Page 1 of 2
1 2
urban homesteading – Homesteader Depot

Tag: urban homesteading

  • Urban Homesteading Alternatives

    Urban Homesteading Alternatives

    You don’t need to live on a farm or even in the country in order to be a homesteader. In fact, even people who reside in the suburbs or even the city can homestead in their own ways. Homesteading generally means using the land to provide for yourself and your family in one way or another. You can get a little creative with this and find ways to make it work no matter where you live, even if all that you have is a small apartment. Here are some great suggestions that you can utilize. Build off of them and find ways to make your own urban homestead.

    Set Up a Clothesline

    Yes, drying clothing outdoors is a practice that many homesteaders partake in. A clothesline is easy to set up when you have a yard of any particular size, as well as a fence, post, or even tree to anchor it on. City living makes this a bit trickier, especially if you lack a yard. Thankfully, they sell retractable clotheslines that you place on a balcony. When you’re done, just roll them up. There are also devices called “airers” that are meant to do the same thing, only they stay indoors.

    NEVER Buy Laundry Detergent Again…Try These New Power Laundry Magnets>>>

    Start a Garden

    Gardening is an essential part of homesteading. You need to grow your own food in one way or another. Again, this all comes down to the size of your yard. Even some city dwellers may have enough land for a small garden plot. They just need to use that space wisely. Alternatively, plants can be grown on a porch, a back deck, or even an apartment balcony. If you’re truly landlocked, find a community gardening program in your area and then join it. This way, you can fulfill this general homesteading practice.

    Join a Composting Program

    Composting is tricky when you’re in the city. Compost bins tend to get a bit smelly, which can annoy your neighbors. With that said, there are still programs that you can join, including city-wide ones where they’ll collect your food scraps and use them to create a large batch of compost. Of course, not all cities do this, and if yours doesn’t, why not convince them to start one? Sometimes you have to take homesteading into your own hands.

    Does CBD REALLY Live Up to the Hype? Learn More Here>>>

    Raise Some Animals

    Obviously, your animal choices are limited based on your location. Some cities allow people to keep chickens in their backyards, while others have strict laws against this practice. If you’re lucky enough to live in an urban location that allows chickens, then, by all means, build or purchase a coop and buy a few chickens to raise. You’ll get plenty of fresh eggs and will learn quite a bit from the chickens themselves, as these animals all have very interesting personalities. However, if you’re in an apartment, you obviously can’t have a chicken coop. You’re limited to cats and dogs, depending on the rules in your lease. While you can’t obtain food from them like your chickens, you still receive many of the mental benefits of raising a pet. This is a good thing.

    As you can see, there are a number of things that you can do in order to be an urban homesteader. You just need to get a little creative and find ways around the problem. For example, if you live in an apartment, you can start a container garden and have a cat or two. If your city lot is large enough for a garden, then feel free to start one. There are so many options available to you if you know where to look for them.

  • 6 Tips for Successful Deck Gardening

    6 Tips for Successful Deck Gardening

    Not everyone owns a sprawling homestead or has a large yard in which to garden, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of options for you to grow your own!

    Deck gardening is a great option for folks with limited gardening space, and you’d be surprised just how much you can grow on a deck.

    However, since a deck garden is first and foremost a container garden, there are some important tips to keep in mind to make your garden a success. Container gardening is a great option for anyone who can’t plant in the ground, for whatever reason, and if you follow this advice, you’ll avoid a lot of the potential downfalls.

    Water, water, water

    Watering plants is always important, but on a deck garden, it’s even more important. Not only do you need to make sure you water frequently and keep track of the moisture level of your soil, but you also need to make sure your deck will be able to handle all the water! Drainage will spill down below, for example, so if you happen to have neighbors with a porch below yours, you might want to make sure you’re not drenching them before you commit to a deck garden. Also, you will want to make sure all the containers you use have good drainage. And finally, you’ll want to make sure you have a good hose or reliable watering can, so you can access all your plants easily with your water source.

    Keep Size in Mind

    When choosing your containers, be realistic about what you’re trying to grow and how much space it will need. You might want to measure your deck and plot out a to-scale model of how much space you have and plan your plants and containers accordingly.

    When it comes to containers, bigger is always better. It’s always better to have too much space for plants than too little, trust us!

    Also, if you’re planning on growing anything that crawls, make sure you have room for a trellis or something else your plants can climb on.

    Finally, you will also need space to tend to the plants! When you’re planning out your deck garden spread, keep in mind the space you’ll need to water, weed, prune, fertilize, and harvest. Also, keep in mind the height of your container for this reason as well.

