So, you’ve been thinking about dipping your toes in the homesteading pond for a while now.

You see others do it. And it seems like it should be so easy.

But every time you get close to taking that first step, the costs start to overwhelm you, and you end up back where you started.

Not this time!

Because this time, you’re going to be armed with practical, easy-to-follow tips that successful homesteaders know. Making homesteading budget-friendly is all about being resourceful, creative, and strategic. You don’t need a huge budget to create a thriving homestead — just a bit of planning and a willingness to reuse, recycle, and DIY. So, give these tips a try and see if they don’t work for you, too…

How to start homesteading on a budget

1. Don’t be tempted to start big

It’s tempting to dive into every homesteading project at once, but this can quickly overwhelm your budget (and your time). Instead, prioritize a few foundational projects to start with and expand as your skills and confidence grow.

• Choose a few key areas: Start with a small garden, a compost bin, or a few chickens rather than setting up multiple big projects. For example, starting with a basic garden plot or raised bed costs far less than trying to build a greenhouse right away.
• Look for free or low-cost resources first: Many local gardening or homesteading groups will share seeds, plants, and even starter animals at little or no cost. Check local social media groups, community gardens, or cooperative extension programs.

2. Always DIY where you can

One of the biggest budget-friendly homesteading tips is to do things yourself rather than buying everything new or ready-made. Building raised beds, coops, and even garden tools from scratch can save hundreds of dollars.

• Upcycle materials for DIY projects: Use scrap wood, pallets, bricks, and stones from your yard or community sources for projects. For example, old wooden pallets can make sturdy, free raised garden beds.
• Make your own fertilizer and compost: Instead of purchasing commercial fertilizers, start a compost bin or pile with kitchen scraps, leaves, and grass clippings. You can also make “compost tea” from vegetable scraps, which is free and full of nutrients.
• Learn basic carpentry and sewing skills: These skills can save you a lot of money on repairs, fencing, gardening, and even clothing. You don’t need to be an expert; there are a ton of online tutorials that teach basic repairs that are beginner-friendly.

3. Buy secondhand

Homesteading doesn’t require brand-new tools, and secondhand options are usually just as effective and much more budget-friendly.

• Look for secondhand tools and equipment: Check thrift stores, local online marketplaces, and garage sales for tools, garden supplies, canning equipment, and kitchen items. Many homesteaders have found high-quality tools and equipment secondhand for a fraction of the original price.
• Use community resources: Sometimes, local homesteading or gardening clubs lend out tools or have shared community resources like rototillers, seed libraries, and processing equipment.

4. Do save and share seeds

Seeds are a recurring cost, but they don’t have to be! Saving and sharing seeds can make growing your own food nearly free.

• Learn seed-saving basics: Start with easy-to-save seeds, like tomatoes, beans, and herbs, and save seeds from one season to plant in the next. Seed saving reduces your reliance on store-bought seeds and builds a sustainable loop in your gardening.
• Join seed swaps and libraries: Many communities have seed swap events or seed libraries where you can trade and borrow seeds for free. This is a great way to get a variety of seeds without any cost.

5. Focus on perennials

Perennials are plants that return year after year, so they save money and effort when compared to annual plants that need to be replanted each season. Starting with a focus on perennial fruits and vegetables can be a great decision for your homesteading budget!

• Plant perennial fruits and vegetables: Some common perennials include berries, asparagus, rhubarb, and fruit trees. Although they require an initial investment, they yield crops for years with minimal maintenance.
• Herbs and medicinal plants: Many herbs and medicinal plants like rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano are perennial in certain climates, meaning you can enjoy fresh herbs without replanting each year. You may also want to look into plants that self-sow readily! They aren’t perennials, but I’ve been so happy to see my calendula, catnip, feverfew, poppies, and so many more plants come back every year with zero effort on my part.

6. Always be composting and soil building

Building healthy soil doesn’t require expensive amendments. When you’re planning your homesteading budget, remember that composting kitchen scraps and yard waste will help you build rich soil, even without expensive amendments.

• Create a simple compost pile or bin: Composting your kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings, and leaves builds free, nutrient-rich soil. For an easy DIY setup, you can use a basic wire fence, pallet box, or even a trash bin with holes drilled for ventilation.
• Use natural mulch: Collect fallen leaves, grass clippings, or pine needles to use as mulch, which keeps moisture in the soil, reduces weeds, and slowly decomposes, enriching the soil without costing a dime.

