In today’s world, many people dream about being more self-reliant and sustainable. They may believe it can only be accomplished on country acreage, which is becoming harder to obtain. I’m here to tell you that isn’t true. While some things may only be possible on sprawling land (like livestock), you can still get a lot out of your city space. I’ll talk about some things you can do from your city apartment or home.
Please check with your city’s regulations before starting to ensure you can do these activities.
1. Start With Container Gardening
Even if you lack the acreage, container gardening allows you to grow in limited space. Using pots, containers, raised beds, or vertical planters, you can grow a wide variety of produce. You can still grow vegetables, flowers, herbs, small fruit bushes and trees. Here are a couple of the easy-to-grow plants in containers:
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Strawberries
- Any herbs like basil, oregano, sage and lavender
- Peppers
If you live in an apartment, you can utilize hanging and vertical planters. If you have no balcony space, you can opt for growing lights and a place in your apartment. You could also check to see if there’s a community garden in your area!
2. Composting in Small Spaces
Even in urban settings, you can transform kitchen scraps into nutrient-dense compost for your plants. Consider these options if you choose to compost:
- Vermicomposting: Using worms to break down food scraps in a small bin. Here’s my post on vermicomposting and how to get started even in small spaces.
- Bokashi Composting: A fermentation method that works indoors. Here’s a great post from another homesteader.
- Small Tumbler Bins: Compact bins for patios or balconies.
Composting can provide valuable soil for your garden, houseplants and microgreens.
3. Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation
Collecting and reusing rainwater can help offset water usage for your plants. Consider using a barrel to collect rain water off your roof if your area permits it. Additionally, you can use these strategies as well:
- Using drip irrigation for efficient watering
- Repurposing grey water from dishes to use for plants (if you use a non-toxic soap)
- Mulching around plants to retain moisture
4. Raising Small Livestock
While full-sized livestock isn’t an option, you can consider these city-friendly options:
- Backyard Chickens: If permitted by law in your city/town, they can be a great backyard addition. If you live close to others, it’s wise to consult with your neighbours first. Keeping the coop clean and passing on having a rooster are both good ideas for city living to keep neighbours happy. You could offer free eggs as well for putting up with the noise. Hens can be just as loud as roosters, especially when laying. Here’s my guide to backyard chickens.
- Quail: These little guys are quiet, and if you keep up with their enclosure, they don’t stink. Making them a great fit for a backyard or balcony. I’ve even seen someone on TikTok have them in their apartment with a great enclosure.
- Beekeeping: Again, check your local laws, but if you have a big enough backyard, beekeeping can be a great for honey and pollination support.
5. Sustainable Living Practices
Urban homesteading isn’t just about food, it can also be a lifestyle and mindset shift. Here are a few simple ways to increase self-sufficiency:
- Make homemade cleaning products with vinegar and baking soda
- Reduce waste by switching to more sustainable options like cloth napkins, glass jars, etc.
- Grow medicinal herbs like chamomile and lavender for home remedies and tea
- Learning sowing skills to repair clothing
- Reading books on these topics and attending classes
- Building community between your neighbours or finding people that want to trade goods
- Finding local farms and co-ops to volunteer and or purchase goods from
Urban homesteading proves you don’t need acreage to be more sustainable and reliant on your own resources. You can transform your city space into a sustainable oasis by doing even one of the things listed above. Start small, learn from others and enjoy what you’ve created!
Is there anything on this list that you’ve already started or want to start? Have any questions? Put them below!
