Homesteading is more than a lifestyle; it’s a way of reconnecting with the land, finding self-reliance, and embracing a simpler, more sustainable life. For most homesteaders, the journey means learning practical skills, getting creative, and embracing a closer relationship with nature. Here are some classic signs you’re living that homesteading life!
1. You Have Jars Everywhere
Whether it’s jam, pickles, or herbs, mason jars are practically a homesteader’s best friend. They’re in your pantry, stacked in the basement, and probably some are in the fridge. Preserving your harvest is just part of daily life.
2. Seed Catalogues Are Your Favorite Winter Reading
When the garden is sleeping under snow, you’re already planning next season’s crops. A seed catalog is like a promise of spring, and you’re always looking for new varieties to try.
3. You Know the Difference Between Straw and Hay
To most people, they’re interchangeable, but not for you! You know hay is for feeding animals, and straw is perfect for bedding or mulch. And you’ve probably explained this distinction more times than you can count.
4. Fresh Eggs Are Just Part of Breakfast
Your chickens don’t just provide companionship—they give you the freshest eggs. You even have a system for using eggs by their collection date, so every breakfast is as fresh as it gets.
5. Compost Is Like Black Gold to You
You never throw out vegetable scraps; they all go into your compost pile. You know composting is one of the best ways to keep your soil fertile, and you get a little thrill watching it turn into rich, dark soil.
6. You’re on a First-Name Basis with Your Local Feed Store
When you walk into the feed store, they know your name and ask how the garden and animals are doing. You even have a preferred brand of feed, and a go-to bag of treats for the chickens or goats.
7. You’ve Canned More Food Than You Can Eat
From tomatoes to peaches, your pantry shelves are lined with home-canned food. You’re stocked up for winter, and probably for several winters ahead.
8. DIY Soap and Candles Are Normal Projects
Homesteading is all about making things from scratch, and that includes homemade soap and candles. You enjoy customizing the scents and ingredients, and your house has that special handmade touch.
9. You Know How to Butcher Your Own Meat
Whether it’s chickens, rabbits, or other small animals, you know how to butcher and process your own meat. It’s a skill many people shy away from, but for you, it’s part of being self-sufficient.
10. You’ve Learned to Love a Simple Clothesline
Your dryer is practically gathering dust because you know clothes smell best when dried in the fresh air. Plus, it’s an energy saver!
11. You Own Several Pairs of Work Gloves
Between gardening, wood chopping, and animal care, work gloves are essential. You probably have a “good” pair and a more rugged pair for the messier chores.
12. Your Neighbors Come to You for Gardening Advice
People in the community know you as the gardening expert. You’re always happy to share tips on soil amendments, pest control, and which plants grow best locally.
13. You Have a System for Rotating Crops
You’re serious about keeping your soil healthy, so you rotate crops each year. You know which plants replenish the soil and which deplete it, ensuring a balanced garden.
14. Fresh Herbs Are Always Within Reach
Instead of running to the store for herbs, you have them growing right outside the door—or maybe even in your kitchen. You know nothing beats fresh-picked basil, mint, or thyme.
15. You Can Tell When It’s Going to Rain by Smell
After working outside so much, you’ve developed a keen awareness of the weather. You can smell that hint of rain in the air before the first drops even fall.
16. You Keep a Journal for the Garden
You know it’s smart to keep track of what you plant, where you plant it, and how well it grows. Your garden journal is full of observations, successes, and lessons learned.
17. Your Clothes Have Permanent Grass and Dirt Stains
Homesteading means getting your hands—and clothes—dirty. You probably have a few shirts that never quite come clean, but you wear them proudly.
18. Friends Get Excited When You Bring Extra Produce
You’ve become known for sharing the bounty, and your friends love it when you show up with a basket of tomatoes, cucumbers, or zucchini.
19. You Know How to Make Your Own Bread
Fresh, homemade bread is a staple in your home. You’ve mastered the basics and maybe even experimented with sourdough or whole grains.
20. You Can Spot Wild Edible Plants
From dandelions to wild garlic, you know which plants are safe to eat. Foraging is just part of how you connect with nature and supplement your diet.
21. Your Idea of a Night Out Is a Bonfire
Instead of heading to a bar, you enjoy a quiet evening around a bonfire. It’s the perfect way to unwind, chat, and maybe roast a marshmallow or two.
22. You’ve Tried Your Hand at Beekeeping
Beekeeping isn’t easy, but you know how valuable bees are for pollination—and for honey! You’ve learned the ins and outs of caring for these important pollinators.
23. You Get Excited About Mulch and Fertilizer Deals
When you see a sale on compost, mulch, or fertilizer, you stock up like it’s Black Friday. After all, these are essentials for a thriving garden.
24. Your Yard Is a Wildlife Habitat
Between the bees, chickens, and butterflies, your property is a little ecosystem. You love providing a place for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.
25. You’re an Expert at Making Do With What You Have
From repurposing old materials to using every last scrap of food, you know how to stretch resources. Creativity and thriftiness are key parts of your life.
26. You Know Your Soil pH Like Your Own Birthday
Soil pH matters for growing plants, and you know exactly where your soil falls on the scale. You also know which amendments can help balance it.
27. You Have a Love/Hate Relationship with Goats
Goats can be delightful—and mischievous! You love their personality, but they also keep you on your toes, especially when they’re getting into things they shouldn’t.
28. Rainwater Collection Is a Standard Practice
Conserving water is important to you, and collecting rainwater is a great way to water your plants without relying on municipal water.
29. You’ve Set Traps for Squirrels or Deer in the Garden
Wildlife loves your garden, and you’ve had to get creative to protect your crops. From fences to clever traps, you know all the tricks to keep intruders out.
30. You Measure Time by Harvests, Not Holidays
Your year isn’t divided by holidays but by planting, harvesting, and preserving seasons. When someone says “summer,” you think of canning tomatoes, not beach vacations.
31. You’ve Got an Emergency Plan for Power Outages
Living closer to the land means being prepared for power outages. You have backup lighting, a wood stove for heat, and a plan to keep your food safe.
32. You Know How to Make Fire Without Matches
Whether it’s with flint, a bow drill, or another method, you’ve mastered the art of fire-making without relying on matches or a lighter.
