What Should You Know About Homesteading? Many define homesteading as a profitable land program, extended by the government for free. While the definition is partially true, homesteading is much more than a free land scheme. Describing it as a lifestyle is more appropriate. Homesteading is all about being self-reliant and self-sufficient.
Words like independent and self-sufficient are quite empowering, right? Well, staying true to the concept is equally challenging. To begin with, you will need to grow your own food and preserve the produce for longer use. From exploring sources to extract electricity to producing textiles, being a homesteader is hard. You can always stick with a measured approach and do it all on your own. Or, skip the hard work and shell out some money to get your chores done.
In short, homesteading is pursued in a variety of ways in different parts of the world.
Homesteading – The sustainable form of living
When a bunch of people from the same family reside in a piece of property and embraces self-sufficiency, they are likely to be homesteaders. Subsistence agriculture plays a crucial part in the lifestyle.
Do you love getting dirty on the farm and reap your own produce? Raising poultry, farming heirloom veggies, do you do it all? More importantly, does it make you a homesteader? Absolutely not!
Homesteading refers to the idea of staying off the grid. Yes, you will need to farm and arrange your own produce. But, living off a few acres of land does not involve raising livestock and growing organic fruits only. Start by figuring renewable sources of energy to generate electricity. Get yourself worked up in producing textiles for use and commercial purposes. You will have to be a carpenter, a handyman, and pretty much a jack of all essential trades. Apart from harvesting, hunting, and growing food from scratch, you will need to preserve the same as a homesteader.
Are you someone with very little knowledge about homesteading? Little did you know that homesteaders do not stay put in log cabins only. The concept has evolved over the years. Now there’s urban homesteading as well.
The goal:
A simple self-sustaining lifestyle is a popular choice these days. Homesteading has proven to be beneficial for different reasons. Think about it – when you eat organic and wholesome food, you are rewarding your health. By learning ways to cut down usage of electricity and other forms of energy, the environment is benefited. Indulging into building a community, making sustainable choices only improves the quality of life. You can sustain on less.
To become a homesteader, you need not own a large chunk of land. Although farming and sustainable agriculture is a major part of homesteading, don’t worry if you are not a pro at mowing, gardening, or anything relevant. Homesteading is a lifestyle that begins when you aspire to live a simple and self-reliant life.
Modern-day homesteaders have a different approach. They are not quite versed in farming techniques or how to sow a crop. However, if they are willing to get closer to their roots and enjoy the pleasures of a simple life, they are one step closer to homesteading.
