Welcome to another post from PreppedHomestead.com! Whether you’re in a bustling city or nestled in the countryside, mastering essential homesteading skills is key to preparedness and survival in a crisis. In this guide, we’ll explore the fundamental skills needed for successful homesteading. We will focus on overcoming the unique challenges of urban living. From growing your own food to harnessing renewable energy, we’ll cover it all and make it easy to understand. We will also provide links to blogs and products I consider very helpful, and some that I consider essential. For more information about Traditional Homestead Prepping vs. Urban Homestead Prepping, click here!
When COVID-19 first hit the major cities in the United States, I was in Denver, Colorado with my family for a major volleyball tournament and combine for my daughter. We left Texas but did not get groceries or essential hygiene items because we were going to be in Colorado for over a week. After we arrived in Colorado and the night before this major volleyball tournament, the combine and tournament were canceled. Now, I have over 25 years as a Registered Nurse and Paramedic. Diseases don’t scare me. I put on my big-boy pants. I ensure the proper safeguards, and I do my job. I have worked on patients with flesh-eating bacteria, Hepatitis, HIV, Ebola, tuberculosis, and many other life-threatening diseases without any issues. I wasn’t worried. So, we decided to have a Colorado vacation since the tournament and combine were canceled. Within forty-eight hours, every restaurant, entertainment venue, and ski resort in and around Denver closed. Local and National news channels were telling everyone to quarantine.
By this time, my very-seasoned ER Nurse and Doctor friends were telling me this “was going to be bad…really, really bad”. They said we have never seen anything like this since the “Spanish Flu” in the early 1900’s. When life-long, hardcore ER nurses and doctors are nervous, it is time to be nervous. My wife and I began growing concerned since we had not gotten groceries or other essentials like toilet paper and distilled water before we left Texas. We went to numerous very large grocery stores and big box stores like Walmart and Target. We found all the shelves picked clean of any food items and household essentials. I vowed then to never have my family in that scenario again. I set out on the path to learning all I could about homestead prepping and the skills necessary to ensure safety, sustainability, and survival in both a short-term and long-term crisis.
Essential Homesteading Skill: Growing Your Own Food
One of the cornerstones of homesteading is growing your own food. Even in the concrete jungle of a large metropolis or smaller city, you can cultivate a thriving garden. Start small. Use containers, raised beds, or vertical gardening on your porch, balcony, or rooftop. You should consider hydroponic and aquaponic gardening, if you can endure uninterrupted power in the event of a grid failure or power outage. Herbs, leafy greens, and tomatoes are excellent choices for urban gardening. Leafy greens and many varieties of tomatoes and herbs are very forgiving to the new gardener.
When I first started gardening, I used the first season to learn the required skills of gardening. Some of these essential homesteading skills are knowing when to water and fertilize; soil rotation and rejuvenation; and pest and disease recognition and treatment. I made many, many failures, but I learned from each failure. Soon I had more successes than failures. I found the best urban homestead garden is a combination of raised beds, hydroponic, vertical, and traditional soil gardening. With proper care and attention, you’ll soon be enjoying the fruits (and veggies) of your labor.
See our recommendations page for many choices for gardening essentials or see below for my top pick based on price and functionality for gardening essentials.
CLICK HERE TO GET IT AT TRACTOR SUPPLY!
Urban Garden Starter Kit: This raised garden bed, made with galvanized steel, providing excellent durability and rust resistance. The garden bed’s easy assembly and modular design allow for effortless customization. Additionally, the inclusion of rubber strip protection increases safety during use. Choose our outdoor metal garden bed for a sustainable, low-maintenance, and customizable gardening experience!
Stay tuned for our upcoming eBook Skills Every Homesteader and Prepper Needs eBook series!
Essential Homesteading Skill: Raising Poultry and Livestock
While traditional livestock may not be feasible in urban settings, there are still options for raising animals, and even bees. Consider keeping backyard chickens or quail for fresh eggs and meat, or even small breeds of goats for milk. I lived in a town of 200,000 plus people. We were lucky. At that time, the city had no ordinances regarding raising poultry or livestock in the city limits. We pushed the lack of ordinances to the breaking point. In the heart of town, we raised over 30 chickens for eggs and meat, two goats for milk, and a cow for milk and compost material. We had numerous neighbors complain to code enforcement about our rooster crowing in the early morning hours and our goats getting out of the pen and eating anything they could in our neighbor’s yards. By the way, as a word of advice-a goat is like a miniature Harry Houdini. Goats can escape from almost anything and have ridiculous jumping ability.