7. Raise small livestock carefully and gradually

When you’re homesteading, raising animals on a budget will require serious planning. Animals are surprisingly expensive, and they add costs for feed, shelter, and care. My advice is to start small and choose animals with low feed and care needs.

• Start with a small number of lower-cost animals: Chickens, ducks, and rabbits are budget-friendly animals for beginners. Chickens and ducks provide eggs and pest control, while rabbits are easy to care for and provide nutrient-rich manure for gardens. I absolutely understand wanting to start with a bang, but if you’re trying to save money, the costs of feeding and housing are noticeably higher with a larger group of animals, and unless you have plans to sell or share your eggs, they will pile up faster than you can use them!
• Grow some animal feed: If you have the space, you can plant crops like corn, sunflowers, or alfalfa to supplement feed for chickens or rabbits, saving money on store-bought feed.
• Use your animals’ byproducts: Rabbit manure, for example, is “cold,” and you can add it directly to your garden without composting. Chicken manure, on the other hand, is “hot,” and you should compost it first, but it provides valuable nutrients for plants.

8. Learn preservation techniques

Learning to preserve your garden’s bounty ensures you get the most from your harvest without letting food go to waste. It can also help you to stretch your food resources through the off-season.

• Start with freezing and drying: Freezing is quick, easy, and requires little upfront cost if you already have a freezer. Dehydrating herbs, fruits, and vegetables is low-cost and doesn’t require special equipment (an oven on a low setting works for many foods).
• Invest in basic canning supplies: Canning equipment, like a pressure or water-bath canner and jars, is affordable and lasts for years, and you can usually find jars at thrift stores and online marketplaces. With a simple water-bath canner, it’s easy to preserve high-acidity foods like tomatoes, jams, and pickles. Just make sure you buy new lids! You don’t want to lose your food to bacteria.

9. DIY cleaners and personal care products

Household and personal care items can be costly and often contain chemicals that aren’t sustainable. Making your own can be simple, affordable, and natural.

• DIY cleaners: White vinegar and baking soda are inexpensive staples for all-purpose cleaning. You can make an all-purpose cleaner with 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. You can also add a few drops of essential oil if you like a particular scent.
• Homemade soaps and salves: If you’re interested in soap making, the initial investment in ingredients is low, and you can make several bars from one batch. Herbal salves can be made from infused oils with herbs like calendula or lavender, creating affordable, natural skincare.

10. Preserve, share, and trade

Trading goods, sharing resources, and bartering are traditional budget-friendly homesteading practices that help reduce costs and build community.

• Share tools and resources with neighbors: If you have homesteading neighbors, see if they’d be willing to share or trade resources like garden tools, seeds, or extra produce.
• Barter and trade: Trade your surplus eggs, vegetables, or handmade goods with others for items you need. Many communities have local trade or barter groups where you can exchange services or goods without money.
• Join local homesteading or gardening groups: These groups often have free resources like plant cuttings, compost, seeds, and sometimes even livestock for those who are interested. It’s a wonderful way to get tips, share resources, and find budget-friendly options locally.

11. Avoid common long-term investment mistakes

You don’t necessarily want to choose the lowest-price items all the time. When you’re considering your homesteading budget, certain homesteading investments are worth the upfront cost because they save money and increase sustainability over time.

• Quality over quantity: Choose a few high-quality tools that will last for years rather than buying cheaper versions that may need frequent replacement. A sturdy shovel, pruners, and hoe are often all you need for garden upkeep.
• Rainwater collection: Collecting rainwater is a great way to save on water costs over the long term, especially in dry climates. You can start with basic rain barrels and expand to a more complex system as your budget allows.
• Save energy: If you’re planning to stay on your homestead long-term, consider projects that save energy, like a solar oven, wood stove, or energy-efficient insulation.

Successful homesteading on a small budget

Taking that first step into homesteading is actually fairly simple when you apply the above 11 tips. So let me leave you with the biggest tip… When you’re just starting out, homesteading is all about the frugal, sustainable mindset. You want to repurpose materials, build skills, and do things yourself wherever possible. Every step you take towards self-reliance, no matter how small, will make your homestead stronger and more budget-friendly in the long run.

So give it a try – you’re going to be glad you did! 

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