For many of us, the word “homestead” probably conjures up an image of a dilapidated farmhouse in a backwoods area, with a farmer who is barely getting by financially, and is forced to live off the land in near-primitive fashion. But, this image is a far cry from today’s modern homestead. Lifestyle and perspectives towards homesteading have evolved signigicantly in the last decade, and while the 21st century homesteader still embraces a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, he no longer eschews the urban or even suburban lifestyle. Homesteading is more concerned with improving quality of life for the family, the community, and the environment, and less concerned about where that happens.
You don’t have to sell the family home and move to the country to be a homesteader. Even in the heart of a city, you can join in the homesteading movement by having an herb garden on your patio, or a full-fledged rooftop vegetable garden. In the suburbs, you can make the most out of your real estate, including your roof, by installing solar panels or go ad hoc with a solar powered water heater. Buy a rain barrel and use it to provide the water for your plants. Even without growing your own vegetables, you can purchase locally grown, seasonal produce and make your own sauces, jams and jellies. In a small apartment you could grow your own mushrooms, make your own cheese, make soaps or candles. The possibilities are nearly limitless.
I call it the art of homesteading, because I definitely feel like I’m creating something … something really special. I hope you’ll join me in my journey and create a homestead of your own!
© 2016 ArtofHomesteading.com