Start Small, Grow Smart: Sustainability for the New Homesteader

When you’re first starting your homestead journey, sustainability can feel like a big, complicated goal. But the truth is, it’s a mindset more than a destination. We made the mistakes, we jumped the gun and we paid for it. Take it slow, do what works for you and enjoy the journey.

Here’s how you can start small and grow smart:

Begin with What You Have

Instead of rushing to buy every tool, animal, or seed variety, take a good look around. Can you repurpose that old shelving unit into a seed-starting station? Can you barter with a neighbor instead of buying new fencing? Sustainability begins with resourcefulness.

Grow What You Eat

One of the easiest ways to reduce waste and save money is to grow food you already enjoy. If your family eats a lot of tomatoes, basil, and cucumbers—start there. You’ll waste less, harvest more, and enjoy your homegrown meals.

Support Local and Swap Before You Shop

Before hitting the big-box store, see what you can source locally. Local farms, feed stores, thrift shops, and online community groups are often treasure troves for seeds, tools, and supplies. Even better? Start a homesteader swap group in your area to exchange surplus goods and skills—building community is sustainable, too.

Learn to Love the Learning Curve

You’ll make mistakes. Everyone does. Keep a journal, reflect on what worked, and view every failure as a learning opportunity. That’s part of sustainable living too—building skills and resilience over time.

Sustainability isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what you can, where you are, with the resources you have available.