrich your garden with their manure.
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4. Preserve Food
Preserving food through canning, freezing, and dehydrating is a vital skill for any homesteader. Whether you grow your food or buy in bulk from local farms, learning how to preserve the harvest will help you stock up on homemade goodness all year long.
Why it works for any size property: This practice can be done in any home, no matter the size. It’s all about learning the techniques and investing in a few good tools like a dehydrator or canner.
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5. Try Vertical Gardening
For those with limited space, vertical gardening is an excellent way to maximize your growing potential. Using trellises, hanging pots, or wall-mounted planters, you can grow a wide variety of vegetables, flowers, and herbs in a minimal footprint.
Why it works for any size property: Ideal for small urban backyards or patios, vertical gardening expands the amount of space you have without requiring additional land.
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6. Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Homesteading is about sustainability, and making your own non-toxic cleaning products is a great way to reduce chemicals in your home and cut down on waste. With just a few natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, you can create effective, eco-friendly cleaners.
Why it works for any size property: Whether you live in a small apartment or a house with acres of land, making cleaning products can be done anywhere with minimal space and supplies.
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7. Learn to Sew or Mend
Sewing is an essential skill in any homesteader’s toolkit. Whether you want to sew new clothes, create your own curtains, or mend torn garments, this skill reduces waste and allows you to be more self-sufficient.
Why it works for any size property: All you need is a sewing machine or needle and thread to start, and it’s a fantastic indoor project for cold or rainy days.
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8. Build a Rainwater Collection System
Conserving water is a cornerstone of homesteading, and building a rainwater collection system is a simple yet impactful way to start. Even small systems attached to gutters can collect enough water to feed a garden or wash outdoor tools.
Why it works for any size property: Whether you have a large roof or a small shed, rainwater collection systems can be scaled to fit your space.
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9. Create a Pollinator Garden
Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are crucial to the success of many crops. Planting a pollinator-friendly garden will help boost their populations and ensure that your garden produces bountiful harvests.
Why it works for any size property: A small pollinator garden can fit in even the smallest yard or patio, using native plants and flowers.
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10. Start a Small Beekeeping Operation
If you’re ready for something a bit more ambitious, consider beekeeping. Bees not only provide honey but are also essential for pollinating plants. Beekeeping can be done on a surprisingly small scale, making it accessible even to those without much space.
Why it works for any size property: Many beekeepers successfully raise bees in urban areas with minimal space.
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11. Forage for Wild Edibles
One of the most exciting parts of homesteading is learning how to forage for wild food. From dandelion greens to berries and mushrooms, nature offers a treasure trove of food if you know where to look. Foraging is a way to connect deeply with your environment.
Why it works for any size property: Whether you live in a rural area or near a park, foraging can be done in many environments. Just be sure to research which plants are safe to eat!
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12. Start a DIY Project
Homesteading is all about doing things yourself, so why not start a small DIY project? From building raised garden beds to making soap or candles, there are countless DIY projects that fit within the homesteading ethos.
Why it works for any size property: Most DIY projects require little space, and the sense of accomplishment is huge when you see what you’ve created with your own hands.
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13. Save Seeds from Your Garden
Once you’ve started growing your food, the next step is to save seeds from your plants. Seed-saving is an important skill that allows you to become less dependent on buying seeds every year, preserving heirloom varieties, and building resilience in your garden.
Why it works for any size property: Even apartment gardeners can save seeds from container-grown plants, contributing to self-sufficiency.
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14. Make Your Own Fermented Foods
Fermenting food, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, or kefir, is a great way to preserve the harvest and boost gut health. Fermentation is an ancient food preservation technique that requires minimal equipment and space.
Why it works for any size property: Fermentation can be done with just a few jars in your kitchen, making it perfect for small spaces.
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15. Start a Container Garden
If you have very little space or no yard at all, container gardening is your answer. Many vegetables, fruits, and herbs can be grown in pots, allowing you to create a productive garden in even the smallest of spaces.
Why it works for any size property: Perfect for balconies, patios, or even sunny windowsills, container gardening brings fresh food to tiny homes.
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16. Practice Minimalism and Resourcefulness
A big part of homesteading is learning to live with less and being resourceful with what you have. Decluttering your home, repurposing old items, and focusing on sustainability will help you live a more fulfilling, homestead-like lifestyle even before you set foot on a farm.
Why it works for any size property: Minimalism and resourcefulness can be practiced anywhere, from a tiny apartment to a sprawling estate.
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At the end of the day, Homesteading isn’t about the amount of land you have; it’s about the mindset.
Whether you’re living in a small apartment or on a few acres, these ideas will help you start your homesteading journey.
The key is to take small steps toward self-sufficiency and sustainability, and soon you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the homesteading lifestyle, no matter your living situation.
