Urban Homesteading: Yes, You Can Do It in the City!

lindsay Metternich
Jul 15
3 min read

By Lindsay Metternich | Harmony Helpers

When most people hear “homesteading,” they picture acres of land, roaming chickens, and a barn full of canning jars and root vegetables.

But guess what?

You don’t need a tractor, a farmhouse, or even a big backyard to live a more self-sufficient, grounded life.You can homestead right where you are—even in the city.(Yes, even in an apartment.)

Urban homesteading is more than a trend. It’s a mindset shift.It’s about doing what you can with what you have—and watching your everyday life become a little more intentional, a little more handmade, and a lot more peaceful.

So, What Is Urban Homesteading?

Urban homesteading is the art of living more sustainably and self-sufficiently—within the limits of a city or suburban environment.

That might look like:

Growing herbs on a windowsill
Baking your own bread
Collecting rainwater in a barrel
Raising backyard chickens (if city ordinances allow)
Making your own household cleaners
Canning tomatoes from your container garden

It’s a blend of old-school skills and modern creativity.And no, you don’t have to do it all at once. (Please don’t.)

Why It’s Worth Trying—Even If You’re Busy

Urban homesteading isn’t about adding more pressure to your already full plate. It’s about swapping out chaos for calm in the corners of your life.

When I started, I just wanted to stop wasting food and save a little money.But over time, it became a rhythm I craved:

The peace of kneading bread
The satisfaction of using what I grew
The joy of teaching my kids where things actually come from

It reminded me that slow living is possible—even if the world outside is loud.

10 Urban Homesteading Ideas You Can Start Today

Whether you have a balcony, a tiny yard, or just a sunny kitchen window, here’s how to begin:

1. Grow Something (Anything!)

Start with basil or mint in a windowsill. If you’ve got space, try tomatoes, peppers, or a small raised bed.

2. Learn to Bake Bread

Sourdough, no-knead, or just a simple sandwich loaf. Your house will smell amazing, and it’s way easier than you think.

3. Compost Your Scraps

Even in apartments! Try a worm bin, countertop Bokashi system, or a small backyard tumbler if you have space.

4. Make Your Own Cleaners

Mix vinegar, water, and essential oils for an all-purpose spray. Simple, safe, and saves money.

5. Preserve Something Seasonal

Try freezer jam, refrigerator pickles, or drying herbs from the store or farmer’s market.

6. Cook From Scratch Once a Week

Pick one night to cook a full meal—no packages, no shortcuts. Just real food and your hands.

7. Ditch One Disposable

Start using cloth napkins or reusable snack bags. Small swaps = big impact.

8. Collect Rainwater

If legal in your area, use a small barrel or bucket to water plants.

9. Learn a New Skill

Crochet. Canning. Dehydrating. Fermenting. There’s a rabbit hole of homesteading fun waiting.

10. Teach Your Kids a Simple Task

Let them stir the bread dough. Water the plants. Snip herbs. Homesteading is a gift you can pass down.

What If I’m Not “Good” At It?

Good news: Urban homesteading isn’t about perfection. It’s about trying, failing, and trying again.

Your tomatoes might flop this year. Your sourdough might turn into a science experiment. It’s okay.

The point isn’t to master it all—it’s to reconnect. To notice your food. To trust your hands. To feel more like a participant in your life instead of a consumer.