In this podcast episode, I share my thoughts on living out the legacy that has been handed down to you, adding to that legacy, and then passing it down to future generations. I also share tips for getting started homesteading if you don’t have any, or very little land.
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Homesteading is more than just a lifestyle—it’s a way of creating a legacy that can be passed down through generations. Whether you’re on a small piece of land, an apartment balcony, or just dreaming of a larger homestead, you can still start building that legacy today.
Let’s dive into some of the key points from the Modern Homesteading podcast and explore how you can begin homesteading, even if you don’t have land. Plus, and some personal thoughts on creating a lasting legacy.
A Homesteading Legacy
Have you ever thought about the legacy you’ll leave behind? For many of us, this question becomes more important as we grow older. Our grandparents and parents leave us with wisdom, skills, and items that may hold a lot of meaning, but it’s the knowledge and memories that often last the longest.
My grandparents passed down knowledge about gardening, building, and other essential skills. This got me thinking about my own legacy. What will I leave for my children and grandchildren?
I realized that I’m the link between my grandparents and my grandchildren. If I don’t pass on the knowledge and skills I’ve learned, they could disappear. Whether it’s something like gardening tips, how to build a chicken coop, or even a favorite family recipe, each of us has something valuable to pass on. And we can always build on that legacy with new knowledge and skills.
Creating a Legacy That Lasts
Homesteading is about more than just growing food or raising animals—it’s about creating something lasting. Every time we plant a garden, teach a skill, or pass down knowledge, we are building a legacy. Whether you have children, grandchildren, or just friends and neighbors who look up to you, there’s always someone who can benefit from what you know.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451:
“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies… something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die.” To me, this is the heart of homesteading. When we plant a tree, tend to a garden, or even cook a meal, we are leaving a piece of ourselves behind. Let’s make sure it’s something worth passing on.
11 Tips for Homesteading Without Land
You don’t need acres of land to start homesteading! In fact, you can begin right where you are. Here are some great tips from Harold’s podcast to get you started:
1. Use Educational Resources
Learning is the first step. There are so many resources available—books, podcasts, YouTube channels, and blogs that can teach you all about homesteading. Personally, I love holding a good book in my hands, but you can learn just as much from online courses or podcasts like the Modern Homesteading Podcast.
2. Start in the Kitchen
Homesteading is all about being self-sufficient, and a great way to start is by learning how to preserve food. Whether it’s canning, dehydrating, fermenting, or freezing, these are valuable skills. You don’t need to grow your own food right away—try buying produce from a local farmer’s market to practice these skills first.
3. Grow Food in Containers
No yard? No problem! You can grow food in containers on a patio, balcony, or even inside your home. Start small with herbs or salad greens and expand from there. If you have access to a community garden, that’s another fantastic way to grow food.
4. Start Composting
Even if you don’t have much space, you can still compost! Vermicomposting, or composting with worms, is a great option for small spaces. Worms can turn your kitchen scraps into rich compost that you can use in your container garden.
5. Raise Small Livestock
Believe it or not, you don’t need a farm to raise animals. Many people raise rabbits or quail in their garage or basement. These small animals can provide a steady source of meat or eggs, even in limited space.
6. Practice Frugal Living
Being frugal is a big part of homesteading. Learn how to reuse and repurpose items, avoid waste, and save money. This is something you can practice no matter where you live.
7. Go Hunting and Fishing
If you enjoy the outdoors, hunting and fishing are excellent ways to provide food for your family. You can often find public land where hunting and fishing are allowed, even if you don’t own land yourself.
8. Forage for Food
Foraging is another way to gather food from the wild. You can forage for edible plants, mushrooms, nuts, and berries. Just make sure you know what you’re picking—some plants and mushrooms can be dangerous if you’re not careful.
9. Make Your Own Herbal Medicines
Learning to make herbal medicines is a valuable homesteading skill. Start with simple plants like dandelions and plantain, which are often found in yards or public spaces. You can make salves, tinctures, and teas that promote health and healing.
10. Develop Useful Skills
Homesteading involves a wide range of skills, from cooking to carpentry to animal husbandry. Start practicing these skills now, even if you’re not living on a large homestead. The more skills you develop, the better prepared you’ll be when you have more space.
11. Build a Homesteading Community
Lastly, connect with others who are interested in homesteading. Whether it’s online through a Facebook group or in-person at a local meetup, building a supportive community will help you learn and grow. You can also share your skills with others and learn from their experiences.
I hope this has inspired you to get started on your homesteading journey, no matter where you are. Whether you’re living in an apartment or a large homestead, you can always take steps to build your skills and create a lasting legacy. Happy homesteading!
