Whether you’re ready to jump fully off the grid, or just want to start raising a few organic vegetables in your back yard, a little homesteading never hurt anybody. Select a category below to learn more.
There is no right or wrong way to homestead. You don’t actually have to live in the middle of nowhere to practice homesteading methods. Essentially it refers to a life that’s more self-sufficient and less wasteful. And that’s a practice we can all add a bit of into our lives.
My Homesteading Story
I’m a “naturally-occurring” farm girl who came from a homesteading family. I was born and raised on a farm, situated on a dirt road (yes, a dirt road) in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate NY. (And no, that’s not anywhere near NYC). We were fortunate enough to live right next door to our grandparents’ farm as well.
From the time were very little, my brother, sister and I were always out helping our grandfather on the farm. Consequently we learned a lot of old-tyme homesteading lessons that we might never have encountered otherwise. Being homeschooled children, we were able to work our learning schedule around the farm so we could “make hay while the sun shines.” “Poppy” and Gramma taught us how to plant pumpkins, cut corn, till fields, harvest flowers, and so many other things.
We were brought up eating our own fresh grown produce and canning or freezing the excess for use during the winter months. Making our own tomato sauce (there’s nothing more heavenly than the smell of a fresh pot cooking on the stove). And pressing cider, which is still a big yearly event in my family. Whether it’s feeding cows, eating beans right off the bush, catching a swarm of bees or churning butter (yes, even churning butter), we’ve probably done it.
While not certified organic, we’ve always used organic farming methods. And because my family liked to experiment, we also got introduced to heirloom produce varieties at a young age. Heirloom varieties of things like peppers, beans, tomatoes, potatoes and even beets come in an assortment of bright and beautiful colors not usually found in a supermarket. (There’s nothing like celebrating the 4th of July with “patriotic” red, white and blue potatoes). Plus nothing beats the fresh taste and good feeling you get from knowing it’s your own homegrown produce. And during the autumn months, harvesting pumpkins, squash and broomcorn totally makes the season!
