Homesteading in the City

What is Homesteading? 

Homesteading is a lifestyle that centers around self-sufficiency. This encompasses things like food production, food preservation, energy production, and for some, textiles and clothing. For many, this means raising small livestock for protein and growing their own vegetables. Homesteaders will do their own pickling, canning, and more. Some make their own clothes or craft in some way; sometimes selling these items to fund their lifestyle. 

What are the benefits of Homesteading? 

You know where your food comes from - By growing and producing your own food, you know exactly where, when, and how it was made. Not only does this offer you peace of mind, but it removes you from the industrial farming chain. 

You'll learn new skills - Skills like gardening, building, cooking, preserving, etc. These skills can be passed to your children and so on, setting them up for a more independent life. 

You'll witness the circle of life - From watching seeds turn into harvest to raising animals, you'll see and feel more connected to the world around you. 

How Can You Homestead in the City? 

It's important to remember that homesteading is a lifestyle, not a location. Where you live only matters to a certain point; you need to have enough space to grow the amount of food you eat. If you live in an apartment, you may only be able to grow part of your food; however, offsetting even part of your consumption is better than doing nothing at all. 

If you live in a home with a yard, you can invest in a garden and maybe a chicken for eggs. This is dependent on your municipality and bylaws regarding livestock in your area. 

To get you started, here are some helpful links: 

Homesteaders of America 

The Spruce - How to Start Homesteading Now

The Real Farmhouse

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