What is Modern Day Homesteading?

Today the word homesteading is more apt to refer to “a lifestyle of greater self-sufficiency characterized by subsistence agriculture, home preservation of food, and may also involve the small-scale production of clothing and craftwork for household use or even for sale”. Being debt-free is also a common theme for those growing towards this lifestyle.

Common Homestead Homes

Log construction appeals to homesteaders as it gives them a since of history.  There are many log home styles depending on your needs.  Log homes can be full scribe, post and beam, timber frame and hybrids (hybrids are a mix of styles, typically combining post and beam and timber frame).  Depending on where you live, one style may be more appropriate than another, for efficiency and longevity.

A few tips if you are building from scratch, choose a simple gable roof instead of complicated dormers or roof lines. Make sure your home design accommodates any alternative systems you plan to use, such as wood heat, a rain catchment system or an outdoor shower.

If you’re going to can vegetables or fruit for long-term food supplies, plan for ample storage. A covered porch creates space to remove shoes or boots and work on outdoor projects, while being sheltered from the rain or hot sun.

Take the time to thoughtfully consider how much square footage you really need. you can always add on later.  Also, food for thought, you may need more outdoor space such as a barn or workshop, vs. additional home square footage.

A typical homestead may include a cabin, greenhouse, a barn, a shed with tanks for rainwater collection, solar panels, wind turbines, the use of kerosene lanterns for light and a wood stove for heat and cooking.

Home Grown and Raised

A vegetable garden is another hallmark of homesteading. A greenhouse will certainly extend a homesteader’s growing season, but crops can be grown in containers, raised beds or directly in fields. Two to four acres is plenty of space to grow enough food to feed an average-sized family. If you plan to heat your home from wood cut on your property, you’ll need more acreage with timber.

Chickens are a common first step for homesteaders, since they provide eggs, possibly meat and help keep pests under control in the garden. In addition to chickens, homesteads also need a cat to catch mice and a dog to scare away raccoons and other scavengers.

Dairy cows or goats, fiber animals like sheep and pack animals like donkeys or mules are welcome additions to a homestead. The use of horses for transportation is also common. All these animals need shelter of some kind—barns, coops or stables are common outbuildings for homesteads. Outbuildings can be built with log construction, as well.

Gardens, animals and people, of course, require water. Rain barrels are helpful for gathering water for crops. Wells and a water catchment system are both options based on preference and again, location.

In Summary

How self-sufficient you become is up to you, being practical and knowing your limits is important.  If you are interested in taking a step back in time when life was very different, just remember that simplicity is the key to successful homesteading!