Be sure to check local regulations and ordinances before bringing home your new furry or feathered friends. Fortunately, we checked the local ordinances beforehand, and the city could not touch us until they created new zoning ordinances. As a funny side note, if you ever want to see a city zoning official lose their mind, quote the zoning ordinance to them with the ordinance code numbers…it is greatness seeing the look on their face!
See our recommendations page for many choices for poultry and livestock essentials or see below for my top pick based on price and functionality for poultry and livestock essentials.
CLICK HERE TO GET IT AT TRACTOR SUPPLY!
Backyard Chicken Coop: With room for up to 14 chickens, the Producer’s Pride Guardian Chicken Coop can house your whole flock. There are 3 nesting boxes and 3 roosting bars for them to enjoy, as well as a spacious chicken run where they can roam freely. The coop features thick roof panels to protect against the weather and is built with a strong steel frame to keep the chickens safe from predators. And because this chicken coop has a walk-in style design, owners and caretakers can easily enter and take care of any cleaning or maintenance that may be needed.
Optional Homesteading Skill: Beekeeping
Although not an essential skill for the urban homestead, beekeeping can play a major role in the urban homestead. Once reserved for rural homesteaders, beekeeping has found a new role in urban homesteading. As more city dwellers embrace self-sufficiency, the allure of tending to honeybees grows. However, like any endeavor, beekeeping in urban settings comes with its own set of pros and cons. The biggest con for me was my daughter’s threat to move out at thirteen if I started beekeeping. Ideally, you will have a family not violently opposed to beekeeping like I did.
Starting with the Advantages of Urban Beekeeping, a honeybee hive is a pollination powerhouse. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating urban gardens and green spaces. Bees will boost yields and promote biodiversity. I love seeing them in my garden. One of my favorite things about bees is the honey Harvest. Urban beekeepers can enjoy the sweet rewards of fresh, locally produced honey, opposed to the trash sold at the grocery stores. Besides adding a flavorful touch to your culinary creations, raw honey has numerous medical benefits. However, honey sold at the grocery stores has been heated to a point where the benefits are almost lost entirely. Lastly, bees offer a great educational opportunity for the next generation. One of the coolest things I have seen with the bees in our garden has been watching my youngest son get over his horrible phobia of insects. He will now allow bees to land on him and not run screaming around the yard like he is on fire. Moreover, beekeeping offers a hands-on learning experience for urbanites, fostering a deeper connection to nature and environmental stewardship.
There are some disadvantages of beekeeping on the urban homestead. The first consideration is the space constraints of a hive. A successful hive has very specific requirements for light, water, flight paths, and access to the hive for maintenance and harvesting. The limited space in urban environments can pose very real challenges for beekeepers. Space restraint requires creative solutions to accommodate hives and ensure success and overwintering. The foremost consideration for urban beekeeping is the regulatory hurdles. Researching and navigating local regulations and ordinances regarding beekeeping can be extremely complex and time-consuming for urban homesteaders. Lastly, neighbor relations can be strained because of their concerns about bee stings and “perceived” nuisances of bees. This can strain relationships with neighbors, and you will be wise to maintain open communication, education, and diplomacy. In conclusion, while urban beekeeping presents unique challenges, the rewards far outweigh the drawbacks. By embracing innovative solutions urban homesteaders can cultivate thriving bee colonies and reap the sweet benefits of sustainable living.
See our recommendations page for many choices for beekeeping essentials or see below for my top pick based on price and functionality for beekeeping essentials.
CLICK HERE TO GET IT AT TRACTOR SUPPLY!
Beekeeping Starter Kit: Perfect for urban homesteaders, the Harvest Lane Honey Backyard Beehive Starter Kit has what you need to get started with a fantastic new hobby. Beekeeping is a safe, fun, and rewarding experience that can be a hobby, or a way of life. With the simple, all-in-one beekeeping kit, you can begin your beekeeping opportunity the moment the bees arrive.
