by Brenda Nelson

Created on: July 14, 2010   Last Updated: August 09, 2010

When we think of homesteading we often think of the early pioneers, ones who started farms and lived off the land. Of course living rurally, one can still do this today, however for the urbanite (city dweller) this may be a little more difficult, especially as homes in the city have less yard space, and more rules.

-Where to Start-

Ideally one should start by finding a community that is open to the homesteading lifestyle. This being an area where the lots are large, the houses are small, and keeping of animals, such as hens, is allowed. If a person is already somewhere and they want to start a homestead where they already are they need to check the local zoning and bylaws, perhaps even lobbying to have laws changed so that they can keep a few hens for egg production, and so on.

-What to Get-

As mentioned, having a few hens is a good start. Hens lay eggs even if roosters are not kept, they eat insects and some weeds. Some people prefer to slaughter and eat their birds when laying production declines in the fall, getting new birds the following spring, however hens will lay eggs for several years and can live over 10 years.

Some people will also find keeping, and breeding, rabbits for meat as a good venture, although it must be noted there are special breeds of rabbits used for meat, these are not the same as the small ones kept for pets.

Shelters are needed when keeping any kind of animal, and a knowledge of keeping that kind of animal should be taken into consideration.

-What to Grow-

Fruit trees are always a good thing to have, with several varieties designed to cross pollinate where needed and to produce a variety of fruit that can be eaten, canned, or shared. Select trees known to grow and produce well in your area.

Berries are also an ideal choice as they usually produce just before the fruiting trees are ready.

A garden should be kept for planting potatoes and other fruits and vegetables that must be replanted every year, such as peas, beans, squash, and tomatoes.

-More Information-

The urban homestead often grows food for their own use, and may produce extra for sale or exchange with other homesteaders. Typically the homesteaders will try to be as natural as possible, not using any chemicals, particularly as these may harm the chickens and rabbits.

An urban homestead will use every bit of space for food production, preferring to be utilitarian rather than aesthetic, they will not be wasteful and often use a compost to reclaim waste and use it as fertilizer for the future.

Where space is short some plants, such as tomatoes, can be grown in containers on the deck.

As people struggle with financial situations more and more urbanites are electing to try their hand at farming in the city.

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