Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by Veronica Sparks
Have you heard the about apartment homesteading? When we think of a homestead, we automatically picture acres of land and a traditional farm setup. We usually don’t consider homesteading in suburban or urban areas. But that’s all changing now… Modern homesteading simply refers to a self-sufficient, natural lifestyle with sustainable green living practices, which can be achieved even if you’re living in an apartment!
Maybe you already use reusable grocery bags , recycle when you can, and reduce your motor vehicle use as much as possible. But you could be wondering what other practices you can implement in your home as a renter to be more sustainable and self-sufficient. That’s where the idea of apartment homesteading comes in!
Let’s dive into 13 ways you can start apartment homesteading today!
Related Article: 8 Homesteading Ideas to Achieve Your Self-Sufficiency Goals This Year
What Is Apartment Homesteading?
A concept that brings homesteading practices into apartment living, apartment homesteading allows renters to be more self-reliant, dabble in natural living, and positively impact the environment — all without owning any land at all.
In today’s world, where sustainable living is gaining more momentum than ever, even renters can dive in and have a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Let’s explore 13 suburban homesteading practices specifically tailored to an apartment lifestyle, so you can embark on your apartment homesteading journey.
1. Start a Balcony or Window Garden
One of the first steps towards self-sufficiency and sustainability is learning the ins and outs of growing food . If you live in an apartment, this can be as simple as starting a balcony or window garden.
Despite the limited space, growing plants in containers can provide numerous benefits. Indoor plants improve air quality and enhance aesthetics, while both indoor and outdoor container gardens allow you to grow medicinal herbs , vegetables, or beneficial flowers.
If you’re growing a balcony garden, consider containers that optimize your space and make your gardening experience more comfortable. Some good options are vertical garden beds and compact raised garden beds.
FLEXIMOUNTS Vertical Raised Garden Bed
Why We Love It:
- Includes four large food-grade growing bins (BPA-free, lead-free, mercury-free)
- Bins are tiered for easy plant maintenance and space saving
- Good drainage system
- Sits on four lockable wheels for easy mobility
- Sturdy design, made with coated steel to withstand wind resistance, soil weight, and the elements
When starting a balcony or window garden, consider the available sunlight and choose plants that thrive in such conditions. For example, if your balcony is partially shaded for much of the day, growing greens, herbs, and other low-light edibles is a great option.
When it comes to edible plants that grow well within a confined container space, the below vegetables are fruitful in small-space gardening:
- Growing tomatoes
- Growing herbs
- Growing peppers
- Growing cucumbers
- Growing beans
- Growing leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale, etc.)
2. Pitch a Community Garden Idea
If your apartment complex has ample outdoor space, consider pitching the idea of a community garden to your apartment manager. Community gardens are gaining huge popularity around the country, and they foster a sense of community while providing renters with opportunities for self-sufficient living.
By collaborating with your neighbors and organizing a community garden, you can collectively grow various crops and even share the harvest. Approach your apartment management with a well-prepared proposal highlighting the benefits of a community garden, such:
- Promoting a sense of community
- Improving the aesthetics of the complex
- Encouraging sustainable practices and green living principles among residents
3. Start an Indoor Vegetable Garden On Your Countertop
Starting an indoor herb or vegetable garden on your kitchen countertop is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh produce year-round.
Begin by selecting compact countertop planters that fit your space, ensuring they have proper drainage. Only choose suitable vegetable varieties — like herbs, cherry tomatoes, or lettuce — that thrive indoors.
Install adjustable grow lights or select a countetop planter with a grow light built-in to ensure your plants can get the necessary light for growth. Make sure your containers are placed in a warm, sunny spot and maintain a consistent watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.
With these essentials in place, you can easily grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables right in your kitchen.
Ahopegarden Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System
The Ahopegarden Indoor Garden Hydroponics Growing System is perfect for beginners and experienced indoor gardeners alike. With its efficient LED lights and user-friendly controls, it makes growing fresh produce a breeze.
Key Features:
- Full-spectrum LED grow lights
- Automated watering system
- Adjustable light intensity and spectrum
- Space-efficient design
- Suitable for a variety of vegetables and herbs
Related Article: Grow an Indoor Vegetable Garden With These Awesome Countertop Grow Light Planters!
4. Buy Produce at Farmer’s Markets or Local Farms
Purchasing products from farmers markets or nearby farms is an excellent way to support local farmers and promote sustainability in your community. Not to mention that you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
Venders at a local farmers market are often farmers, homesteaders, or even backyard beekeepers . They frequently offer a wide variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other farm products like maple syrup, eggs, and locally grown honey.
By buying directly from farmers, you support local agriculture, reduce carbon emissions associated with long-distance food transportation, and get to know the people behind your food.
