The Difference Between Homesteading and Hobby Farming

By Lindsay Metternich | Harmony Helpers

If you’ve ever found yourself elbow-deep in sourdough starter, googling “how many chickens can fit in a backyard,” and dreaming about rows of mason jars on a shelf... you’ve probably wondered:

Am I a homesteader… or just a hobby farmer? Is there even a difference?

Spoiler: there is, but both paths are beautiful, and often, they overlap. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

First: What Is Homesteading?

Homesteading is all about self-sufficiency.

It’s a lifestyle centered on doing more with what you have—often by growing your own food, preserving harvests, raising animals, making homemade goods, and cutting ties with commercial systems (as much as possible).

But here’s the key: Homesteading is a mindset more than a size or location.

You can homestead on:

• 100 acres in the woods

• A tiny urban backyard

• A balcony in an apartment

What matters is the intention behind what you're doing: living simply, sustainably, and as self-reliantly as possible.

Now: What Is Hobby Farming?

Hobby farming is about joyfully working the land, but not necessarily for full self-reliance or profit.

It’s gardening, raising chickens, or keeping goats because it’s rewarding and fun, not because you're trying to replace the grocery store.

Hobby farmers may sell eggs or veggies at a market, but often, it’s more about the experience than the income.

They may not make their own soap, grind wheat berries, or pressure-can vegetables for winter, but they love digging in the dirt, learning skills, and connecting with nature.

The Main Differences at a Glance:

Homesteading	Hobby Farming
Focus on self-reliance	Focus on enjoyment and lifestyle
Often includes preserving, soapmaking, sewing, and foraging	May include livestock, but usually limited
Frugal, resourceful, seasonal living	Often more flexible and modern
Might aim to produce 50–100% of family’s food	Often supplements store-bought food
Emphasis on skills, sustainability, and off-grid prep	Emphasis on fun, therapy, or interest in agriculture
Can be part-time or full-time	Usually part-time or weekend-centered

So Which One Am I?

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to grow and store enough food to rely less on grocery stores?→ Homesteading

• Do I want a few animals, a garden, and a peaceful retreat from work life?→ Hobby Farming

• Do I want to make bread, sew my clothes, and learn herbal remedies?→ Homesteading

• Do I just really love chickens and fresh tomatoes in summer?→ Hobby Farming

And if you’re saying, “Well… a little of both?”Then welcome to the middle, where many of us live!

Why the Distinction Matters (and Why It Doesn’t)

It’s helpful to know what you want from your land, time, and energy.

• If your goal is sustainability, you’ll plan differently than someone who wants chickens just for eggs and laughs.

• If you're overwhelmed trying to “do it all,” remembering that hobby farming is allowed to be just for fun can bring relief.

But no matter what you call it, you’re creating something beautiful.

Whether you're harvesting rainwater, planting carrots with your kids, or watching your goats sunbathe, you’re building a rhythm of life that’s closer to the earth.

That matters.

Final Thoughts: Labels Don’t Grow Tomatoes

You don’t need to choose one label forever. You can evolve, shift, scale up, or down.

You can homestead for a season, then just keep a few raised beds. You can start with a few chickens and realize, “Hey… maybe I do want to try pressure canning green beans.”

Whether you’re a full-blown prepper, a weekend gardener, or somewhere in between, you belong here.

Grow what you can. Learn as you go. And don’t forget to enjoy the life you’re building, not just the lifestyle.

— Lindsay