Categories: Food & Wine

An Introduction to Modern Homesteading

You may have heard about homesteading through a friend, on TV or even by reading articles about extreme versions online. Contrary to the sensationalized portrayal of homesteading, it isn’t about being extreme (although there certainly are those who are more extreme than others). Many people follow homesteading ideals as a conscious lifestyle choice to leave a smaller footprint on the environment and promote self-sufficiency.

When the term first appeared, it referred to a program under the Homestead Act of 1862, signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. Federal lands west of the Mississippi River were given to applicants with stipulations that those taking land had to live on the land for five years and show evidence of improvements. If you are familiar with “Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder, you’re somewhat familiar with homesteading in the traditional sense.

Today, homesteading encompasses a wide range of lifestyles. Land is no longer free, or even particularly cheap in many areas. We no longer need to cross the country in horse-drawn buggies, ford rivers or circle the wagons at night; however, many people are attempting to return to a simpler way of life, reminiscent of the bygone days. According to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, “the term ‘homesteading’ may apply to anyone who follows the back-to-the-land movement by adopting a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle.

Some modern day homesteaders have large organic gardens and fruit orchards. They may preserve what they’ve grown can’t use immediately by canning to enjoy through the winter. Visit motherearthnews.com for more information on sustainable farming. Homesteaders might raise chickens for eggs, goats for milk and hogs for meat. They might also use solar power for cooking and heating, take up beekeeping, make apple cider, or clean with vinegar, baking soda and lemons instead of store-bought chemicals. Some use very little or no electricity. Alternatively, some live in big cities and grow vegetables on balconies and apartment rooftops.

Some homesteaders are also survivalists. According to Wikipedia , “survivalists are actively preparing for emergencies as well as possible disruptions in social or political order, on scales ranging from local to international.” If you’ve ever been a little nervous about what could happen if a disaster struck, food prices rose quickly or if the economy took a big dive, you might want to consider a few of the practices of survivalist homesteading. From stocking up on essentials, growing your own vegetables, raising your own animals or even making your own maple syrup can be very rewarding – and pay off if you ever need those skills to survive. One of my favorite articles on survivalist homesteading is written by Jackie Clay; her article has a comprehensive list of items you may need if an emergency arises.

Modern homesteading involves using practical skills to live a mostly DIY (do-it-yourself) lifestyle. If you’re seeking a back-to-your-roots experience and a simpler, less hectic way of life, homesteading might be for you. Even city-dwellers can try growing a vegetable garden or raising chickens.