Related Article: The Ugly Truth about Grocery Store Produce
5. Start Composting
If you’re wondering about how to start composting in an apartment, realize that it doesn’t have to be messy or complicated. It can actually be a convenient and eco-friendly practice!
Begin by using a small countertop compost bin to collect kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. When it gets full, empty it into a larger compost container on your balcony or in your garage. You can even store compost in a bag in your freezer if you have the space.
If you have more compost than you can use, take it to a local compost drop-off or find a community composting program. With a little effort, apartment dwellers can reduce waste, have healthy vegetable plants, and contribute to a greener planet through composting.
EPICA Countertop Compost Bin
Why We Love It:
- Compact 11″ x 7.16″ size but holds 1.3 gallons worth of compost
- Sleek and durable stainless steel construction
- Airtight seal and replacable activated charcoal filter for odor control
- Leak/rust-resistant and easy to clean
Related Article: What is Vermicomposting? How to Use Earthworms for a Thriving Garden
6. Preserve Produce from Your Garden
Once you’ve started your own balcony, window, or community garden, you may have an abundance of fresh produce come harvest season. To avoid waste and enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year, learning how to preserve food is essential.
Canning , dehydrating , and blanching and freezing are popular methods for preserving surplus garden harvests. By preserving your herbs and other produce, you can extend the lifespan of your fruits and vegetables, reduce food waste, and have homegrown goodness even in the off-season.
Related Article: Proper Produce Storage: How to Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh Longer
Granite Ware 8 Piece Enamelware Water bath Canning Kit
Why We Love It:
- Includes lidded canning pot with 21.5 quart capacity
- Included canning rack made of rust-proof chromed steel
- Five tools also included: Bubble remover and ruler, Jar Lifter, Magnetic Lid Lifter, Jar Wrench, Jar Funnel
If you plan to have a plentiful harvest from your balcony garden or community garden, consider investing in a pressure canner or food dehydrator to make your food preservation sessions a breeze!
Related Article: The Best Water Bath Canners You Can Buy On Amazon
7. Try Your Hand at Refrigerator Pickling
Canning is a traditional preservation method that allows you to store jars of food at room temperature long after the growing season ends. However, specific tools are required for traditional canning.
One popular and beginner-friendly canning technique that doesn’t require a ton of equipment is refrigerator pickling. By using this canner-free method, you can quickly pickle your own vegetables like cucumbers, onions, carrots, and peppers and create tangy, crunchy, long-lasting treats that add a burst of flavor to your meals.
Check Out Our How-To Video: Refrigerator Pickled Red Onions!
The process involves preparing a brine, adding spices and vegetables, and refrigerating the jars for a specific period of time. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your favorite refrigerator pickles.
And once you’ve gobbled up all those delicious pickles, you can also use leftover pickle juice for a host of recipes!
8. Cook Things from Scratch
Embracing a homesteading lifestyle means taking control of your food production, and one way to do that is by cooking from scratch. This practice lets you control exactly what goes into your food, and it reduces packaging waste associated with store-bought products.
Check out our blog series:
How to Make Homemade Pantry Staples
You can learn how to make these staple food items in this blog series:
Get adventurous in the kitchen, try new recipes, and experience the satisfaction of creating homemade delicacies. They’re healthier and more flavorful than their store-bought counterparts!
9. Repurpose Your Waste
In apartment homesteading, recycling food waste becomes a creative challenge. Instead of throwing away certain kitchen scraps, you can find alternative uses for them.
Coffee grounds, for example, can be used as a natural organic fertilizer for your plants or in homemade cosmetics. Crushed eggshells can be added to your garden soil to provide calcium and serve as natural garden pest control. Even your vegetable scraps and poultry carcasses can be saved to make homemade broths and stocks.
By finding creative ways to repurpose your waste, you reduce landfill contributions and discover the hidden potential of everyday items.
Related Article: How to Make Turkey Soup With a Leftover Turkey Carcass
10. Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Traditional cleaning supplies often contain harmful chemicals that are detrimental to both the environment and human health. As an apartment homesteader, you can adopt some natural living practices in this respect.
Make your own eco-friendly cleaning supplies — like DIY laundry detergent and homemade all-purpose cleaner — using natural ingredients.
BORAX Laundry Soap Kit
Why We Love It:
- Cost-Effective: Save money with this all-in-one laundry soap kit that includes washing soda, borax, and bar soap.
- Effective Cleaning: Say goodbye to tough stains and dirt; it tackles them effortlessly.
- Gentle on Clothes: Keeps your clothes clean without causing damage or fading.
- Fresh Fragrance: Enjoy a pleasant and long-lasting scent on your laundry.
