On today’s podcast episode, I’m joined by Ariel Gunn. Ariel is homesteading in the suburbs in Texas and working toward a more self-sufficient lifestyle right where she is.
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Many people dream of homesteading but often feel they need acres of land to get started. However, suburban homesteading is on the rise, showing that you can begin your journey toward self-sufficiency even on a small lot.
One inspiring story is that of Ariel, a suburban homesteader from Texas, who proves that with a bit of creativity and determination, anyone can make it work.
The First Steps: Beekeeping
Ariel’s homesteading journey began with a dream she’d had for years—beekeeping. Though she worked a busy full-time job and had a small suburban yard, she decided it was time to start. Through a family connection, she found a mentor who helped her get started with her first couple of hives.
Beekeeping not only provided her with honey but also boosted her confidence to try other homesteading activities.
Her advice for those in similar situations? Start where you are. You don’t need a big yard or tons of experience to begin keeping bees. You’ll learn as you go, and the results are rewarding!
Chickens in the Backyard
After beekeeping, Ariel moved on to raising chickens, another step toward producing her own food. While many suburbanites may worry about zoning laws and space, she was able to keep five chickens in her small yard. Though her city only officially allowed four, the extra hen was manageable.
Ariel believes that keeping backyard chickens not only provides fresh eggs but also creates a deeper connection to food and where it comes from.
She encourages others to check their local regulations, research, and start small. Raising chickens is easier than many think, and it’s an enjoyable part of homesteading.
Growing a Garden: Raised Beds & Herbs
Gardening had always been part of Ariel’s life. Inspired by her mother and grandmother, she expanded her efforts by creating raised beds for vegetables.
Her small backyard allowed her to grow tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and more. Starting with a few simple crops gave her the experience and confidence to add more over time.
In addition to her home garden, Ariel started a community herb garden at her yoga studio. This small garden not only provided herbs like lavender, mint, and oregano for the community but also helped spread the idea of growing your own food to others.
Expanding the Homestead
With her homesteading experience growing, Ariel has big plans for the future. She’s looking into composting, water conservation with rain barrels, and even canning her produce. Her goal is to keep adding small projects that build her self-sufficiency skills.
Despite having only a small suburban lot, Ariel believes there’s always room to grow. For anyone interested in homesteading, her advice is to start with one thing, get comfortable with it, and then add the next project. It’s a journey, not a race!
The Importance of Community
Ariel’s experience shows that homesteading isn’t just about growing food for yourself—it’s also about sharing knowledge and inspiring others. Whether it’s through her herb garden, beekeeping tips, or just talking to neighbors about fresh food, she’s helping to build a community focused on sustainability and healthy living.
For those in urban or suburban areas, getting involved with neighbors, starting community gardens, or simply sharing extra eggs or produce can foster a supportive homesteading community, even in small spaces.
Why Start Now?
One of the key lessons Ariel shares is that there’s no need to wait for the “perfect” piece of land or situation. You can start right where you are, even in a small suburban yard.
Learning skills like beekeeping, gardening, and chicken keeping will prepare you for bigger opportunities in the future, but they also provide a sense of fulfillment and empowerment right now.
So, whether you’re in a small yard or a big one, the time to start homesteading is now. Just like Ariel, you’ll find that with each new skill you learn, you’ll grow more confident and self-sufficient.
Ready to Begin Your Homesteading Journey?
The journey to self-sufficiency might seem daunting, but Ariel’s story shows that it’s possible even in the suburbs. Start small, build confidence, and enjoy the rewards of homegrown food and a sustainable lifestyle. And remember, you don’t have to do it all at once—one small step at a time is all it takes.
Links from this episode:
- Ariel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanyogifarmer/
