Most of growing up for me has just been wanting to get back to the basics. The simple little good things in life. A steamy cup of spearmint tea, a hike in the woods, a good book, and warm conversations with loved ones. That’s when I feel the most alive.
A simpler life can be achieved anywhere, but I see myself thriving the most on a few acres of land. Somewhere quiet, peaceful, surrounded by woods, with daily visits from deer and rabbits and cardinals. While I may not have my land that I dream of just yet, there are so many things I can do to prepare for it. Not only that, but as I’ve been preparing I’ve been able to feel some of the benefits of the homesteading lifestyle even while living in a more urban setting.
So, that’s what this post is about. Skills to practice self-sufficiency to prepare for a homesteading lifestyle and land, even before you have it. Let’s get into it!
gardening
— Start with one or two pots of easy plants like Pothos, Rosemary, or Mint
— There are many plants that thrive inside on a windowsill with just some weekly watering
herbal creations
— Make things either out of homegrown or store-bought herbs
— Some ideas include teas, spice blends, and herbal salves
canning and fermenting
— Start with store-bought produce and learn online
— Both of these are great skills to learn if you plan to grow most of your food
learn sewing
— First learn to mend your clothing in linens. Start easy, like sewing a button back on your shirt.
— Eventually, you could make your own clothes!
cooking from scratch
— Meals cooked from scratch always taste better and the sense of accomplishment afterward is unmatched. For amazing flavor, use the herbs you’re growing!
— You could also try making things like bread and yogurt.
DIY repairs
— This is such an important skill to learn, something we can all benefit from no matter what our life looks like.
— Things like basic car repairs, fixing a minor furniture issue, kitchen appliance fixes, etc.
No matter what your path looks like, I hope this post helped you see some of the different ways homestead skills can be integrated into your daily life. If you try any of these for the first time, remember it’s always hard to be a beginner. Be easy on yourself and don’t forget to have fun!