Essential Homesteading Skill: Water Harvesting and Purification
Access to clean water is essential for survival, especially in emergency situations. Water is life. The absence of potable water is certain death. Urban homesteaders can learn how to harvest rainwater with simple systems like rain barrels or cisterns. The amount of rainwater that can be collected from roof runoff is staggering. The first time I dove into rainwater runoff collection I was astounded to find the average family can collect a major percentage of their water needs just by collecting runoff. Rainwater collection is not only for crisis usage, but also rainwater will make a major production impact on your garden. Mother nature knows best, and for the best results use rainwater for your garden. One last consideration, urban homesteaders will need to invest in a quality water filtration system to ensure that your rainwater runoff is safe to drink. Rainwater roof runoff is safe for gardening, but I would be very leery of consuming it without purification, if your municipal supply is compromised. See our recommendations page for many choices for water collection and purification or see below for my top pick for water collection and purification.
See our recommendations page for many choices for water harvesting and purification essentials or see below for my top pick based on price and functionality for water harvesting and purification essentials.
CLICK HERE TO GET IT AT TRACTOR SUPPLY!
Rain Barrel System: The Rain Wizard 50 is a rustic, faux oak rain barrel with a distressed wood-grain texture that’s highly detailed. It holds 50 gal. and has a fine mesh screen to keep out debris along with front-facing overflow. This barrel features connection points for linking to other rain barrels and a flat-back that can sit right up against exterior walls. A standard 3/4 in. brass spigot is included. Incredibly strong, this rain barrel can take heavy impacts and holds up against the weather thanks to its sturdy, BPA-free plastic construction. Made in the USA.
Stay tuned for information on water harvesting and purification essentials and to see our other related posts and upcoming eBooks!
Essential Homesteading Skill: Preserving Food
Preserving food through canning, drying, and fermenting is a must-have skill for homesteaders. Preserving food allows you to extend the shelf life of your harvest, whether it’s fruits and vegetables from your garden or locally sourced produce from the farmer’s market. By canning, drying, or fermenting food, you can ensure that you have a supply of nutritious food on hand, even when fresh options are limited. This is especially important in emergency situations when access to store-bought groceries may be restricted. Preserving food is a crucial skill for any homesteader, whether you’re preparing for emergencies or simply looking to reduce food waste and save money. Stock up on mason jars, a dehydrator (or several), and fermentation crocks to extend the shelf life of your harvest. Not only will you reduce food waste, but you’ll also have a supply of nutritious food that can last for months or even years. I am an avid canner, and most of what I grow ends up canned for later use. Recently, I dove into the deep end of fermentation and the use of fresh and dried herbs and plants for a more holistic and safer approach to healing. Stay tuned for updates.
See our recommendations page for many choices for food preservation essentials or see below in each section for my top pick based on price and functionality for food preservation essentials.
Easy Methods for Preserving Food:
Canning: Canning is a popular method of food preservation that involves sealing food in jars and heating them to kill bacteria, ensuring long-term storage. You can preserve fruits, vegetables, jams, and pickles using this method. All you need are mason jars, lids, a canning rack, and a large pot for boiling water. Plus, with a variety of recipes available online and in books, you can get creative with flavor combinations.
CLICK HERE TO GET IT FROM AMAZON!
Home Canning Set: This All-Inclusive Canning Kit for Beginners: Kickstart your canning journey with our comprehensive set of canning supplies. This kit includes a 20-quart stainless steel water bath canning pot, essential canning tools, canning rack, jar lifters, lid lifter, canning funnel and canning labels.
Dehydration: Drying, or dehydrating, is another effective way to preserve food, especially fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Simply slice your produce thinly and place it in a dehydrator or oven set to a low temperature. Once dried, store the food in airtight containers to prevent moisture from re-entering. Dried foods can last for months and are perfect for snacking or adding to soups and stews.
CLICK HERE TO GET IT FROM TRACTOR SUPPLY!
