Practical Homesteading
Looking to make practical homesteading a part of your daily life? You can homestead in small doses no matter where you live; this guide will show you how. Get effective tips to help you bring the spirit of homesteading into your everyday routine.
Homesteading tips we love that will help you get more in control of your home care and food prep.
Homesteading may seem like a daunting lifestyle, one that is meant only for those living off the grid, on huge pieces of land in remote areas. That may have been the case years ago, but today things are different and that is great news.
Today, we have practical tips and tricks you can incorporate into your daily life that embrace the essence of homesteading. From preparing clean, wholesome food to using as many natural items for day-to-day care, these ideas will help you feel like a homesteader in no time. Whether you live in a busy city or a quiet suburb, there are ways to bring the homesteading lifestyle into your home.
What is Practical Homesteading?
Practical homesteading is a lifestyle that focuses on self-sufficiency that is realistic in today’s world. It focuses on small, effective actions that fit most lifestyles, whether you’re in the city, suburbs, or countryside.
This can include growing your own food, preserving produce, keeping a small compost bin, or even learning basic DIY skills like sewing or soap-making. Rather than requiring large plots of land or off-grid living, practical homesteading embraces simple habits that help you connect with nature, reduce waste, and take control of your resources.
It’s all about making homesteading accessible regardless of your age, where you live, or your schedule.
Practical Homesteading Ideas
There are so many ways you can add a bit of homesteading throughout your home and life. Choose a few to start with and add more as you go along. Before you know it, you will have a healthier, more intentional lifestyle.
With Your Food
Fresh produce has a way of transforming any meal, bringing vibrant flavors and freshness to your plate. While not everyone has the time or space for a traditional backyard garden, there’s great news—you don’t need one.
From container gardening on your back porch to a robust herb garden on your windowsill, there are plenty of simple and creative ways to enjoy homegrown food, no matter where you live.
#1. Container Gardening
When you’re short on space or time, container gardening offers an easy and practical way to grow your own plants. You can grow a variety of vegetables and herbs like tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and basil right on your back porch or balcony. There’s no need for a traditional garden setup—just a few minutes is all it takes to get started.
A few years ago, I started using grow bags, and they completely changed how we garden. Not only are they easy to move when needed, but they require much less work, allowing me to enjoy growing food again.
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#2. Farmers Markets
Farmer’s markets are a great way to enjoy fresh, locally-grown food without all the work of growing them yourself. You’ll find all kinds of produce—peppers, tomatoes, corn, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and so much more.
It’s easy to stock up and preserve produce for the winter by canning, freezing, or drying. While it may cost a bit more than growing your own, the time saved makes it worth the investment. Plus, every purchase supports local farmers in your community, making it a win-win for everyone.
#3. Straw Bale Gardening
Straw bale gardening is a unique way to container garden. Instead of using pots or buckets, you’ll grow your plants right in a bale of straw. It’s one of my favorite methods because it’s easy to set up and allows me to tuck a vegetable garden into areas around my home.
To get started, you’ll need to prep the bale by composting the inside, which creates a nutrient-rich growing medium for your plants. Once it’s ready, plant your veggies just like you would in a traditional garden. The best part? At the end of the season, there’s no messy cleanup. The used straw can go straight into a compost bin, meaning zero waste.
Whatever method you use, the goal is the same. Fill your kitchen, freezer, and pantry with healthier food options for you and your family.
More Easier Ways to Garden:
with your HOme
Practical homesteading includes learning skills, such as home maintenance, so you can take care of issues inside and outside of your home without having to pay for costly repairs. You don’t need to be an expert handyman to tackle these projects; all it takes is a little research and some basic tools.
#1. Basic Repairs You Can Do at Home
- Fixing a leaky faucet: This is one of the most common plumbing issues in households. A quick fix is to replace the rubber washer inside the faucet. It’s a simple and inexpensive solution that can save you money on your water bill.
- Unclogging drains: Instead of using harsh chemicals, try using a drain snake or plunger to clear out any clogs in your sinks or showers. It’s a much safer and eco-friendly option.
- Patching holes in walls: Whether it’s from hanging pictures or accidents, holes in walls can be easily fixed with some spackle and a putty knife.
- Replacing light fixtures: If you’re tired of old, outdated light fixtures, consider replacing them yourself. Just make sure the electricity is turned off before beginning any work.
- Painting: Giving your walls and furniture a fresh coat of paint can drastically change the look and feel of your home. Plus, it’s an easy DIY project that anyone can do.
#2. Regular Maintenance Tasks
In addition to these basic repairs, there are also routine maintenance tasks that every homeowner should know how to do.
- Changing air filters: This should be done every 1-3 months to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and to improve air quality in your home.
- Cleaning gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and other issues, so make sure to clean them out at least twice a year.
- Checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: These should be tested regularly to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries as needed.
- Sealing gaps and cracks: This helps with energy efficiency and keeps pests out of your home.
- Cleaning dryer vents: Lint buildup in dryer vents can be a fire hazard, so make sure to clean them out at least once a year.
Knowing how to do basic home repairs and maintenance tasks not only saves you time and money but also gives you a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency.
