Embracing Backyard Homesteading: A Guide to Sustainable Living

Embracing the Joy of Backyard Homesteading

For me, spending time outdoors and immersing myself in nature is an immense source of happiness. As I delved deeper into sustainable living, I made conscious efforts to transform my yard into a space that not only brings joy but also embodies sustainability and self-sufficiency. This journey led me to discover the concept of backyard homesteading! Contrary to common misconceptions, a self-sufficient homestead isn’t exclusively for those with vast expanses of land; even urban residents can embark on this fulfilling adventure! Let’s explore how anyone can cultivate a sustainable backyard homestead!

Backyard Homesteading 101

What is backyard homesteading?
How do you homestead on a small property?
How to plan for a backyard homestead?
How to conserve water and minimize waste while suburban homesteading!
What are the best animals to raise on a backyard homestead?

What is Backyard Homesteading?

Backyard homesteading revolves around self-sufficiency, waste reduction, and financial savings! Instead of relying solely on grocery stores for food, those who embrace this lifestyle grow a significant portion of their own food. Many individuals adopting this way of life adhere to eco-friendly landscaping principles and make environmentally conscious decisions regarding their homestead’s maintenance. This could involve utilizing sustainable gardening tools, minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals, and implementing water conservation practices. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), agriculture accounts for 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. By engaging in backyard homesteading, you actively participate in more sustainable food systems and learn preservation techniques for the food you cultivate. Additionally, you contribute to a greener environment by embracing zero-waste practices and other sustainable gardening principles.

How Do You Homestead on a Small Property?

If you’re searching for homesteading solutions but are constrained by limited outdoor space, don’t worry! You can still enjoy the benefits of sustainable gardening without requiring vast fields. While raising animals might not be feasible, you can still create a flourishing garden indoors or optimize the outdoor space you have, whether it’s a small urban yard or a balcony. In short, sustainable gardening and homesteading are accessible to everyone! Here are some of my favorite ideas for suburban homesteading:

1. Vertical Gardening

One of my favorite strategies for small homestead gardening is vertical gardening. This method is especially effective for indoor gardening in apartments. For instance:

Utilize hanging baskets for growing herbs like strawberries or trailing plants.
Attach planters to a vertical wood pallet and lean it against a wall or fence. Wall-mounted planters can also be hung on fences or exterior walls with ample sunlight.
Install trellises for climbing vegetables such as cucumbers, beans, or peas.
Consider stackable pots or specialized vertical gardening systems to create a tower garden.

2. Companion Planting

Companion planting is an ecological gardening method that allows you to use your available space more efficiently. According to Martha Stewart, companion planting is “growing different plant species close together to create a beneficial relationship that can enhance growth, deter harmful pests, or attract beneficial insects.” For example:

Grow beans, corn, and squash together to create a three-sisters garden! Corn supports the beans by fixing nitrogen in the soil, while squash acts as a living mulch, preventing weeds and conserving moisture.
Basil and tomatoes make great companions, repelling pests and enhancing the flavor of the tomatoes! Similarly, planting carrots, onions, nasturtiums, cucumbers, or marigolds with any vegetable can yield similar benefits.

If you’re curious about which plants pair well together, Gardens Nursery offers a helpful Companion Planting with Vegetables chart!

3. Container Gardening

Old, repurposed containers can do more than just serve as compost bins—they also make fantastic plant pots! For example:

Create a herb garden on your windowsill to bring a touch of nature indoors.
Grow lettuce, spinach, or arugula in containers for a DIY fresh summer salad. Consider planting edible flowers like pansies, nasturtiums, and calendula in pots for added color and flavor!
Opt for smaller, compact dwarf fruit trees, such as dwarf apple or citrus trees, which are perfect for limited spaces.

Pro tip: Check out my guide on how to recycle plant pots for environmentally friendly disposal!

4. Raised Bed Gardening

Elevating your garden bed while utilizing the space underneath for storage can help you optimize your area while maintaining an attractive garden. For example:

Divide raised beds into square-foot sections, a technique known as square-foot gardening.
Create a herb spiral—a spiral-shaped raised bed that takes up minimal space. Similarly, consider a tiered raised bed for growing salad greens.
Use raised beds strategically based on the plants you wish to cultivate. Longer, narrow boxes work well for root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and beets, as well as berries like strawberries and raspberries.

How to Plan for a Backyard Homestead?

