Lifestyle

Tips for Urban Homesteading That You Can Start Using Now

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Urban homesteading has long been a trend on which Texas residents have jumped onboard. In the present state of global health concerns, in addition to local orders to stay at home and try to enforce social distancing, urban homestead is looking even more crucial. If you long for a little more self-sufficiency and security in your life, then perhaps urban homesteading is something you’ll want to investigate further. Some Texas cities have rules and regulations with respect to these activities, depending on the extent which you anticipate taking this hobby. As such, from beekeeping to community gardens, we’ve compiled some tips for urban homesteading which you can start now, to get you off on the right foot.

1. Learn Your Local Regulations and HOA Rules

Tips for Urban Homesteading That You Can Start Using Now

Photo: envato elements

No matter how strong your desire is to commence with urban homesteading, one thing you need to do first and foremost is learn your local regulations and Homeowners Association (HOA) rules. If your city or HOA doesn’t allow for the keeping of animals on your property, you’ll have to research other methods of following this hobby without caring for critters. There’s no sense in wasting your time and money at a time when it’s necessary to save. Simply going ahead and purchasing the animals without first determining if it’s permissible to do so may result in more harm than good.

2. Consider a Garden – Of Any Size or Sort

Tips for Urban Homesteading That You Can Start Using Now

Photo: envato elements

Urban homesteading can be as easy as starting a garden, of any size and nature. This can even be as simple as an herb garden in your windowsill, or as complex as growing your vegetable hydroponically. Many urban homesteaders look toward small raised-bed or container gardens as well as patio gardens. For those of you who don’t have either land or space enough for either, consider the value of joining a community garden initiative. If one is offered, fantastic. And, if one isn’t, maybe this is a project you’ll want to investigate taking the lead on.

3. What About Chickens, Goats, and Even Bees?

Tips for Urban Homesteading That You Can Start Using Now

Photo: envato elements

Chickens equal eggs, at the very least. Goats can produce milk, which can also yield cheese. Even bees can make honey, which is a sweet reward for some urban homesteading efforts. Animals and creatures which are easy to raise, provide some purpose and amusement in life, and yield something toward your homesteading efforts are a great way to pursue this type of lifestyle and hobby. Again, check with your city and HOA on coops and pens for birds and animals and hives for bees. Feed and hay for chickens and goats will also need to be considered and accounted for in your project. With bees, three pounds of bees as well as a queen will be required to get you started. Remember that bees swarm. They’ve been known to sting, but beekeeping has become a very rewarding urban homesteading project for many.