In today's world, where we're so dependent on screens and most of the food we eat is processed, growing your own food and living off the grid sounds almost idyllic. But not everyone has acres of land, a barn full of animals, and a tractor to do it so who even tries?
But what if I told you you don't really need all? You can make this work even on a small plot like a backyard, a corner lot, or a tiny rural parcel. Now, the real question is whether you can live a self-sufficient lifestyle with limited space.
Regardless of the size of your lot, you always need the basics like water, food, energy, and shelter. The problem with a smaller space is that everything has to work smarter and harder, meaning you need to be strategic about everything you do and everything you build. You have no room for huge buildings or waste, so your focus isn't on how much you have but on how to use what you have better.
If you want to build a practical homestead on a small lot, keep reading to see how.
The Basic Needs of a Small Homestead
Every single homestead needs water, food, and energy. Without any of these, you're not self-sufficient. Clean water should be your priority and if you're not connected to a municipal source, you'll need to think of alternatives.
For example, those could be harvesting rainwater or reusing greywater from sinks and showers. You can have a well on some properties, but that depends on local rules. Either way, be wise with water use. Mulching is great because you won't need to water your plants as much, and if you set up drip irrigation, too, you'll stretch your supply a lot further.
Next is food and this is totally doable on a small lot. Focus on high-yield crops and creative layouts. I'm talking vertical gardening, raised beds, and companion planting to pack more into the space you have. When you start growing your own herbs, leafy greens, and root vegetables, you'll see it can quickly turn into a steady harvest throughout all seasons. This is especially true in cases where people plan ahead with crop rotation.
And where there's food, there has to be proper storage, as well. A small root cellar will do, as will home canning, and a dehydrator. This way, your harvest will last well beyond growing months.
And lastly, we come to energy. A small solar setup can cover your basic needs and if you combine that with passive heating, good insulation, and low-energy tools (solar ovens, rocket stoves, etc.), you'll need way less from the outside world.
What to Build
Now that the basics are all done, you can start to figure out what to build and how to make it all fit. Below you'll find some smaller structures that most small homesteads need.
1. Shelter and Primary Living Space
You need a place to live, so that's first on the list of priorities when it comes to structures. It doesn't have to be anything big; it just needs to be functional. Tiny homes, cabins, and even modular builds will work well if they're properly designed. You'll reduce wasted space with open-plan interiors and multifunctional furniture.
With natural light to make the space seem larger and good insulation, you'll be comfortable all year.
2. Barns, Coops, and Shelters for Animals
If you have animals on your homestead, you have to have safe, ventilated shelters for them. Sturdy doors and raised floors will protect them from moisture and predators and, if you're planning a small barn or a shelter for several animals, bar joist trusses are your best bet for framing.
3. Storage Sheds and Workshops
There has to be a space to store tools, supplies, and seasonal gear. All you really need is a simple shed with plenty of vertical storage to save space. If you add a small workbench in it, you'll also have space for repairs and prep work like drying herbs and canning.
Just make sure you have good ventilation and lighting to make it usable in the long run.
4. Greenhouses and Covered Areas for Growing
If you have a greenhouse, you'll have a longer growing season and protect your crops from harsh weather. Polycarbonate walls are excellent for insulation and they're more durable than glass, although you'll find second-hand glass for a lower price.
Place your greenhouse in to catch full sun, ideally close to a source of water. You can also insulate the base for colder months with thermal mass like water barrels. You can even use dark stone flooring to hold extra warmth.
Conclusion
As you can see, not only is it possible to build a fully functional homestead on a small lot, it's also possible to live comfortably on it. It may not look like a sprawling farm you'd see in a Disney movie, but that's not the point anyway.
Will everything always be perfect? Nope. Will you mess up a few things along the way? Sure, you will.
But I think that's part of the fun.
Leave a Reply