On this podcast episode for the first time ever I’m replaying an older episode where I briefly tell my story of why I started homesteading and why you should consider homesteading right now, right where you are.
The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 254 – September 1, 2024
Listen To The Podcast
When most people think of homesteading, their minds often wander to images of pioneers in covered wagons heading westward, seeking a new life on the frontier. While that was indeed the essence of homesteading in the past, the concept has evolved significantly. Today, homesteading is about much more than living off the land in remote locations—it’s a lifestyle rooted in self-sufficiency that can be embraced wherever you are, whether in a bustling city or a quiet rural area.
Redefining Homesteading
Modern homesteading is defined by a commitment to self-reliance. It often includes subsistence agriculture, livestock production, and home preservation of food. Many homesteaders also engage in small-scale production of textiles, clothing, or crafts, either for personal use or for sale. Renewable energy sources like solar power and wind energy are commonly used, and there’s a growing emphasis on growing heirloom vegetables and raising heritage livestock.
Crucially, homesteading today is not about where you live but how you live. Whether you’re on an urban balcony or a sprawling farm, the principles of homesteading can be applied anywhere. It’s about the skills you acquire, the choices you make, and the lifestyle you cultivate.
Why Start Homesteading Now?
There are several compelling reasons to begin your homesteading journey today, no matter where you are. Let’s explore a few of them.
1. For Better Health
The modern food landscape is riddled with unhealthy, nutrient-deficient options that contribute to a global health crisis. One powerful way to combat this is by growing and raising your own food. This not only gives you control over what you consume but also ensures that you’re eating the freshest and most nutrient-rich foods possible.
For many, the journey into homesteading begins with a health scare or realization. For me, it was a diagnosis of stage three colon cancer at the age of 39. This was a wake-up call that led me to reassess my lifestyle. I realized that the time to start living my homesteading dream was now—not someday in the future. As soon as I was well enough, I planted a garden, started raising meat rabbits, and took control of my diet. The changes were transformative, not just for my health but for my entire outlook on life.
2. For Preparedness
Life is unpredictable. Job losses, medical emergencies, and natural disasters can strike at any time. Homesteading naturally incorporates preparedness, whether it’s preserving food, securing water supplies, or having energy backups. You don’t need a large plot of land to start. Even in a small space, you can begin canning food, storing water, and setting up alternative energy sources.
Being prepared isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about being responsible. My medical situation opened my eyes to the importance of preparedness. It’s a lesson I encourage everyone to take seriously.
3. For Skill Development
Homesteading skills take time to develop, so why not start now? Jumping into a large-scale homestead without experience can be overwhelming. Shows like Homestead Rescue highlight the struggles of people who’ve taken on more than they were ready for. But you don’t have to wait until you have your dream homestead to start building your skills.
Learn to can food, grow a small garden, or raise a few chickens. These skills will serve you well now and prepare you for the future. Starting small allows you to build a solid foundation so that when you do expand, you’re ready for the challenges ahead.
4. For the Children
Passing on the skills of self-sufficiency to the next generation is crucial. If we want our children to carry on the important traditions of homesteading, we need to teach them as soon as possible. Even if your children are older, it’s never too late to start. Get them involved in gardening, canning, and other homesteading activities. These skills are valuable and increasingly rare in today’s world.
5. For the Environment
Homesteading encourages organic and environmentally friendly practices. By growing your own food without harmful chemicals, you contribute to a healthier planet. The sooner you start, the better the impact you’ll have on the environment. Homesteading isn’t just about personal health—it’s about the health of our world.
6. For the Cause
Homesteading is contagious. The more people who embrace this lifestyle, the better off our society will be. By starting your homesteading journey now, you’ll inspire others to do the same. Whether you live in an urban environment or a rural one, homesteading can address many of the problems we face today, from food insecurity to environmental degradation.
During World War II, Victory Gardens produced 40% of all vegetables grown in the United States. These gardens were often in urban settings—front yards, backyards, rooftops, and even window boxes. Today, we face different challenges, but the solution remains the same: start where you are, and grow something edible. Your actions can make a difference.
Getting Started
So, what can you do right now to begin your homesteading journey?
- Grow Something Edible: Whether it’s a pot of herbs on your windowsill or a small garden in your backyard, start growing your own food.
- Practice Food Preservation: Learn to can, dehydrate, or freeze food. These skills are invaluable and can be practiced even in a small kitchen.
- Work Towards Getting Out of Debt: Financial independence is a key aspect of self-sufficiency. Start working on paying off debts so you can truly live the homesteading lifestyle.
- Learn to Hunt and Forage: These skills can provide your family with healthy, sustainable food. Whether you’re foraging for berries or learning to hunt, these activities connect you with nature and teach valuable lessons.
- Practice Food Preparation: Cooking from scratch is a vital homesteading skill. It’s healthier, and tastier, and connects you to the food you’ve worked hard to grow and preserve.
Own the Term “Homesteader”
You don’t need a 20-acre farm to call yourself a homesteader. If you’re developing the skills that lead to self-sufficiency, you’re already on the path. Own it. Embrace it. And start living it today.
As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” This applies perfectly to the homesteading journey. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect piece of land. Start now, right where you are, and watch as your life—and the lives of those around you—transforms for the better.
