How to Start Homesteading Anywhere - Even Without Property!

When most people picture homesteading, they imagine acres of land, barns, orchards, and animals. But the truth is—you don’t need all of that to get started.

Homesteading is more about mindset than acreage. It’s about learning skills, working with what you have, and moving toward a lifestyle of greater independence and simplicity. Whether you’re living on a quarter acre in town, renting a house with a backyard, or even in an apartment with just a balcony, there are plenty of ways to begin your homestead journey today!

Here are some practical projects you can start right where you are:

Gardening - Even in Small Spaces

You don’t need a huge yard to grow your own food. Gardening can be as simple as a pot of basil on the windowsill or as complex as a backyard filled with raised beds. Container gardening is especially great for beginners and small spaces—you can grow tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, or even strawberries in pots. Right now, I have a pot of mixed herbs—basil, verbena, oregano, and thyme—on our front porch, and I use them daily in cooking. Start small, experiment with different plants, and let your garden grow with your confidence.

Chickens - Backyard Flocks

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, chickens can be one of the best ways to step into homesteading. Not only do they provide fresh eggs, but they’re also great for pest control, composting scraps, and, let’s be honest, entertainment. Of course, you’ll need to check your local ordinances and make sure you have enough space, but many suburban families are surprised to learn they can keep a small flock. Even just three or four hens can provide plenty of eggs for your family while teaching you valuable animal care skills.

Canning & Food Preservation

You don’t need a garden of your own to start canning—you can always stock up at your local farmers market or even buy organic produce from the grocery store. Canning is one of those timeless homesteading skills that helps you save food, cut down on waste, and build confidence in the kitchen. From jams to pickles to homemade tomato sauce, you’ll quickly learn that preserving food is deeply satisfying—and you’ll appreciate those jars even more in the middle of winter.

Rabbits - Compact Homestead Animals

Rabbits are another great option for smaller spaces—even some apartment dwellers keep them! They’re quiet, relatively easy to care for, and their manure is a gardener’s dream. If you have a balcony garden, you can compost their manure and feed it back into your soil. Whether you raise them as pets or as a meat source (depending on your goals), rabbits are a gentle introduction to animal husbandry that doesn’t require acres of pasture.

Spend Time in Nature

Homesteading isn’t just about what you produce—it’s also about what you learn. If you don’t have land yet, take time to visit nature where you are. Go for walks, visit local parks, explore nature preserves, and learn about the plants, trees, and insects in your area. Building a relationship with the land around you will deepen your understanding and appreciation for nature—something that will serve you well once you do have more space.

Learn Basic Skills - Like Sewing

Homesteading is about creativity, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness. Learning traditional skills like sewing, knitting, or mending is a great place to start. You don’t need to dive straight into making your own clothes—start small by repairing a button, hemming pants, or sewing pillowcases. These skills not only save money but also give you the satisfaction of creating something with your own two hands.

The Mindset: Start Where You Are

Homesteading isn’t about having the perfect property—it’s about making the most of what you have. Creativity is one of the most important skills any homesteader can learn. Break your big goals into small, manageable steps and start building your skills today. Each project, no matter how small, is a piece of the bigger picture.

Whether it’s herbs on your porch, a few backyard chickens, or simply a walk in the woods, these small beginnings are the first steps toward the homestead you dream of.

From Our Family To Yours,

Jenna

Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

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Tell me—what’s one homesteading skill YOU would love to start this year?