Homesteading, what the heck is that? Until a few years ago, I’d never heard the word! Here’s Wikipedia’s definition:

Broadly defined, homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. It is characterized by subsistence agriculture, home preservation of foodstuffs, and it may or may not also involve the small-scale production of textiles, clothing, and craftwork for household use or sale.

I guess that kind of describes me?!?

I lived in a town home for almost 10 years, the only outdoor space was a tiny patio. During that time, I craved more outdoor space of my own. I’ve always wanted a decent size yard, somewhere my kids could play, and explore. Early in our marriage, my husband and I talked about having fruit trees, and a garden, when we could afford a house.

The more I learned the truth about the factory food system, it encouraged me to explore my organic, local food options. Gaining knowledge about real food, and sustainability sparked my interest in growing my own food. I want to be able to teach my children the things I’m learning. These are just a few things that gave me the “homesteading” bug, but I had no idea of the other fun things came along with homesteading.

Five years ago, I’d never thought of keeping bees, or chickens. Cooking entirely from scratch was something very new to me. Preserving and fermenting food, I’d never even heard of! Now I often cook from scratch, preserve and ferment food. Things sure have changed!

I’m ready to do more!

It’s been two years since we’ve had the space to urban homestead. During most of that time, I worked outside the home, and have been overcoming late stage Lyme Disease. I barely had time to maintain the existing fruit trees on our property, let alone a garden, chickens, and bees. Being here two years without doing much was actually a blessing. It allowed me to better my skills in the kitchen, learn more about our little piece of land, while observing what happens each season.

I feel confident I’ll be able to get our fun, little homestead going soon. My first step is to start beekeeping, because the more I learn about the decline of bees, the more I want to help. For more information about beekeeping, check out my post about “newbee’s“, and another about hiving the bees.

Soon, I will add chickens, and a garden. I don’t want to be overwhelmed, so I’m adding one thing at a time. I’m ready to embark on these new and exciting things, that I know very little about. I’m thinkin’ this might be a bit entertaining!

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All homesteaders, gardeners, bee and chicken keepers, share your advice and tips, to help me succeed!