How To Start A Homestead On 1 Acre or Less
Many people dream of having a big farm, I grew up on a big farm, but I am now 28 years old, on my own and I just don't have that. The truth is you don't need hundreds of acres to start a successful homestead on your own. With just one acre- or even less - you can grow food, raise animals, and start living more self-sufficiently. Here's how to make the most of the land you have.
- Start with a plan
Before you dig your first garden bed or buy your first chickens, take time to map out your space. Ask yourself:
- How much land do I really have available for growing animals?
- What are my top priorities (gardening, eggs, meat, dairy, herbs, etc)?
- How much time to I realistically have to dedicate each day?
Even on a small lot, smart planning keeps things manageable and productive.
2. Focus on the Garden
Your garden will be the heart of your homestead. Even a quarter-acre can produce a surprising amount of food.
- Start small - maybe a 10x10 foot plot.
- Choose high-yield crops like tomatoes, zucchini, beans, lettuce, and peppers.
- Add raised beds or vertical gardening to maximize space.
If you only have a backyard, container gardening on patios or decks works, too.
3. Add small livestock
Animals can thrive on less space than you might think. Great starter options include:
- Chickens - Easy to care for, fresh eggs daily.
- Ducks - Also easy to care for and fresh eggs.
- Rabbits - Don't need much space, quiet and they reproduce quickly. Can use them for meat or breeding purposes.
4. Learn food preservation
A big part of homesteading is making what you grow last all year. Try:
- Canning (tomatoes, jams, pickles)
- Freezing (veggies, herbs, fruits)
- Dehydrating (fruit snacks, herbs, jerky)
Even a small harvest goes further when preserved.
5. Use every bit of space
On a small homestead, every square foot counts.
- Plant fruit trees along fence lines.
- Grow herbs in pots near your kitchen.
- Compost kitchen scraps for fertilizer or I give a lot of my scraps to my chickens (they love it)
Think vertically and creatively.
6. Build skills, not just a farm
Homesteading isn't only about land - it's about learning. Use your first year to practice:
- Baking bread from scratch ( I have sourdough starters available in my store)
- Making natural cleaners.
- Learning skills such as sewing or crocheting
Final Thoughts
You don't need a huge farm to live the homesteading lifestyle. With just one acre - or even a backyard - you can grow food, raise small animals, and start your journey toward self-reliance. The key is to start small, learn as you go, and expand as you're ready.
Homesteading is about more than land size - it's about mindset.