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On This Episode of The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel Discuss Skills And Tasks You Can Get Started With Right Now, Right Where You Are, To Begin Homesteading Even If You Don’t Have Any Land.

The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 179 – January 2, 2023

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Homesteading, the art of self-sufficiency, isn’t confined to those with acres of land. With a shift towards sustainable living, modern homesteading skills can be developed and practiced in any setting, including apartments. Here’s a guide to essential skills you can cultivate to embark on a fulfilling homesteading journey, regardless of where you live.

1. Cooking from Scratch

Cooking from scratch is fundamental in homesteading. It’s not just about creating delicious meals, but also about understanding the ingredients’ source and nutritional value. This skill enhances your health and can be a fun, creative process.

• Healthy Eating
• Better Taste
• Cheaper
• Revives Lost and Dying Skills
• Supports Ethical Choices
• Promotes Less Waste

2. Canning and Preservation

Learning canning and preservation techniques, like water bath and pressure canning, is crucial for extending the shelf life of your harvests. It’s a way to enjoy seasonal produce all year round and reduce food waste.

• Water Bath Canning
• Pressure Canning

3. Fermenting Foods

Fermentation, an ancient technique, is excellent for gut health. Start with simple projects like making sauerkraut, kimchi, or kombucha. These require minimal space and can be done in any kitchen.

• Start With Something Simple Like Sauerkraut
• Kombucha
• Listen To Our Episode on Food Preservation Methods Past and Present

4. Container Gardening and Microgreens

You don’t need a large garden to grow your own food. Container gardening and cultivating microgreens on windowsills or balconies can provide fresh, organic produce and a deeper understanding of plant growth.

• Outdoors and Indoors
• Read My Article – The Best Way To Grow Microgreens In Your Kitchen  

5. Composting

Even in small spaces, composting can be practiced using methods like worm composting or small-scale compost bins. This skill is essential for waste reduction and creating nutrient-rich soil for your plants.

• Trash Can Composting
  • How to Build and Use a Trash Can Composter – https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-trash-can-compost-2539476
• Vermicomposting
  • Listen To This Podcast Episode For More On This Topic – The Wormcast: All About Vermicomposting

6. Fishing and Hunting

While not possible in an urban setting, these skills can be developed through trips to rural areas. They’re vital for understanding sustainable sourcing of meat and connect you to the natural food cycle.

Fishing

• Lure Fishing
• Bait Fishing
• Fly Fishing
• Cleaning Fish
• Check out this podcast episode – Fishing To Provide Food For The Homestead With Guest Cannon Kirby 

Hunting

• Small Game
  • More Information about this here – A Beginner’s Guide To Hunting Squirrel
• Large Game
  • Learn about this here – Hunting Whitetail Deer To Fill The Homestead Freezer 
  • Archery
  • Get started with this article – How To Find Places To Hunt For High-Quality Meat  

7. Basic Butchering

Learning to process and butcher meat is valuable, especially if you hunt or raise livestock. It ensures respect for the animal and reduces reliance on commercial meat sources.

8. Foraging

Foraging for wild edibles like berries, mushrooms, and medicinal plants is a rewarding skill. It connects you with nature and provides access to fresh, organic, and often rare ingredients.

• Mushrooms
  • Check out this recent podcast episode for more about this at Getting Started Safely Foraging For Mushrooms With Aaron and Jill Grenchik  
• Berries
• Medicinal Plants
• Edible Weeds
• Fruit
• Nuts

9. Herbalism

Understanding the medicinal properties of plants and how to use them for home remedies is a valuable homesteading skill. It fosters a natural approach to health and wellness.

• Learn About Herb Qualities
• Oils
• Tinctures

10. Basic Carpentry

Carpentry skills are handy for building and repairing items around the home. Start with small projects and gradually build up to more complex ones.

• Start with small, simple projects.
• Find someone with building skills to help you and show you the basics.

11. DIY Household and Personal Products

Making your own cleaning products, soaps, and personal care items reduces your environmental footprint and exposure to harmful chemicals. It’s also often more cost-effective.

• Cleaners
• Soaps
• Lotions
• Salves
• Laundry Detergent 

12. Textile Skills (Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting)

These skills are not just for crafting; they’re practical for mending clothes, making home textiles, and even creating handmade gifts. They also offer a sense of accomplishment and creativity.

• Sewing
• Knitting
• Crochet

Conclusion

Modern homesteading is about embracing a lifestyle of learning and self-sufficiency. Whether you’re in a rural area or a city apartment, these skills can be cultivated to lead a more sustainable, fulfilling life. Start small, practice regularly, and watch your homesteading journey flourish!

Other Helpful Links

•  Healing Harvest Homestead YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@HeidiVillegas 
• Mother Earth News Soap Recipe: https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/lets-make-some-soap-a-recipe-for-a-simple-lye-soap/
• Nerdy Farm Wife, Milk Soap Recipe: https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/how-to-make-soap-with-milk/
• PlantNet APP (free)- https://plantnet.org/en/

Books Mentioned

• Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond by Angi Schneider – https://amzn.to/3PX8LcW 
• The Complete Book Of Self Sufficiency by John Seymour- https://amzn.to/3G1HnWG 
• The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide – https://amzn.to/3GgC32U 
• Food Drying with an Attitude: https://amzn.to/3FSMvwc
• Fermented Vegetables: https://amzn.to/3PSC2VW
• Butchering: https://amzn.to/3hUWnNV

Products Mentioned

• Water Bath Canner 21.5 Quart Stainless Steel – https://amzn.to/3WGHxt9 
• Presto 23 Quart Pressure Canner – https://amzn.to/3hQsSwy 
• Kenley 1.3 Gallon Fermentation Crock – https://amzn.to/3Wq4wJe 
• Stainless funnel with strainer for herbs- https://amzn.to/3juyPQq

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