     

    Working Space

    You will also need somewhere to organize your gardening paraphernalia. A simple folding table in the corner works great, or anywhere you can store and use your pots, potting soil, pest control, gardening tools, etc. A lot of work happens on the sideline, so make sure you’ve got somewhere to do this.

    There are a lot of creative ideas online for small gardening “shed” ideas, so check out Pinterest or YouTube to see what experienced deck or container gardeners use. You will most likely want to make sure this is a space you can keep relatively dry. Potting soil can be kept under a folding table, for instance, and you could keep your tools in a toolbox or plastic bin to prevent rust. You will probably want to keep seeds inside, however, as they’ll need to stay totally dry and cool so they don’t spoil.

    The Right Soil

    When choosing soil for your containers, make sure you go with something that has been mixed especially for potted plants. This will ensure proper drainage and nutrients. You will also want to amend the soil according to the needs of each plant. Potted plants in particular really need their nutrients, and if you want your veggies to nourish you, you need to make sure they’re well-fed as they grow!

    Good Tools

    It can be tempting to go out and buy lots of fancy looking tools when you first get gardening, especially if you’re a novice and have no idea what you will need. For container gardening in particular though, you won’t need much, and what you do need, it’s important to choose quality items.

    You will most likely need a good pair of clippers, a quality spray bottle (or several) for pest repellant or disease treatment, and a small spade for transplanting, weeding or turning the soil. You also might find your needs arise as your gardening season progresses, so don’t run out and buy everything all at once. Start small, and see what you need as you go. Better to make a few small purchases at once than buy a bunch of tools you never use!

    Start From Seed

    Finally, you will probably want to begin your container garden in starting trays before planting into your larger containers. This will ensure you can plant the most healthy seedlings in your container, and make the most of each square inch of space. This also means you can start indoors in late winter, and be all ready to plant by the time the weather gets warm!

    Make the most of any space with a flourishing deck garden. As we always say on this site, you don’t have to actually have a homestead to be a homesteader!

    [Bonus] Did you know there is a way to boost your production by as much as 10 times, with half as much work? LEARN MORE HERE>>>

  • Urban Chickens (Infographic)

    Urban Chickens (Infographic)

    More and more, urban dwellers are looking into what it takes to raise chickens in their own backyard.

    Chickens are a great way to homestead wherever you are; they’re small, don’t require a whole lot of space, are cheap to feed, and the best part: you get lots and lots of eggs!

    If you’re considering starting chickens in your own backyard this year, check out this infographic from Homesteading.com to see what it takes. Enjoy!

    If you enjoyed this, you might also like….

    Long-Term Survival for Homesteaders…

    Natural Healing Secrets You Need to Know…

    Effective Primal Diet Hacks…

  • Making An Income From a 1-Acre Farm (Video)

    Making An Income From a 1-Acre Farm (Video)

    Urban homesteading is growing in popularity recently, and it’s always really inspiring to see what people manage to cultivate and raise in an urban setting.

    Even better is when people are actually able to earn an income from an urban homestead, as in the case of YouTubers and urban homesteaders Weed ‘Em and Reap. They share how they moved from a tiny suburban house to a 1-acre farm and began growing their own food, raising animals, and living much healthier and happier. Not to mention–earning an income and getting out of debt!

    Enjoy!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM_74X9p5y0

    If you enjoyed this, you might also like….

    Do You Have What You Need to Hold Down the Fort?

    Natural Healing Secrets You Need to Know…

    Effective Primal Diet Hacks…

  • Saving Space With Vertical Gardening (Infographic)

    Saving Space With Vertical Gardening (Infographic)

    We’ve written a lot about urban homesteading and space-efficient gardening for small yards, so I was really excited to find this infographic on FoodRevolution.org. It is a full breakdown of types of vertical gardening set-ups. It details which plants grow well on which kind of trellis, and also has some really creative ideas for DIY vertical gardens you can make with repurposed supplies you probably have lying around or could find easily at a thrift store.

    Vertical gardening is, in so many ways, the way of the future, as city planners look for ways to grow food in urban environments in a more efficient, eco-friendly way. You can participate in this revolution right in your own backyard-literally! You’ll love these ideas for creative vertical gardening, just in time for spring.

    If you enjoyed this, you might also like….

    Do You Have What You Need to Hold Down the Fort?

    Natural Healing Secrets You Need to Know…

    Effective Primal Diet Hacks…

  • Urban Homestead

    Urban Homestead

    This is a very inspiring short film about “the hub”, a 1/2 acre lot in the small town of Oxford, in North Canterberry, New Zealand.

    Kane and Fiona Hogan are able to grow a beautiful, productive, and lucrative garden right in the middle of their town, and use that revenue to get out into the community and help the elderly with their gardening needs as well.

