Today is day 7 of our 30 days of homesteading Q&A on the podcast where I have reached out to some of the best bloggers and podcasters in the homesteading space to answer your questions about homesteading.
Today’s question is “I live in an apartment and was wondering if there is anything I can do to start working towards being a homesteader?”
Answering the question on the podcast today is Marie from Just Plain Marie.
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Homesteading in an Apartment
So, you live in an apartment but dream of homesteading? Well, good news: you don’t need a huge piece of land or a barn full of animals to start your homesteading journey. Modern homesteading is all about taking control of your food, resources, and lifestyle—right where you are. Let’s dive into some simple but impactful ways to get started on your homesteading adventure, even in a small space.
What Is Homesteading, Anyway?
Homesteading isn’t just about living off the land or being completely self-sufficient. It’s about taking steps toward independence, learning skills to provide for yourself, and making the most of what you have. Whether that’s cooking from scratch, preserving food, or growing your own veggies, every little bit helps. The best part? You can begin these steps even if you’re living in an apartment.
Step One: Learn to Cook from Scratch
One of the easiest places to start is in the kitchen. Cooking from scratch means making meals from real, whole ingredients instead of relying on processed foods. Not only is this healthier, but it also prepares you for the day when you might be cooking with food you’ve grown or preserved yourself.
Start by gathering simple recipes your family enjoys, and get comfortable cooking them. You’ll quickly see that homemade meals are tastier and more satisfying. As you get the hang of it, keep track of how much food your family uses in a year. That way, when it’s time to grow or preserve your own food, you’ll know how much you need.
Apartment-Friendly Food Preservation
Believe it or not, you can preserve food even in an apartment. Many methods like dehydrating, fermenting, and even canning are possible in small spaces. For example, you can make unsmoked bacon or salt pork in your fridge or use a small stovetop smoker for fish or bacon.
If you’re new to food preservation, start small. Buy fresh produce when it’s in season and practice preserving it. Whether it’s canning, freezing, or drying, you’ll develop skills that will be super handy when you have a larger garden one day.
- Esparza, T. Aleace (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 104 Pages – 04/22/2023 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Grow What You Can
If you have a balcony or even just a sunny windowsill, you can start growing a few herbs or vegetables. While you won’t be able to feed your entire family with a few potted plants, this will help you learn the basics of gardening. Plus, there’s nothing quite like snipping fresh basil or parsley from your own plant.
If space allows, you might also look into small-scale worm composting. This is a great way to recycle food scraps into rich compost, which can later be used for your plants.
Join a Community Garden
Many cities have community gardens where you can rent a plot of land to grow more food than your balcony allows. While a small plot won’t produce all your vegetable needs, it’s an excellent learning opportunity and a way to meet like-minded people. You’ll get hands-on experience, which will be valuable when you eventually have a larger space of your own.
Make Friends with Local Farmers
Even if you can’t grow all your food, building relationships with local farmers can help. Many farmers sell produce in bulk when it’s in season, and buying directly from them is often cheaper than the grocery store. For example, buying a large box of “ugly” carrots might cost you much less than perfect-looking carrots from the store, and with a little effort, you can preserve them for the months ahead.
Learning when fruits and vegetables are in season in your area will also help you eat more seasonally and save money.
Solar Power and DIY Projects
Have you ever thought about using solar power? If you have a sunny balcony, you can start learning about small-scale solar energy projects. It may not power your entire apartment, but it’s a fun and educational way to dip your toes into renewable energy.
Additionally, take this time to learn other DIY skills like basic first aid, herbal remedies, and practical sewing skills like mending clothes. These skills will serve you well on your homesteading journey, wherever you are.
Get in Shape for Homesteading
Homesteading isn’t just about skills—it’s also about stamina! Moving to a homestead often involves physical labor, like carrying hay bales, moving building materials, or lifting heavy bags of feed. Start getting in shape now by incorporating activities that build strength and endurance. You’ll thank yourself later when those 50-pound bags of flour feel light as a feather.
Welcome to the Homesteading Club
There’s no one way to be a homesteader. If you’re taking steps toward self-sufficiency, no matter how small, you’re already on the path. Whether you’re learning to cook, preserve food, or grow a few herbs on your balcony, you’re building valuable skills. And the best part? There’s no finish line. Homesteading is a journey, and it doesn’t matter where you start—only that you’re making progress.
So, welcome to the homesteading club! You’re well on your way to living a more self-sufficient, fulfilling life, one small step at a time.
Final Thoughts
Starting a homestead in an apartment may seem challenging, but it’s entirely possible. By learning skills like cooking from scratch, preserving food, and growing a few plants, you’ll build a strong foundation for future homesteading success. And remember, it’s not about where you start; it’s about the journey and the progress you make along the way. Happy homesteading!
Resources:
Check Out Marie’s Book: “A Cabin Full of Food: Filling your pantry, and using it”
- Paperback: http://amzn.to/1Wc55iR
- Kindle: http://amzn.to/205IZDA
