With sustainability goals at the forefront of many homeowners’ minds, and with rising food costs due to inflation, it’s no wonder that more households are becoming interested in backyard homesteading options. If you are a beginner hoping to homestead in your backyard, these ideas can help.
Start a Vegetable Garden
A vegetable garden is perhaps the most beginner-friendly introduction to backyard homesteading. For true novices who are just getting started, an herb garden is an excellent first step, as you grow more confident in your green thumb, start small with a few easy-to-grow crops like tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, or peppers. Gradually expand your garden as you gain experience. This can be a rewarding way to ensure fresh food shows up on your table year-round.
Cultivate Fruit-Producing Foliage
Berry bushes and fruit-bearing trees are ideal backyard features. Not only do they contribute to the beauty and dynamic landscaping of your yard, but they ensure you have ready access to fresh fruits for eating and preserving.
Raise Chickens or Ducks
Chickens and ducks can both provide value in your backyard homesteading plan. Many municipalities allow citizens to have ducks and chickens as long as they are quiet and not breaking noise ordinances. Keep in mind, you’ll want to check your local laws before taking the leap. Chickens and ducks alike can eat your leftover veggie and fruit scraps, reducing waste and providing you with fresh eggs in return.
Try Your Hand at Beekeeping
If you’re interested in pollination and honey production, beekeeping might be for you. Before getting started, be certain you understand the basics of beekeeping, including hive maintenance, local regulations, and safety measures.
Start Composting
Composting is an excellent way to reduce your waste and nourish your soil in the process. It’s an obvious choice for the homesteader who wants to be more self-sustaining and care for the environment. Many food scraps that can’t be fed to your chickens can be put in the compost pile, along with other paper waste and yard waste.
Canning and Preserving
Canning and preserving are the ideal way to get the most out of the fruits of your labor–no pun intended. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and even eggs can all be preserved, pickled, or canned, meaning you can enjoy your homestead harvests year-round. Canning and preserving is the final step to ensure your efforts (and food) won’t go to waste.
