Defining Homesteading

If you were to ask a diverse group of individuals about homesteading, you'd likely receive a multitude of interpretations. The literature and blogs authored by homesteaders showcase a wide range of activities that can be classified as homesteading. Ultimately, there isn’t a definitive list of homesteading practices—it’s a flexible concept.

That said, there are several broad categories of activities related to homesteading that captivate my family’s interest. We often engage in dinner discussions about how we can embrace this lifestyle. My children delight in imagining the various animals—dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and sheep—we hope to have someday. (My daughters remind me that once they name an animal, it’s off-limits for dinner!)

The illustration below embodies the overarching ideas my family envisions for our future homestead. While it may not be exhaustive, it encapsulates the spirit of what we hope to create.

The image above merely scratches the surface of what homesteading can entail. From agriculture to animal husbandry and food preservation, the core theme of homesteading revolves around achieving varying levels of self-sufficiency.

Self-sufficiency can differ widely among individuals, from urban dwellers cultivating a small garden to those with expansive land living primarily off-grid. Homesteading can be adapted to one’s living situation and financial resources.

Looking back at the simple illustration, it’s clear that homesteading activities can complement one another, further enhancing self-sufficiency. This lifestyle isn’t solely about sustainable living; it’s also about establishing a natural equilibrium among activities on the homestead.

For example, a compost heap can be nourished by various inputs from the homestead. While kitchen scraps and food waste are obvious contributors, garden clippings, recyclable materials (as long as they contain no harmful inks), agricultural byproducts, and even animal waste can all be composted. The resulting compost can then enrich the garden, leading to healthier plants and improved soil.

A pond can serve multiple purposes—irrigating plants, providing habitat for wildlife, or integrating into an aquaponics or hydroponics system. Fish can either be consumed or kept for their waste, which feeds aquaponic plants, filtering and purifying the water.

Keeping bees on the homestead not only aids in pollination but also yields honey and beeswax, the latter of which can be used in crafts like soap and candle making.

Strategically placing flowers and insectary plants around the homestead can attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and praying mantises, which help manage pest populations without harmful chemicals.

Livestock can also be rotated throughout the homestead to manage weeds and contribute manure, which enriches the soil. Goats are excellent for clearing land, while sheep are adept at maintaining grass. Larger animals may be raised for milk and meat, with all livestock providing manure that benefits soil health.

Chickens, ducks, or geese can also be rotated, consuming grass and seeking out pests like slugs and snails.

Even deceased animals can contribute to the homestead ecosystem. If local regulations permit, they can be buried to nourish nearby plants as they decompose.

The opportunities for homesteading are vast and accessible to individuals from all backgrounds. If you’re interested in homesteading, create your own journey that aligns with your values while being environmentally conscious.

Homesteading as a Life Philosophy

I perceive homesteading as both a guiding philosophy and a calling.

While both farmers and homesteaders cultivate food on their land, the fundamental difference lies in their motivations. This distinction is what leads me to regard homesteading as a philosophy.

Farmers cultivate food primarily for economic gain. They may employ various methods, including GMO, organic farming, or permaculture, but the core objective is to sustain themselves financially through agriculture. Farming is a profession that plays a vital role in our society, and there’s nothing wrong with it. However, it’s the underlying motivation that sets farmers apart from homesteaders.

That’s not to suggest that the two paths are mutually exclusive.

Homesteaders can certainly sell surplus produce or goods from their land, but their primary motivation is often to cultivate self-sufficiency, foster a connection with nature, or pursue a simpler lifestyle.

A homesteader may maintain a separate source of income unrelated to their homesteading efforts while still engaging in homesteading practices. Even a small balcony or urban yard can be transformed into a space for sustainable food production.

I believe that homesteaders can gradually evolve their practice to function as a farming business, potentially transitioning to full-time farming.

While I lack concrete data, I suspect that most homesteaders who make this leap will adopt sustainable farming techniques and cater to consumers who care about food sourcing.

My personal aspiration for homesteading is to enhance my self-sufficiency, grow my own food, and practice responsible stewardship of the land. The allure of leading a simpler life in close proximity to nature resonates deeply with my family.

We aim to live off-grid to the extent possible while remaining connected to our community, which is important to us.

While not part of our current plans, if we reach a point where we can sell our surplus food, we will prioritize environmentally responsible practices, likely opting for a hybrid approach that includes donating food or selling at local farmers' markets.

Homesteading and Community Engagement

As climate change increasingly affects us all, we cannot continue down our current path and expect improvement. With a growing population and rising material consumption in developing nations, pollution and waste will inevitably escalate.

Those of us who have the means should strive for a lifestyle that is environmentally sustainable and responsible, making informed choices about food sources. I acknowledge that not everyone has the financial flexibility to do so, but my family prioritizes organic and locally sourced food while budgeting wisely and making sacrifices in discretionary spending.

Joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is a viable option. Not only does it support local farmers, but CSAs also offer farm tours and educational opportunities. Additionally, it fosters connections with local growers who can mentor aspiring homesteaders.

Local universities and community centers provide valuable knowledge tailored to regional growing conditions. In some areas, master gardeners are available to answer questions via email and offer advice.

In essence, my family’s goal is to cultivate what we can on our homestead, raise livestock for humane slaughter, source food locally to fill nutritional gaps, and resort to imported products only as a last option.

Every small step counts. By making minor sacrifices or changes, the cumulative effects of our collective actions can lead to significant progress.

Living in Harmony with Nature

The size of land available for individual homesteaders may vary, but the crux of homesteading is to live in harmony with nature. Whether through a balcony, a small yard, or a corner of a porch, everyone can cultivate food while coexisting with the natural world.

My family’s homestead will avoid chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers, committing to 100% organic practices, even if it proves more challenging. The assurance of knowing how our food is cultivated is incredibly appealing.

We aim to work with the natural environment rather than trying to dominate it. Employing methods like permaculture, Japanese natural farming, or Satoyama practices, establishing a symbiotic relationship with nature is a key objective for us.

By utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, harvesting rainwater, and living off the land, we aspire to coexist harmoniously with nature.

For more insights on homesteading, feel free to explore additional articles in my publication:

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<h2>Satoyama</h2>

<div><h3>Articles on conservation, sustainable homesteading, community, and healthy living.</h3></div>

<div><p>medium.com</p></div>

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