When you hear the word homestead, you might picture acres of farmland, rows of crops, and chickens pecking under a clothesline full of sun-dried laundry. And while that’s one beautiful version of homesteading, it’s far from the only one.
In fact, modern homesteading is thriving in places you’d least expect—suburban backyards, townhome patios, even apartment balconies.
With a little creativity and a mindset shift, you can start living more self-sufficiently no matter where you live.
Here’s your beginner-friendly guide to becoming a modern homesteader—right in your own suburban space.
Why Choose the Homesteading Lifestyle?
Homesteading isn’t just about growing food—it’s about reclaiming independence, embracing sustainability, and living with purpose.
Here’s why more people are making the shift:
- Food security & quality: Knowing exactly where your food comes from.
- Simplicity & peace of mind: A slower, more intentional way of living.
- Sustainability: Less packaging, fewer emissions, and more reuse.
- Financial benefits: Homemade and homegrown = long-term savings.
And best of all?
You can tailor it to your lifestyle—whether you have 10 acres or 10 feet of patio space.
Start with What You Eat: Grow Your Own Food
You don’t need a huge backyard to start feeding yourself from the land.
Here are easy ways to grow where you are:
Container Gardening
Perfect for patios, balconies, and tight spots.
Try growing:
- Herbs: basil, rosemary, mint, parsley
- Leafy greens: lettuce, spinach, kale
- Tomatoes, peppers, radishes, or green onions
Raised Beds or Small Plots
If you have a small yard, build one or two raised beds (like this one) (or garden right in the soil).
They’re perfect for growing carrots, beans, squash, and more.
Vertical Gardening
Use hanging baskets, wall planters, or trellises to grow up instead of out.
Great for strawberries, cucumbers, or pole beans.
Arch trellises like this one make a beautiful addition to any garden or raised bed.
Community Gardens
No space?
See if your town has a local garden plot you can rent or volunteer in. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded neighbors.
Preserve the Harvest: Eat Year-Round
What’s the point of growing all that food if you can’t keep it?
Start simple with small-batch preservation:
Freezing
Blanch and freeze excess veggies, berries, and herbs for smoothies or soups.
Need help on blanching?
Click here for step-by-step instructions.
Dehydrating
Dry herbs, apple slices, tomatoes, or even make jerky with a basic dehydrator or oven.
Click here for step-by-step instructions.
Canning
Water bath canning is perfect for jams, pickles, and tomato sauces. Start with easy recipes and build your skills over time.
From-Scratch Staples
Making your own:
- Bone broth
- Sourdough bread
- Fermented foods like sauerkraut or pickles
All bring a sense of pride—and amazing flavor—to your homestead kitchen.
Backyard Animals (Even in the ‘Burbs)
Believe it or not, many suburban areas allow small livestock like chickens. Always check your city or HOA rules first!
Why chickens?
Chickens
- Provide fresh eggs
- Eat garden scraps and bugs
- Produce nutrient-rich compost
You don’t need a big flock—3 to 5 hens is a great start for a household.
Reduce Waste & DIY Your Way to Self-Sufficiency
Homesteading is as much about resourcefulness as it is about growing.
Composting
Turn food scraps, leaves, and yard waste into rich soil.
- Use a small compost bin or worm bin if space is tight.
- Avoid adding meat or dairy.
Collect Rainwater
Install a rain barrel for watering plants (check local rules).
Check out this article on DIY rain barrels.
Homemade Cleaners
Natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils go a long way. Save money and cut toxins from your home. Sounds like a win win!
Upcycle Everything
- Use old pallets for raised beds
- Turn yogurt containers into seed trays
- Repurpose old tools, jars, and crates for garden use
Build a Homesteading Mindset
Modern homesteading isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what you can.
It’s about slowing down, getting your hands dirty, and learning to rely a little more on yourself—and a little less on the system.
Start with one small change:
- Grow basil on your windowsill
- Bake your own bread
- Compost your coffee grounds
Then build from there.
Your homestead is yours to shape—imperfect, evolving, and wonderfully real.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Grow what you can.
Happy Gardening!
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