What is Homesteading?
The definition of homesteading can be different, depending on who you ask. To some, it is having a few acres of land, while for others, it may mean being fully self-sufficient. With this in mind, a more accurate definition would fall in-between the two: being able to take care of more of your own needs, but not being entirely cut off from the outside world. Homesteading is more a mindset than anything else. A homesteader can live in the country or the city, own or rent, garden or not. It does not mean just one thing.
Who is Homesteading?
While the original homesteaders raised their own meat and grew their own vegetables because they had to, the modern-day homesteaders do these tasks because they want to. Usually, they are tired of the grocery store options, have lost trust in the food supply, or they may just want to get back to a simple life. Whatever the reasoning, many are finding that this lifestyle speaks to them in some way.
Where to Homestead
A common misconception is that you need tons of land in order to homestead. You do not. Homesteading is becoming self-sufficient, and can be accomplished wherever you live. With more and more individuals wanting to opt out of the globalized and industrialized agricultural system, Urban homesteading, in which households grow their own food and often raise animals for food in an urban environment, has become popular, as well.
Why Homestead
Why do people get into homesteading? What is it about homesteading that is so attractive? Most will agree that homesteading is an investment in yourself and your family. There are, however, practical reasons for choosing this lifestyle.
Reduces waste
Homesteading is a way of living that reduces waste and works with nature, instead of against it. Homesteaders look for solutions that will help us to live in harmony with mother earth, which is the opposite of this high consumption, low production society.
Simple, old-fashioned lifestyle
Many individuals desire to leave consumerism behind, and get back to wholesome values of family, togetherness, and creating lasting memories with their children that does not involve electronic devices.
Connection to wholesome food
People have come to realize that the healthiest and safest way to feed the family is to raise/grow their own. The multitude of chemicals in commercial food and health/beauty products are a big reason homesteaders want more control over what is put on, or in their bodies.
Skills for life
Homesteading instills work ethic, problem solving, use of a wide variety of tools, and many other skills. It is also the best and most fun way to learn: hands-on. From growing vegetables to building animal pens, Homesteading creates life skills that cannot be lost or replaced, and will serve as a safety net forever.
Brings Freedom
Homesteading can provide freedom from the conventional food supply, freedom from the power grid (if you choose that route), and can provide financial freedom.
As a final note, Mrs. Alston says she was very surprised to find that she really loved the simplicity of her off-the-grid lifestyle.
Security during hard times
Whether you are concerned about a small emergency, such as a job loss, or a big emergency like a blackout, homesteading provides a measure of security in both food and skills. Most homesteaders keep a supply of food on hand, and skills like gardening, butchering, milking, and food preservation would carry them through any survival scenario.
“I was raised in the big city, surrounded by people, houses, industrial buildings, and traffic. I never thought, ‘when I grow up I want to be a homesteader!’ says Mrs. Victoria Alston, a homesteader in Marianna, FL. “ My objectives were a lifestyle change, the ability to grow my own food, the idea of passing on this knowledge to my children and grandchildren, and to do my part in caring for Mother Earth.”
Final Thoughts
Homesteading is not for everyone. Homesteading involves setting goals, hard work, flexibility, determination, and a willingness to fail. However, if you decide to try it yourself, it can possibly be the most rewarding journey of your life. Homesteading is the act of creating a productive home, which can be done no matter the size of the home or property. Any piece of earth, even a small urban lot, can be tended and nurtured to grow food, awareness, and more independence.
If you have been thinking about homesteading, either on a small or large scale, you can find many resources online to help you on your journey. Insteading has n extensive list of Homesteading Blogs, Homestead Animals, Permaculture Resources, Green Living Resources, as well as a list of their website’s most popular content.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angela Small
Student Author - Spring 2018
I am currently a student of Digital Multimedia, and one of the many “Senior” students here at Gulf Coast State College. After living a full life, which included raising 5 children (and 7 grandchildren, to date), I finally had time and opportunity to do something that was just for me. I am an aspiring web designer that is deciding on the direction my career will take., while enjoying all of the different studies within the field. I have a million hobbies, which include writing, collecting dolls, crocheting, and crafting. I enjoy DIY projects with family and friends. Anything that involves creativity, I probably like.