Running a backyard homestead can be straightforward, but it requires thoughtful planning to ensure your garden produces food year after year. Here are some considerations for your backyard homestead garden design:

1. Season-Extending Design

Construct or purchase cold frames to protect plants during cooler seasons. These structures act as mini-greenhouses, capturing heat and extending the growing season.
Utilize lightweight row covers or floating row covers to protect plants from frost or cold temperatures.
Build hoop house structures covered with plastic or greenhouse film to create a protected growing area for early or late-season crops.
Set up portable or temporary greenhouses that can be repositioned to optimize sunlight and temperature for various crops.

2. Succession Planting

Instead of planting all your seedlings at once, practice staggered planting by sowing them in intervals, ensuring continuous harvest throughout the season.
Select vegetable varieties with shorter maturity times to allow for multiple seasonal planting opportunities.
As you harvest crops, immediately sow or transplant new plants to maximize productivity and fill empty spaces.

3. Multiple Plantings

To maximize yields and optimize space, try intercropping by planting fast-growing crops alongside slow-growing ones. For example, grow lettuce between tomato rows or radishes alongside beans.
As mentioned earlier, adopt companion planting principles by pairing plants with mutually beneficial relationships, such as planting aromatic herbs near vulnerable vegetables to deter pests or attract beneficial insects.
Utilize vertical space by growing vining plants, such as cucumbers or pole beans, alongside taller plants, like corn or sunflowers.
Divide your garden into overlapping planting zones and stagger planting times, allowing different crops to be sown or transplanted in each area to extend the harvest period.

How to Save Water and Minimize Waste While Suburban Homesteading!

1. Harvesting Rainwater

Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering your lawn and garden. Depending on your space, you might also consider installing a cistern or an in-ground reservoir.
Utilize gutters and downspouts to direct and channel water to where it’s needed.

2. Use Graywater When Possible

Place buckets or old containers around your yard to collect rainwater for future use.
Reuse household water from sinks and showers, steering clear of water containing fecal matter (known as black water).
Gray water from kitchens and bathrooms can be safely reused on vegetables and other edible plants, as long as it doesn’t come into contact with the edible parts.

3. Try Composting at Home

There are various types of composting, so research which method best suits your needs and space. Remember that not all items labeled “compostable” are suitable for home composting.
Combine green matter like vegetable scraps or yard waste with brown matter such as cardboard, sticks, and twigs to create nutrient-rich compost known as hummus. This organic material is fantastic for your garden, providing essential nutrients for healthy plant growth.
Finally, consider making worm tea to give your plants an extra boost.

Pro tip: If you want to learn more about composting and running a zero-waste garden, check out my many composting facts and garden recycling ideas available at the Eco Hub!

What Are the Best Animals to Keep on a Backyard Homestead?

The choice of animals for a small homestead largely depends on available space, local regulations, personal preferences, and the time and resources you can dedicate to their care. Here are some animals that are commonly found on small homesteads:

Chickens are a favorite for small homesteads due to their low space requirements and ease of care, not to mention the fresh eggs they provide. They can thrive in a small coop and naturally control pests by consuming insects.

Pro tip: If you struggle with insect management on your backyard homestead, consider creating a mosquito-repellent planter!

Rabbits are compact animals that can be raised for meat and fur. They require minimal space and are relatively easy to care for.
Beekeeping is a fantastic option for small homesteads with access to flowering plants. Bees enhance pollination, increase biodiversity in your garden, and produce honey and beeswax. However, beekeeping does require some knowledge and an investment in equipment. There are many steps you can take to attract more birds and bees to your garden!
If you have a bit more space, goats can be a valuable addition to a small homestead, providing milk, meat, and fiber while effectively clearing brush and weeds. Just remember that goats need secure fencing and proper shelter.
Ducks serve as an alternative to chickens for egg production and pest control. They are hardy, adaptable, and produce rich eggs.
Quail are small game birds gaining popularity on small homesteads. They require less space than chickens and provide both eggs and meat. Quail are also relatively low maintenance and can be housed in compact enclosures.
Miniature pigs, often referred to as “micro pigs” or “teacup pigs,” are small-sized pigs suitable for small homesteads. They need proper shelter, space for rooting, and a balanced diet.

Before adding any animals to your homestead, it’s crucial to research their specific care needs and local regulations. Ensure you have the necessary infrastructure and time commitment to provide for their well-being. Additionally, consider factors such as noise, odor, and potential interactions with other animals and neighbors in your area.

A Final Word on Backyard Homesteading

Running a backyard homestead is a rewarding way to connect with nature, whether you have a tiny balcony or a sprawling farm! The essence of homesteading is to grow (or raise) your food and strive for full or partial self-sufficiency. Extra points if you can achieve this sustainably by conserving water, reducing waste, and minimizing the use of chemicals!