Homesteading on 5 acres
A lot of people think you need hundreds of acres to homestead. The truth is, you can do a whole lot with just a few. You don’t need a lot of property to homestead.
We have 5 acres and try to maximize every acre of it. You can start living a more self-sufficient life, whether you have five acres, one acre, or even just a backyard. If you have limited space, you will want to utilize your space best. You can do it right where you are.
To be successful, I recommend starting out slowly. Don’t try to take on too much too soon. Do your research! Learn as much as you can before diving into it. For example, if you dream of fresh eggs, learn about raising chickens, chicken health, and egg production versus raising chicks. If you want homegrown herbs and vegetables, learn about what grows best in your area’s climate and plant partners.
Like most changes in life, homesteading takes deliberate thoughts and actions. Consider what homesteading looks like to you and how deep you want to go into being self-sufficient. Do you want to improve your life, or do you want to live off the grid? No matter your goal, work out a plan and a budget. If you don’t know where to begin, here are a few simple ways to get started.
Simple Ways to Get Started
Composting: Turning Trash into Gold
What is composting? Composting is nature’s way of recycling. You take your kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials.
If you have farm animals, you can even add manure. Let them break down into rich, dark soil. This soil is packed full of nutrients. Instead of tossing out things like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells, you pile them up. Let nature do its thing, and in a few months, you’ve got homemade fertilizer for your garden. Visit my post on Composting.
Growing Your Food: Start a Small Garden
Having a garden can help you control the types of foods you put in your body, instead of produce with herbicides or other harmful chemicals.
Start a small garden. Growing a garden can provide access to fresh, healthier foods and is good for your mental and physical well-being.
You don’t need a giant garden to grow your own veggies. You can grow them on your porch or patio. Raised beds, container gardening, or even a small patch in your yard can be enough to get started. We used the growing bags to plant tomatoes a couple of years ago and had the best tomatoes ever.
Try using veggies to decorate around your home or in flower beds. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and herbs are easy to grow and don’t require a ton of space.
Try this:
- Plant a few herbs on your windowsill or porch
- Start with a small raised bed of
or a few large pots. - Try a small Hydroponics Growing System for an indoor garden.
- Learn about companion planting to make the most of your space.
You will also want to consider if you are going to start plants from seeds or buy plants from your local feed and seed store, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, Walmart, etc.
If you want to grow plants from seeds, where are you going to get your seeds? Do you want heirloom seeds (recommended)?
Raising Chickens: Fresh Eggs Right at Home
When we decided to get back to the basics on our homestead, chickens were the first animals we had on the farm. Boy, they sure are entertaining pets to have (like all our other animals!). They are spoiled. They have been such a blessing in our lives and provide lots of enjoyment to our family. I cannot imagine life here on the farm without them.
Keeping chickens is rewarding, therapeutic, fun, and sometimes nerve-wracking for newbies! There is tons of web info, and it can seem overwhelming. My goal is to keep it simple for first-timers to get joy from raising chickens.
Start by asking yourself the following questions.
- Why do you want to raise chickens? For meat, their eggs, or pleasure?
- Are you prepared to attend to them daily? It requires some effort!
- Where will you keep them, and where will they roam and sleep?
- Who will look after them when you are not available?
Visit my post on raising chickens.
Rainwater Collection: Free Water for Your Homestead
Watering a garden (and animals) can get expensive, so why not collect rainwater? You can catch and store water with a simple rain barrel under a downspout. Some areas have regulations on rainwater collection, so check the local rules in your area first.
Final Thoughts
Homesteading isn’t about how much land you have—it’s about making the most of what you have. Whether composting, raising a few chickens, or growing some tomatoes on your patio, every little step brings you closer to a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Do you have any homesteading tips or stories you would like to share? Leave a comment or send me an email. I’d love to hear how you’re making the most of your space!
Disclaimer: Some posts may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Any sponsored content will be disclosed. My opinions are my own, and I only recommend products or services that I use or believe in.
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