Urban homesteading is a way of life where people bring the traditions of farming and self-sufficiency into the city. It’s about using whatever space you have, whether it’s a backyard, a balcony, or even just a windowsill, to grow food, raise animals, and live more sustainably. This idea is becoming more popular as people in cities look for ways to connect with nature and take control of their food sources.
Besides growing your own food, there are several essential skills you’ll need after turning your home into a homestead. The more you can do for yourself, the more sustainable you can live. In this article, we will go over several skills you’ll have to master to become truly self-sufficient.
DIY Skills
One of the cornerstones of living a self-sufficient homestead life is to be able to fix and make things yourself.
Learning DIY skills means you can build custom solutions for your homesteading challenges. It could be constructing a small greenhouse on your balcony or making a compost bin that fits neatly in your side yard. Being able to build the things you need removes the dependence on others that would stand in the way of self-sufficiency.
This means that maintaining your tools is also an essential DIY skill. Using a sharpening stone to keep garden shears in top condition, becomes part of the homesteader’s routine, for instance.
Not only will you not have to depend on others, but you will also save money. The money you save by making things yourself or maintaining them without needing an expert can be used to put back into the homestead.
Budgeting
When it comes to urban homesteading, managing your finances wisely is key. Budgeting for an urban homestead requires careful planning and consideration. It starts with understanding the initial costs, like setting up garden beds or buying small livestock.
Then, there are ongoing expenses like seeds, feed, and water. However, these costs are often offset by the savings from growing your own food. By producing even a small portion of your vegetables, herbs, or eggs, you can significantly reduce your grocery bills.
When you grow your own food, you’re less impacted by the fluctuating costs of produce in the market. However, you must know your expenses and be able to set those savings aside for a rainy day.
Water Management
Water is your most precious resource when you are trying to live self-sufficiently. Managing it is going to be one of the most important skills to learn. Using techniques for efficient water use is the first step. This includes simple practices like using grey water from the kitchen and shower to water your plants.
One of the most sustainable practices for an urban homestead is setting up a rainwater harvesting system. This system can be as simple as barrels placed under downspouts to capture rainwater from your roof. The collected water can then be used for watering gardens, thereby reducing your reliance on municipal water and lowering your water bills.
