Suburban homesteading, once a way of life for pioneers, is experiencing a resurgence as people seek greater self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a connection to nature. While it might seem like a daunting prospect, you don’t need a vast expanse of land or a remote countryside location to engage in homesteading for beginners — and homesteading is worth it in many ways.
Even if you live in the suburbs, there are plenty of ways to begin your journey towards a more self-sufficient and natural lifestyle. Let’s explore seven beginner-friendly suburban homesteading practices that you can easily implement.
1. Start a Simple Vegetable Garden
One of the most accessible ways to dip your toes into homesteading in the suburbs is by growing food. You can grow a vegegable garden even with limited space, such as a small backyard, balcony, or even a sunny windowsill. Here are some options to consider.
Related Article: Small Scale Homesteading: How to Have a Suburban Homestead on On a Quarter Acre
Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds are perfect for suburban settings. They provide excellent drainage, prevent soil compaction, and make gardening more accessible. Build a few raised beds in your backyard or on your patio to grow a variety of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce.
Related Article: Raised Beds vs In-Ground Gardening: The Pros and Cons of Each Gardening Method
Balcony Gardens
If you have limited outdoor space, a balcony garden is a great solution. Use containers or vertical gardening techniques to grow herbs, cherry tomatoes, and small peppers. Ensure your containers have proper drainage and get plenty of sunlight.
Vertical Gardens
Vertical gardening allows you to maximize space by growing plants on walls or trellises. Consider installing vertical garden pockets or creating your trellises for climbing crops like cucumbers, beans, or peas.
Indoor Countertop Gardens
For those with no outdoor space at all, indoor vegetable gardens can still provide fresh produce. Use hydroponic or aquaponic systems to grow herbs, microgreens, and even small vegetables right on your kitchen countertop.
Related Article: 18 Things You Absolutely Need When Starting a Homestead in Suburbia
2. Start Composting
Composting is an eco-friendly way to reduce waste and enrich your garden soil. You can start composting even in a suburban setting, and there are countertop compost bins available that are perfect for beginners.
Set up a compost bin in your backyard or use a countertop compost bin in your kitchen to collect food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to your compost.
Over time, these scraps will break down into nutrient-rich compost that you can use to fertilize your garden.
3. Set Up a Rain Barrel
Collecting rainwater is an excellent way to reduce your water bill and provide a sustainable water source for your garden.
Install a rain barrel near your downspout to catch rainwater from your roof. This harvested water can be used for watering your plants, reducing the strain on your municipal water supply during dry spells.
Benefits of Collecting Rainwater
- Reduces water bills
- Provides chlorine-free water for your plants
- Helps prevent soil erosion
- Lowers your environmental footprint
Related Article: 3 Best Rain Barrels You Can Buy on Amazon Today
4. Make Homemade Cleaning Products
Commercial cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can harm both your health and the environment. Embrace natural living and sustainability practices by making your own cleaning products at home.
- DIY Laundry Detergent: Mix ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, and soap flakes to create a homemade laundry detergent. It’s effective, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient.
- Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner: Blend vinegar, water, and essential oils like lemon or tea tree for an all-purpose cleaner that can tackle various household cleaning tasks.
By using these homemade alternatives, you reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals while minimizing your impact on the environment.
Related Article: DIY Natural Cosmetics: 11 Recipes You Need in Your Beauty Routine
5. Dabble in Food Preservation Techniques
Preserving your harvest is a crucial aspect of homesteading. While it might seem intimidating, there are beginner-friendly food preservation methods to get started, such as water bath canning and dehydrating food in the oven.
Water Bath Canning
Water bath canning is a simple method for preserving fruits, jams, jellies, and pickles. It involves submerging jars filled with food in a boiling water bath to create a vacuum seal that prevents spoilage. Start with basic recipes and gradually expand your canning skills to more complex methods like pressure canning.
Related Article: The Best Water Bath Canners You Can Buy On Amazon
Dehydrating Food in the Oven
Dehydrating is another way to preserve fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You can begin with an ordinary kitchen oven or invest in a food dehydrator. Simply slice and arrange your produce, then dry them at a low temperature until they’re ready for storage. Dehydrated foods can be used in various recipes or as healthy snacks.
6. Explore Herbal Remedies
Homesteading isn’t just about growing food; it’s also about harnessing the healing power of nature. By growing and foraging for plants and herbs with medicinal properties, you can create your herbal remedies for common ailments and health maintenance.
Benefits of Herbal Remedies:
- Natural and chemical-free
- Cost-effective
- Reduces reliance on pharmaceuticals
- Deepens your connection to nature
Some common medicinal herbs you can start with include lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and echinacea. Research their uses and cultivation requirements to get started on your own herbal medicine journey.
7. Switch to Solar Powered Home Products
Reducing your reliance on non-renewable energy sources is another step towards self-sufficiency. Consider installing solar panels on your roof to harness clean and sustainable energy. Solar panels can provide electricity for your home, reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills over time.
Additionally, you can explore solar-powered home products such as solar ovens, solar chargers, and solar-powered lights. These products can help you rely less on conventional power sources and reduce your environmental impact.
Related Article: Harnessing Renewable Energy at Home: Make Your Homestead Self-Sufficient and Sustainable
Our Picks for Solar Home Products
Ready to Jump Into Homesteading for Beginners?
Homesteading is an exciting journey towards greater self-sufficiency and a more natural way of living, even in suburban settings. By starting simple, you can take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. Remember that homesteading is a learning process, so take your time, enjoy the journey, and embrace the countless benefits of a self-sufficient, natural, and homestead-inspired life.