- Easy to Use: Simple instructions for hassle-free laundry soap preparation.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with environmentally friendly ingredients, reducing your impact on the planet.
- Versatile: Suitable for various washing machines and handwashing.
- Long-Lasting: The kit provides enough soap for multiple loads, lasting a long time.
Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils can effectively clean and disinfect your living space without the negative impacts of commercial cleaners.
Plus, making your own cleaning supplies is cost-effective and allows you to customize scents and formulations according to your preferences.
Related Article: DIY Cleaning Supplies: What Works and What’s Worth It
11. Hang Dry Your Clothes
Instead of relying on energy-consuming dryers, consider hang-drying your clothes. Whether you have a balcony, a designated laundry area, or even a compact clothes-drying rack, hang-drying your clothes is an eco-friendly alternative. Not only does it save energy, but it also helps extend the lifespan of your garments.
Pennsylvania Woodworks Clothes Drying Rack
Why We Love It:
- Made from maple hardwood for sturdy construction
- Can hold full loads of wet laundry with 37 feet of drying space
- Foldable for easy storage
- Comes fully assembled
- Sanded smooth so delicate fabrics won’t snag
Hanging clothes to dry reduces your carbon footprint and imparts a fresh, natural scent to your laundry. Embrace the simplicity of this practice and enjoy the benefits of energy savings and clothing longevity.
12. Discover Natural Home Remedies and Cosmetics
When you start homesteading, part of the process involves exploring natural alternatives for everyday needs. Natural home remedies and homemade cosmetics offer a healthier and more sustainable approach to self-care.
Research and discover the benefits of using medicinal herbs and natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. From soothing homemade balms to rejuvenating face masks, the possibilities are endless.
Survival Garden Seeds Ultimate Medicinal Herbs Collection
Why We Love It:
- 36 medicinal herb seed packets.
- Variety of annual, biennial, and perennial herb plants.
- Non-GMO and heirloom seeds.
- Includes planting and seed-saving instructions.
- Biodegradable packaging (no plastic).
- Downloadable growing guide included.
Incorporating natural remedies and DIY natural cosmetics into your routine reduces your exposure to chemicals and supports a more sustainable lifestyle. And you can do it easily while living in an apartment!
Related Article: How to Make Homemade Candles (And Why You Should)
Check out our blog series:
Uncommon Uses For Common Household Items
You can learn the various uses of these household items this blog series:
13. Dabble in Practical Prepping
When we thing of prepping, we often think of people who emerse themselves in off-grid survivalist ideologies. But you don’t have to go overboard to ensure you’re prepared for a crisis.
The truth is, emergencies can happen quickly — whether it’s natural disasters, civil unrest, supply chain issues, or some other crisis. And some of the most vulnerable people in these situations are urban residents. Practical prepping offers urban apartment dwellers a sense of security and self-reliance in the face of these possible challenges.
Start by creating a simple emergency stockpile, learning basic survival skills, and putting emergency plans in place — like preparing a bug-out bag to leave the area in case of evacuation or unrest.
This type of “practical” prepping fosters a mindset of resilience and resourcefulness, empowering you to thrive in uncertain times.
Related Article: 6 Perfect Gifts for Preppers and Survivalists
Get into the Apartment Homesteading Mindset!
Apartment homesteading empowers renters with valuable homesteading skills and allows them to embrace sustainability and self-sufficiency in their everyday lives without the high costs of owning land. Adopting these ten practices can positively impact the environment, enhance your well-being, create a more fulfilling lifestyle, and maybe even save you some cash.
With each step, you contribute to a greener future while enjoying the benefits of self-sufficiency. Start your apartment homesteading journey today!
Related Article: Is Homesteading Worth It? Cost, Savings, and Earnings Study
FAQs: Apartment Homestead
Can an apartment homesteader practice in any type of apartment?
Yes, apartment homesteading can be adapted to various types of apartments, including those with limited outdoor space. The key is to make the most of the available resources and be creative in finding sustainable solutions.
Is it legal to start a community garden in an apartment complex?
The legality of starting a community garden in an apartment complex varies depending on local regulations and apartment management policies. It is advisable to consult with your landlord or management and ensure compliance with any rules or guidelines.
Are homemade cleaning supplies as effective as commercial ones?
Homemade cleaning supplies can be just as effective as commercial products, if not more. Natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice have potent cleaning properties. It’s important to follow recommended recipes and techniques for optimal results.
What are some other sustainable practices urban homesteaders can adopt?
In addition to the practices mentioned in this article, an urban homesteader can explore energy-efficient appliances, reduce water consumption, practice mindful waste management, engage in suburban and urban foraging , and support eco-friendly initiatives in their communities. You can start apartment homesteading today!