What’s a Homestead? Websters defines a Homestead [noun] as…
1. a: the home and adjoining land occupied by a family; b: an ancestral home; c: HOUSE 2. a: a tract of land acquired from U.S. public lands by filing a record and living on and cultivating the tract [verb] homesteaded; homesteading; homesteads – transitive verb: to acquire or occupy as a homestead or intransitive verb: to acquire or settle on land under a homestead law
This really doesn’t tell you what a Homestead is or what Homesteading truly is. So, let’s dive in and answer this question – What’s a Homestead and what is Homesteading?
I truly believe one of the best definitions of what a Homestead is, comes from “Jess” Jessica Sowards from Roots & Refuge Farm. In her book The First-Time Homesteader. “if I had to write a definition, it would look like this: modern homesteading (verb): the act of living lightly on the land, of seeking sustainability, and of growing food in a modern world; involved in this lifestyle are conscious consumption, awareness of the partnership between humanity and the earth, a reference for the beauty of life, the embracing of a slower pace, and a desire to eat well and steward well.”
Notice in Jess’ definition there’s no mention of land requirements or an ancestral home, no specific type of animal(s) or crops, nor fences or any other type of settling specifics. I submit to you – you could live in an apartment, or rental property, House – Tiny House – Boat, or even a Tent or Vehicle and be a Modern Homesteader.
I’ve seen patio gardens that can make a “regular garden” look like a pitiful plot… balconies that have absolutely fantastic veggies and chickens, folks living on a boat raising rabbit or quail or container garden and homesteading on a lake, river, or dock. I’ve seen others living out of a truck bed, van, or car who’s got the most beautiful property with in-car, van, or outdoor toilets, kitchens, and living spaces. I have also seen a beautiful homestead with the occupants living in a tent. Does any of these situations disqualify them as a homesteader? I think not!
What can we take from this – no matter how you choose to live or what you live in, you can be a Modern Day Homesteader. Homesteading looks different for everyone, and certainly what we once would consider a homesteader or homesteading. For me, homesteading is living where and in what you choose – growing what you can – be it animals, crops, herbs, flowers, or all of these; as big or as little as your situation allows.
Next up we’ll post about taking a look at how to begin Homesteading. Until then… God Bless, get your hands dirty, learn new and old things, and keep moving forward.