25 Tips for Homesteading on a Budget
Start homesteading on a budget with these 25 tips! Discover cost-saving strategies and budget-friendly ideas for your dream homestead.
Think homesteading is only for those with vast acres of land and tons of extra cash in their bank accounts? Think again! With creativity and smart planning, you can start your homesteading journey on a tight budget.
These 25 low-budget homesteading solutions will help you build your dream homestead without spending a lot of money. Let’s dive in and turn your homesteading dreams into reality, one budget-friendly step at a time.
25 Tips for Homesteading on a Budget
1. Set Clear Goals and Make a Plan
The first thing to do is decide what you want to achieve with your homestead. Break your goals into short-term and long-term plans and create monthly and yearly timelines.
My husband and I write down our homesteading goals for the year and then decide what to tackle first based on cash flow and priorities.
Use my free homestead planner to track your progress and adjust as needed.
2. Evaluate Your Budget
Look at how much money you spend each month and look for areas to cut back. Redirect those savings into your homesteading projects.
By trimming unnecessary expenses, like dining out or unused subscriptions, you’ll free up funds for essential tools and building materials.
3. Avoid Debt
Stick to a budget and don’t use credit. Only buy what you can actually afford with cash to keep your finances in check and prevent debt. This will help you stay within your means and support your path to financial freedom.
4. Start Saving Money
Set aside some money each month for your homesteading needs. Create a savings account and automate your contributions.
This way, you’ll have the cash for livestock, gardening supplies, preservation tools, or a down payment for a larger purchase.
5. Start Small
Start with smaller projects like a small garden or a cheap chicken coop. As you get more experience and save up a bit, you can tackle bigger projects. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed, and you’ll learn as you go.
For me, it started with a few raised beds and a compost pile. After that, we moved on to building a chicken tractor.
6. Learn New Skills
Focus on picking up new skills—you’d be surprised at how many things you can learn within your own home without spending a dime!
My homesteading journey started in the kitchen, learning to cook from scratch, bake, and basic food preservation. Start with what interests you and use free resources like YouTube or library books to guide you.
Check out this HUGE LIST of 215 homesteading skills to get some ideas!
7. Build Up Your Pantry
Stock up your pantry with essentials like grains, beans, rice, and canned goods. It’ll cut down on trips to the grocery store, save you money, and give you a safety net for emergencies.
And if you have a root cellar, that’s even better for storing some of these staples. A well-stocked pantry really helps you rely less on store-bought items.
8. Buy in Bulk
Buy staples in bulk from a co-op like Azure Standard, or check out an Amish bulk food store to save money on the essentials you use every day. I shop at both places for my bulk foods.
9. Eat Seasonally
Eat fresh fruits and veggies when in season—they’re fresher and cheaper. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet and a great way to support local farmers.
10. Start Plants from Seed
Start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse, then move them to your garden when ready. It’s a lot cheaper and lets you grow more for less. Choose open-pollinated or heirloom seeds to save them for next season, too! If you’re new to gardening, stick with easy-to-grow plants like green beans or peas.
11. Plant Fruit Trees
Fruit trees are one of the best long-term investments you can make for your homestead. Sure, they need some work and patience up front, but once they start producing, you’ll have fresh fruit for years and save a lot of money. Fruit can be the most expensive thing to buy!
Last year, one of our major projects was to plant a permaculture fruit orchard. We budgeted for it earlier that year. We planted 26 fruit trees, 34 fruiting shrubs, and various perennial herbs. It was a lot of work, but we’re already getting fruit from it!
12. Grow Perennials
Perennials are like a gift that keeps on giving! Plant them around your homestead—think asparagus, rhubarb, berry bushes, herbs, and grapevines—and enjoy fresh produce year after year without replanting each season.
This means less work for you and a steady supply of goodies while saving you time and money in the long run.
13. Compost
Want free nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden? Start a compost pile! Turn kitchen scraps, lawn clippings, animal manure, and other organic materials into rich, dark compost that will boost your soil’s fertility and help your plants thrive.
If you’re new to composting, check out my Beginners Guide to Composting and download my free printable What to Compost list, with over 130 items, to get started
14. Forage Wild Edibles
Foraging is another completely free resource. Search your property and local areas for wild edible plants like berries, herbs, or mushrooms. You’d be surprised at how much you might actually find.
On my 5-acre homestead, I forage wild raspberries, blackberries, ramps (wild onions), and mullein other herbs to last me a whole year.
15. Start with Chickens
Raising chickens is one of the most cost-effective ways to start with livestock. They’re great for beginners, requiring a small initial investment. Not only do they provide fresh eggs or meat, but they also offer free fertilizer and help with pest control.
​Looking for the best chicken breeds? Check out my list of 10 best chicken breeds for any homestead! And if you’re in the city, here are some quiet chicken breeds perfect for urban living.
16. Cut Costs on Chicken Feed
Here are some ways you can save on chicken feed costs:
- Ferment it-—this can cut costs by 20-30% compared to feeding it dry.
- Feed your chickens kitchen scraps.
- Let them free range or give them weeds and grass clippings in their run.
- Grow your own feed crops.
- Mix your own feed blends.
- Buy from an Amish feed store if you have one in your area. Their prices are lower than those of large feed stores.
17. Harvest Rainwater
Set up rain barrels to catch water for your garden and livestock. It’s a smart way to reduce your water bill and ensure you have a reliable water source.
Position the barrels under your downspouts and use the collected rainwater to keep your plants hydrated or provide water for your animals.
18. DIY
DIY projects are truly at the heart of homesteading. Whether building, fixing, or crafting, doing it yourself is the essence of self-reliance. You’ll save money and gain valuable skills along the way.
19. Repurpose and Upcycle
Get creative with old items: wooden crates make great garden storage, pallets can become shelters or fences, cardboard boxes work well as weed barriers, old tires transform into garden planters, and egg cartons are perfect for seed-starting trays. The possibilities are endless!
20. Buy Second Hand
Shop for used tools, equipment, and supplies at garage sales, thrift stores, estate sales, or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Look for items that can be refurbished or repurposed for your homesteading needs.
21. Find Creative Ways to Earn Extra Income
Try making extra cash by selling surplus produce, homemade goodies or hosting workshops. Look into local farmer’s markets, online marketplaces, or apps like Farmish to find folks interested in what you have to offer.
22. Connect with Other Homesteaders
Joining local Facebook groups or getting to know others at your Farmer’s Market can open up a world of insights, support, collaboration, and even bartering opportunities.
It’s a great way to share tips, find new ideas, and build a supportive community around your homesteading journey.
23. Barter and Trade
Swap goods or services with others in your community to trade for what you need without spending cash. Use community boards or social media to connect with potential trading partners.
24. Explore Grants and Programs
Check out local, state, and federal grants or programs designed to help with sustainable living. Some organizations offer financial aid or resources to boost your path to self-sufficiency. Explore available programs and apply for those that match your goals.
25. Consider Moving or Downsizing
Relocating to a rural area with a lower cost of living or downsizing to a smaller house might seem like a daunting task, but it could be a great way to maximize your financial resources and set you up for long-term success.
Here are the 7 best states for homesteading to get some ideas on where you could find the best deals.
Mastering Homesteading on a Budget: Key Takeaways for Success
Homesteading on a budget is entirely possible with the right strategies and a bit of creativity. By following these 25 tips, you can start your homesteading journey without breaking the bank.
From growing your own food and learning new skills to exploring DIY projects and buying second-hand, each step you take can make a big difference. Remember, with the right planning and resourcefulness, you can turn your homesteading dreams into a fulfilling reality.
