10 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Start Homesteading Today

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of modern life and yearning to connect with nature and live more self-sufficiently? Or are you constantly finding that your social media reels are showing you women making their own sourdough bread in their kitchens and you’ve seen so many of them that now you’re starting to feel like you’re missing out on something?!If so, you’re not alone. The idea of homesteading may seem daunting or too “old fashioned” at first, but fear not!

In this article, we will show you 10 surprisingly easy ways to dip your toes into the homesteading lifestyle today and start enjoying a “simpler life”. From starting a container garden to raising backyard chickens, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and strategies to get you started on your homesteading journey. So, are you ready to take the leap and embrace a more sustainable way of living? Let’s dive in and explore how you can start homesteading today!

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Start with Container Gardening

One easy way to start your homesteading journey is by diving into container gardening. This simple method allows you to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs in small spaces such as balconies, patios, or even windowsills. Not only does container gardening provide you with fresh produce, but it also helps you develop essential gardening skills that you can later apply to larger-scale gardening efforts. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own crops. If you’re ready to get your hands dirty and experience the joys of gardening, container gardening is an excellent place to start.

We started SUPER simple with our container garden using this cute (and very easy to put together!) wooden 3-tiered garden. We are in a Zone 6 and we’ve grown strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and peppers in it really well. You just have to be sure it gets plenty of sunlight and keep it watered! We also use some basic woven, tarp material to help keep the soil moist and it makes cleaning it up at the end of the season really easy, you just pull out the tarp and it’s basically ready for the next year!

Try Indoor Herb Gardening

Another way to bring a bit of the homesteading lifestyle indoors is by trying your hand at indoor herb gardening. This simple and rewarding practice allows you to grow your own fresh herbs right in the comfort of your home. With just a few pots, some soil, and good sunlight, you can start cultivating your own herbs like basil, rosemary, and parsley. Indoor herb gardening not only adds flavor to your meals but also brings a touch of greenery to your living space.

We’ve really only done this with cilantro so far, but it was really easy to do and smells great too!

Try Microgreens for a Quick Harvest

For those looking for a quick harvest, consider trying microgreens. These tiny but nutrient-packed greens are easy to grow and can be ready to harvest in just a few weeks. With a variety of flavors and textures to choose from, microgreens are a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and more.

This microgreen kit from Amazon makes growing your own microgreens incredibly easy! You can literally just grow them in your kitchen. We love putting them in omelets or in a turkey sandwich!

So why not give indoor herb gardening a try and explore the world of microgreens for a fresh and delicious experience.

Incorporate Rainwater Harvesting

To further enhance your homesteading efforts, consider incorporating rainwater harvesting into your routine. By collecting rainwater, you can reduce your water bill and ensure a sustainable source of water for your garden. With the right setup, you can easily capture rainwater from your roof and store it for later use. This eco-friendly practice not only saves you money but also reduces your environmental impact. Plus, using rainwater for your plants can help them thrive and grow more abundantly.

We purposefully built our chicken coop to have a “lean-to roof” meaning it’s slanted to one side, to help collect rainwater into a barrel. We use this for feeding our chickens water, but we also plan to use it for watering the garden I plan to start next to the chicken coop in the Spring! (I will post pics once I do!)

Once you have your rainwater harvesting system in place, you can easily set up a DIY compost system to further enrich your soil and promote healthy plant growth.

Set up a DIY Compost System

After setting up a rainwater harvesting system, you can take your homesteading efforts to the next level by creating a DIY compost system. Composting is a great way to recycle organic waste from your kitchen and yard, turning it into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. By composting your food scraps, leaves, and other biodegradable materials, you can reduce waste and improve the health of your plants.

This is something we have not done completely yet, but we did start putting some food waste into our large container garden that we planted sweet potatoes in last Spring. The sweet potatoes have been growing really well… I am not entirely convinced, but it could be thanks to our mini compost system we used in their container!

Learn the Basics of Canning and Preserving

By learning the basics of canning and preserving, you can extend the lifespan of your harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor all year round. Canning and preserving allow you to store excess fruits and vegetables for later use, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Plus, homemade jams, pickles, and sauces make great gifts for friends and family.

Again, this is something that I haven’t started yet, but plan to! I have lots of Pinterest Pins saved that provide tips on how to do this! I am no expert, but my Grandma was excellent at canning and jarring everything from fruits to vegetables. If nothing else, I hope to learn so I can preserve a little part of her in me too when I am able to can some rhubarb! 🙂

Raise Backyard Chickens

Another great way to enhance your homesteading experience is by raising backyard chickens. Not only do chickens provide a sustainable source of fresh eggs, but they also help with pest control and provide natural fertilizer for your garden. By adding chickens to your homestead, you can create a more self-sufficient and holistic way of living. Once you’ve established your flock, you’ll quickly see the benefits they bring to your homestead. And once you’ve had the taste of fresh eggs, you’ll never buy store bought ones again!

We just started our backyard chicken journey last spring and I will blog about that more at some point. However, it’s not only been very rewarding as individuals (my husband and myself), but we’ve found our toddler probably loves it the most! His favorite thing to do is run over to see his chickens in the morning! As he gets older, we look forward to giving him some “farm chores” and he will be able to help clean the chicken coop, feed them, and change out their water. Some good old fashioned outdoor chores can do wonders for your child’s development! Or so I hear!

Embrace DIY Natural Cleaning Products

Another aspect of homesteading that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine is the use of DIY natural cleaning products. By creating your own cleaners using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, you can reduce your reliance on harsh chemicals and create a healthier environment for your family. Not only are these homemade cleaners effective, but they are also cost-effective and eco-friendly. Making the switch to natural cleaning products is a small but impactful step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Switching to more natural cleaning products can have some amazing health benefits. I was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and one of the first natural and homeopathic ways I’ve learned to help improve the disorder, is to switch to natural cleaning products. I haven’t switched out ALL my products yet, but I am working on making this change. I’ve found that a lot of the “recipes” out there for natural cleaners really do work just as well! Plus I’ve already started to see some improvements in my overall health! WORTH IT!

Make Your Own Handmade Soaps

Not just your cleaning products are full of harsh chemicals, but many of your every day soaps and shampoos are too. By crafting your own soaps, you not only have full control over the ingredients you put on your skin but also have the satisfaction of creating a product from scratch. With just a few key ingredients like lye, oils, and scents, you can whip up luxurious bars of soap that are free from the harsh chemicals found in commercial products. Plus, customizing your soap with different scents and textures allows you to tailor it to your specific preferences.

Making your own soap is a homesteading task that you can do even without having any land or a garden! You can simply get started in your kitchen!

Embrace Permaculture Principles

Embrace Permaculture Principles by incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of your homesteading journey. If you have the space, consider creating a diverse ecosystem on your property by planting a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that work together harmoniously. By practicing companion planting and rotating crops, you can naturally deter pests and promote healthy soil. Additionally, collect rainwater to use for irrigation, compost kitchen scraps to enrich your soil, and harness the power of sunlight with solar panels for energy efficiency. These small changes can have a significant impact on reducing your environmental footprint and creating a more self-sustaining homestead.

Incorporating these 10 easy strategies into your routine can pave the way for a fulfilling homesteading lifestyle. Start small, make gradual changes, and witness your homestead flourish before your eyes. Are you ready to embrace self-sufficiency and sustainability in a whole new way? Take the first step today and let your homesteading journey begin. Remember, every small seed planted today will yield a bountiful harvest tomorrow. Happy homesteading!