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With Waste
A big part of practical homesteading is handling waste in a smart way. Things like taking care of garbage, recycling, and composting can make a real difference and keep your home running smoothly.
#1. Composting
Starting your own compost bin is simple and doesn’t take much to get going. The best part? You can compost more things than you might think. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Produce – Peelings, ends, anything that is cooked or raw
- Coffee grounds and the filter
- Tea bags minus the string and staples
- Cardboard, newspaper, and paper bags
- Cut grass, dry leaves, or wood ash
- Napkins and paper towels
- Livestock manure
- Crushed eggshells
- Houseplant trimmings
- Corn cobs or husks
- Evergreens such as a holiday wreath or tree
- Pinecones
- Nutshells
- Paper egg cartons
#2. Start a worm farm
Got lots of food scraps? A worm farm might be just what you need. Vermicomposting uses special worms to break down your food waste and turn it into rich, organic compost for your plants.
It’s easy to set up and maintain—just feed your worms with scraps, keep them comfy, and watch as they create amazing fertilizer that helps your plants thrive. Plus, it’s a fun way to cut down on waste.
#3. Get creative with up-cycling
Instead of throwing away old items, repurpose them for new uses around the house. Here are a few examples.
- Cracked or chipped dishes can be used as a new mosaic surface on an old end table.
- Lint stuffed into a cardboard toilet paper tube makes a great fire starter.
- Glass jars can be used as storage containers for small items or even turned into candle holders.
- Torn towels or clothing can be used as rags, cloth napkins, paperless towels, or bedding for a pet.
Practicing good waste management not only helps lower your carbon footprint but also opens up opportunities to think creatively and give new life to items instead of sending them to the landfill.
Natural Cleaning Products
Many commercial cleaners are filled with harsh chemicals that can impact your health. By making your own cleaning solutions, you can choose safer ingredients, save money, and customize products that work perfectly for your home—all while feeling good about your choices.
#1. DIY Laundry Detergent
Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and waste with this simple, DIY laundry detergent you can make in just a few steps.
Ingredients
- 1 bar of soap (e.g., castile or laundry soap)
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup Borax (optional)
Simple Steps
- Grate the soap into fine shreds.
- Mix the grated soap, washing soda, and Borax in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container. Use 2 tablespoons per load.
#2. DIY All Purpose Cleaner
Say goodbye to expensive cleaners and harmful chemicals with this quick and eco-friendly DIY all-purpose cleaner.
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10–15 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional for scent)
Instructions
- Combine vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Add essential oil for fragrance, if desired.
- Shake well before each use and spray on surfaces for a natural clean.
#5. DIY Floor Cleaner
DIY cleaners work great on floors, too.
DIY Floor Cleaner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 gallon warm water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1–2 drops of mild dish soap (optional)
- 5–10 drops of essential oil (optional for scent)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bucket.
- Use a mop to clean your floors as usual.
- No need to rinse—just enjoy the fresh and clean finish!
By using natural cleaning products, you not only protect the environment but also safeguard your health from harsh chemicals.
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Alternative Entertainment
Finding ways to enjoy downtime that doesn’t cost a fortune is a great way to practice practical homesteading. Here are a few ideas.
#1. Visit the library
The library is a fantastic resource with so much to offer, and here’s how you can make the most of it. Start by exploring their collection of books, games, movies, audiobooks, and even toys—all of which you can borrow for free. Take advantage of their online classes to learn new skills such as candle making, home repairs, or food preservation.
If you have kids or grandkids, be sure to check out their free programs. Out local library has Saturday crafts and storytime, perfect for younger children, while older kids can join the monthly LEGO workshops.
#2. Learn a New Skill
An important part of homesteading is always learning new skills. Not only does this keep your mind and boy active it is a great way to make use of down time.
- Learn how to refinish old furniture into new.
- Start a new hobby such as knitting or painting.
- Take an online class on appliance repair.
- Learn how to groom your own pets.
Learning something new can be fulfilling and entertaining whether it’s woodworking, knitting, or repairs.
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#3. Host Game Nights
The Amish are known for their love of games, and nowhere is this seen more than in their own homes. Each hard day of work is capped off with a few favorites, and it is a great way to unwind and have fun with your family.
- Chess/checkers
- Scrabble
- Dominos
- Card games such as Rummy and Uno
- Board games like Monopoly and Sorry
Sharing these special moments through games reminds us how important it is to weave happiness into our daily lives.
#4. Explore
Get outside and explore the word around you. Not only is the fresh air good for your health, it is good for your state of mind.
Take a hike, go for a bike ride, or visit nearby parks and trails. Invite a friend to go along and add some fun conversation to your outing.
Adding practical homesteading to your daily life can be so rewarding no matter what your age or where you live.
Whether you’re planting a garden, finding creative ways to care for your home, or coming up with fun, low-cost forms of entertainment, you’re taking small but meaningful steps toward a greener and more fulfilling lifestyle.
And here’s a motto to keep in mind as you go: “Raise it, grow it, or make it so you don’t have to buy it.” It’s simple, practical, and a great mantra to begin living by today.