Home Dehydrator: The Excalibur 3948CDB Electric Digital Food Dehydrator is ideal for dehydrating a wide range of foods such as fruits, vegetables, jerky, homemade yogurt and so much more. The 48-hour Digital Controller features 2-time, 2 temperature controls to simplify the drying process. Temperature can be set from 95 degrees F to 165 degrees F. After loading food onto the trays, set the dehydrator at a higher temperature for a specified period of time for the initial dehydration process; and then set the dehydrator at a lower temperature for a specified period of time for longer cooking. The unit automatically adjusts after the 1st setting and turns off when the 2nd setting is complete.
Fermenting: Fermentation is a traditional method of food preservation that not only extends shelf life but also enhances flavor and nutritional value. Vegetables like cabbage, cucumbers, and carrots can be transformed into delicious sauerkraut, pickles, and kimchi through fermentation. All you need is salt, water, and a fermentation crock or jar. The beneficial bacteria naturally present on the vegetables do the rest, creating tangy, probiotic-rich foods.
CLICK HERE TO GET IT FROM AMAZON!
Home Fermentation Set: This fermentation jars and lids set comes with 6 jars with tinplate lids and 6 fermenting lids, making it a nice set for many home fermenting needs; The jars are made from sturdy glass material and paired with tinplate lids, providing you with quality containers for your fermenting needs
Click here for information on food preservation essentials and see our other posts and upcoming eBooks!
Essential Homesteading Skill: Ensuring Electricity Off the Grid
In the modern world, electricity powers our homes and lives, but what happens when the grid goes down? When Texas’ power grid failed for almost 2 weeks in the middle of winter, I experienced this firsthand. I found it difficult to believe so many people died from exposure in their own homes because of no power. A savvy and prepped homesteader will master ways to ensure electricity without relying on the power grid for prepping and survival. Some easy methods you can implement to keep the lights on, even in an emergency.
Once i have used some of these products, I will add to our recommendations page and below in each section for my top pick based on price and functionality for ensuring electricity essentials.
Solar Power: Harnessing the power of the sun is one of the most reliable ways to generate electricity off the grid. Solar panels, coupled with a battery storage system, can provide a steady supply of clean energy day and night. Investing in a solar panel starter kit is a great way to get started on your journey to energy independence.
Wind Turbines: If you live in a windy area like I do, consider installing a small wind turbine to generate electricity. Wind power can complement solar energy, providing a reliable source of power even when the sun isn’t shining. Look for a wind turbine kit that’s easy to install and maintain.
Backup Generators: For short-term power outages, a backup generator can be a lifesaver. Choose a generator that runs on propane, gasoline, or diesel fuel, and be sure to store enough fuel to last through an extended outage. Portable generators are ideal for homesteaders who need flexibility and mobility.
Battery Banks: Invest in a battery bank to store excess energy generated by your solar panels or wind turbine. Battery banks allow you to store energy for use during cloudy days or calm winds, ensuring a consistent power supply.
LED Lighting: Finally, make the switch to energy-efficient LED lighting throughout your homestead. LED bulbs consume less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, helping you stretch your power supply further.
Stay tuned for information on ensuring electricity essentials and see our other posts and upcoming eBooks!
Essential Homesteading Skill: Overcoming Challenges in Urban Homesteading
Limited Space: One of the biggest challenges of urban homesteading is limited space. Get creative with vertical gardening techniques like trellises and hanging planters to maximize your growing area. Utilize every inch of available space, from windowsills to unused corners of your home.
Noise and Pollution: Urban environments often come with noise and air pollution that can impact your homesteading efforts. Combat this by choosing resilient plant varieties that can tolerate environmental stressors. Consider investing in air purifiers and noise-canceling devices to create a more pleasant living environment for both you and your plants.
Community Engagement: Building a sense of community is crucial for urban homesteaders. Connect with like-minded neighbors through local farmer’s markets, gardening clubs or online forums. Share resources, knowledge, and even surplus produce to foster a supportive network that can help you overcome challenges and thrive in your urban homestead.
With the right skills and resources, urban homesteading is not only possible, but incredibly rewarding. By mastering essential homesteading skills like growing your own food, raising poultry and/or livestock, harvesting water and energy, and preserving resources, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in any situation. Embrace the challenges of urban living with creativity and ingenuity, and you’ll discover a newfound sense of self-sufficiency and resilience. Get Prepped, not Wrecked!
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