She Strengthens

Embracing the Homesteading Lifestyle

Discover the Freedom of Self-Sufficiency

Remember the classic computer game “The Oregon Trail”? It taught schoolchildren about the harsh realities of pioneering life, complete with pixelated images of covered wagons falling into rivers and messages about dysentery. But modern-day homesteading doesn’t have to be so extreme. There are many ways to embark on this journey, and it all starts with a mindset shift towards self-sufficiency.

What is Homesteading?

At its core, homesteading is about living off the land and being totally self-sufficient. In the past, settlers had to rely on themselves to survive, without the convenience of corner stores or supermarkets. Today, homesteading takes this concept and applies it to modern life, where you can choose your level of commitment and build on it as needed.

Homesteading Levels: Find Your Comfort Zone

You don’t have to go all-in on homesteading to reap its benefits. You can choose from various levels of commitment, depending on your lifestyle and goals.

Boss-Level Homesteading

For those who want to live totally off the grid, boss-level homesteading requires a high level of commitment. You’ll need to:

• Generate your own power using solar or wind energy
• Collect and conserve rainwater
• Grow, raise, or hunt your own food
• Preserve food for the seasons
• Create your own textiles

Less Intensive Homesteading

If living off the grid isn’t for you, there are still many ways to homestead. You can:

• Keep a chicken coop for eggs
• Tend a garden for fresh veggies
• Start a small herbal apothecary business
• Invest in a victory garden, composting pile, and rain barrel

Homesteading for City Dwellers

Even without a yard, you can still dabble in homesteading concepts. Try:

• Growing greens on your patio or windowsill
• Starting a sourdough starter
• Scoping out a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) for kombucha-making
• Joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program

Getting Started

There are no hard and fast rules to homesteading. You can start with what interests you most and build from there. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Growing Your Own Food: Check out our beginner’s guide to gardening and start with what you can manage.
• Fertilizing the Soil: Compost your kitchen scraps to cut down on waste and create natural fertilizer.
• Watering the Plants: Invest in a rain barrel and soaker system to collect and conserve rainwater.

Other Options

• Indoor Gardening: Grow veggies indoors, even in small spaces.
• Regrowing Food: Regrow food from scraps, like lettuce or herbs, without soil.
• CSAs and Farmers Markets: Tap into local food sources and support your community.

Canning and Food Preservation

Storing food for the seasons is another key principle of homesteading. Try:

• Canning: Start with jam-making and experiment with other recipes.
• Freezing: Freeze foods to boost shelf life and enjoy seasonal produce year-round.

Raising Backyard Chickens

If you’re interested in raising animals, start with a few friendly backyard chickens. Just remember to:

• Research local laws and regulations
• Consider your time commitment
• Build a safe and healthy environment for your chickens

The Bottom Line

Homesteading doesn’t have to be hard, and it’s not just for pioneers. By choosing your level of commitment and starting small, you can reap the benefits of self-sufficiency, save money, and empower yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step towards a more sustainable lifestyle today!