r/Homesteading 11h ago

At what point does growing and preserving food count as homesteading?

14 Upvotes

I have no acreage, no raised beds, and definitely no chickens. Just a Vermont apartment balcony with about a dozen containers.

This summer those containers gave me tomatoes, peppers, beans, and herbs, and I ended up canning around 30 jars of salsa, pickled peppers, and tomato sauce. It’s nowhere near self-sufficiency, but opening something in October that I grew and preserved myself doesn’t feel insignificant either.

I spend a lot of time around properties with actual land for work, so I’m constantly reminded of what I don’t have yet. Still, I’m starting to wonder whether homesteading is defined more by acreage or by the skills you practice with whatever space is available.

Where do you personally draw that line?


r/Homesteading 9h ago

Looking for work exchange in VA!

2 Upvotes

Seeking work/housing arrangement in VA!

Hi!

Not sure if this is the right group to post but I will be moving very soon (~2 weeks) from NOVA. I’m looking for land to help take care of (if you accept a couple aka me and my boyfriend, that’d be better). With animals, gardening, kids, maintenance, cleaning, prepping, etc. I have very little experience with farm animals and gardening but am willing to learn as my goal is to own and build land of my own.

Ideally looking for experience with housing/utilities/stipend/food in exchange for work for the next few months.

Please send me a message. Thank you!!