On today’s episode, I have a conversation with Rachel Jamison, a suburban homesteader in Michigan. Rachel started down the path of homesteading for better health for herself and her family.
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The rise of modern homesteading reflects a growing desire to reconnect with the land, produce healthy food, and live a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle. With the challenges of processed foods and health issues linked to poor diets, many are turning to homesteading as a solution.
In this article, we’ll explore insights from a conversation with Rachel Jamison, an urban homesteader, who has made incredible strides toward self-sufficiency while navigating health crises and a suburban setting.
Discovering Homesteading
Rachel’s homesteading journey began unexpectedly, with a couple of tomato plants. Like many first-time gardeners, she didn’t know what to do with the overflowing harvest. Over time, this small effort grew into a lifestyle rooted in gardening, raising chickens, and sourcing local, nutrient-dense foods. Rachel’s story shows that homesteading can begin small, with just one plant or a simple desire to eat healthier.
The Link Between Food and Health
For Rachel, homesteading wasn’t just about saving money or growing food—it became a lifeline. After being diagnosed with celiac disease and watching her daughter struggle with similar health issues, Rachel realized that the food she ate had a profound impact on her family’s health.
Her focus on growing organic, nutrient-rich foods helped them heal and thrive. Her daughter, once debilitated by her condition, now leads a vibrant life, thanks in part to the nutrient-dense foods Rachel grows and prepares.
The Heart of the Homestead: The Garden
Rachel’s garden is the cornerstone of her homesteading lifestyle. Despite having only a third of an acre in a suburban setting, she maximizes her space with vertical gardening, fruit trees, and a no-till approach to soil management.
She grows a variety of crops, including beans, squash, tomatoes, and potatoes. Every year brings new successes and challenges, from chickens unexpectedly planting squash to experimenting with unique crops like garden huckleberries. Her efforts illustrate that even a small garden can yield an abundance of food when cultivated with care.
Animals on the Homestead
In addition to her garden, Rachel raises chickens, which provide eggs and help with garden maintenance. She’s also working on expanding her homestead with rabbits and quail.
Her story demonstrates how animals can play an important role in a homesteading lifestyle, whether through providing food, enriching the soil with their manure, or reducing food waste by consuming scraps.
The Challenges of Urban Homesteading
Living in a suburban area comes with its own set of challenges, from zoning restrictions to space limitations. Rachel often finds herself working around these barriers creatively, growing intensively in the space she has and sourcing meat from local farmers. While it’s not always easy, her experience shows that it’s possible to homestead even in the midst of a busy town or city.
- Thornbro, Harold (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 187 Pages – 01/12/2020 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-07-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why Homesteading Matters
Rachel’s journey is a powerful reminder of why homesteading matters. For her, it’s not just about growing food—it’s about health, sustainability, and freedom. By taking control of what her family eats, she’s not only saving money but also ensuring that the food they consume is packed with the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Homesteading also offers a sense of independence and control that’s hard to find in a world where convenience often comes at the cost of health and well-being.
Teaching and Sharing the Homestead Life
One of Rachel’s biggest passions is helping others learn how to homestead, especially young moms who may be struggling to feed their families healthy food. She believes that teaching people these skills can make a real difference in their lives, just as it has in hers.
Whether through canning classes or community gardening projects, Rachel is committed to sharing her knowledge with others so they too can live healthier, more self-sufficient lives.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Modern homesteading is about much more than growing food—it’s about creating a lifestyle that values health, sustainability, and independence. Rachel Jamison’s journey demonstrates that anyone can start small and grow their own version of a homestead, regardless of their location or experience.
Whether you’re interested in growing your own food, raising animals, or simply learning more about where your food comes from, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of homesteading.
If you’re inspired by Rachel’s story and want to learn more, consider connecting with local homesteaders, starting a small garden, or even raising a few chickens. Every step toward self-sufficiency, no matter how small, is a step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Happy homesteading!
Resources and links from today’s episode:
- Rachel’s Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/Rewilder-Life-103985239147852
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rewilderlife/
- Homestead Front Porch Facebook Group