    This humble 1/2 acre lot is the center of a growing urban gardening culture in this small town, and is working to establish a sustainable, affordable, and healthy source of food for the community.

    Kane and Fiona share beautiful thoughts on what an important role gardening can play in a community, and the film highlights their amazing food lot and the work they do in their township.

    Seeing projects like this is so inspiring to me, to showcase how unrestricted the culture of homesteading can be and how much gardening can positively influence our lives and the lives of our communities. Whether you live in the country or right in the middle of a busy urban hub, I think everyone can glean from just how much of an impact we can make by trying to be more self-reliant and productive. Enjoy!

     

    If you enjoyed this, you might also like….

    Are We In The End Times?

    Complete Health Transformation Without Drugs or Surgery…

    Having Trouble Sticking With Paleo?

  • Clever Ways to Teach Children About Self-Reliance

    Clever Ways to Teach Children About Self-Reliance

    Kids these days! The new generation seems to be so fixated on their devices and pop culture, and I think a lot of us who grew up with these things are looking at today’s youth and shaking our heads.

    But of course, the truth is, that adults as well as kids need to learn more about self-reliance and basic survival skills, because our world is in a precarious state! Start them young, and we just might be able to raise a few kids who can carry on the traditions and self-reliance of past generations.

    Here are a few ideas for basic skills to expose your kids to that will give them a leg-up in a self-reliant lifestyle, should they learn to pursue it one day.

    Gardening

    Gardening is a really fun way to show kids how our food system works, and to get them involved in homesteading, even if you’re an urban homesteader. Small children especially love watching seeds sprout and grow, and appreciating where our food comes from.

    Cleaning

    Keeping a house clean and organized is actually becoming a lost art, and getting children involved in the things they might otherwise take for granted such as washing dishes, cleaning floors and windows, vacuuming, and laundry, will help them realize just how much effort goes into keeping their lives comfortable.

    Raising animals

    Raising chickens in your backyard or even just designating pet care to your children can give them an idea of what it takes to sustain life and how to use animals for survival and self-reliance, as well as help them to understand just what a big job it might be to take care of the pony they keep asking for.

    Basic vehicle care

    Get older kids involved in changing a tire or changing oil, so that they realize the vehicle they get driven around in every day takes maintenance and work to keep up. As a matter of safety, especially, teenagers should not be learning to drive unless they also know basic vehicle maintenance and safety.

     

    Let’s raise the next generation up right so they know how to take care of each other; and us!

     

    If you enjoyed this, you might also like….

    Can You Defend Your Family When SHTF?

    Natural Healing Secrets You Need to Know…

    Effective Primal Diet Hacks…

     

  • Easiest Indoor Herbs to Grow

    Easiest Indoor Herbs to Grow

    Herbs are a wonderful way to start gardening, either in a starter garden, on your patio, or even your windowsill. They don’t usually require a whole lot of work, are fine in containers, and are wonderful for adding fresh, healthy flavor to all kinds of dishes!

    Of course, if you want to use herbs primarily for cooking, or simply want a house plant that provides more than just decor, indoor herbs are perfect. Here is a list of some of the easiest herbs to grow indoor:

    Basil

    Basil is so easy to grow anywhere, and that includes indoors. You can start them from seed right in the pot, and simply place in a southward facing window so it gets lots of warm sun, which it loves, and you’ll have one happy plant!

    Lemongrass

    Lemongrass is incredibly easy and hands-off to grow. All you need is one small stock to get started, and it will take off! You can use the stocks and leaves for all kinds of delicious dishes.

    Chives

    Chives produce quickly and easily and require little light, so they’re a breeze to grow indoors. Like lemongrass, you can start them from already established plants by digging part of it up, including the roots, and placing in its own pot with potting soil. Cutting the leaves off stimulates more growth, so it’s also perfect for regular use in the kitchen!

    Parsley

    Parsley is a staple of many cooks, and it doesn’t require very much light or maintenance to grow indoors at all. It does take a little longer than other herbs to get established, but once it does, you’ll have regular access to fresh sprigs to finish off any delicious meal.

    Peppermint

    Peppermint thrives in the shade, making it a great choice for indoor gardens. It’s a crawler and grows fast, so if you plan on using it regularly, it’s ideal for cooking. You can throw in cold summer drinks, brew your own delicious (and healthy!) mint tea, or add to desserts and many Asian dishes. Yum!

    If you enjoyed this, you might also like….

    Can You Defend Your Family When SHTF?

    Natural Healing Secrets You Need to Know…

    Effective Primal Diet Hacks…