How to Start a Homestead With Little or No Money

Homesteading is a lifestyle that involves self-sufficiency and sustainability. Starting a homestead with no money may seem daunting, but it's not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to begin your homesteading journey for little to no money...

Before starting a homestead, it's important to research and plan. I've done a lot of research!! You need to identify what type of homestead you want to establish, what resources you have, and what resources you need. Check out your local library for homesteading books, books on canning, or building a shed to learn some new skills.

One way to acquire resources when starting your small homestead is to barter and trade with others. You can exchange produce, eggs, or skills with your neighbors or local farmers/backyard farmers.

Starting to raise chickens for no money may be difficult, but there are some ways to reduce costs. One option is to search for free or low-cost chickens from local farms or online classifieds. You can also build a coop using recycled materials or repurpose an existing structure. Additionally, you can supplement their diet with kitchen scraps and forage for their food instead of relying 100% on commercial feed. It's important to do research and ensure the chickens are well-cared-for to maintain their health and productivity.


You may be interested in water catchment, especially if you're in a hot climate like us. Catching all the rainwater you can makes a difference. One way to build a water catchment system for free is to use natural materials like rocks to create a simple basin/pond that collects rainwater. You can also repurpose items like barrels or buckets to collect water from downspouts (if you have them...gutters seem to be something we lack in AZ). Just make sure to clean the barrels thoroughly before use and cover them to prevent debris from getting in (an old sheet works well for this). This would be great to use for watering plants/gardens or filling a duck pond.

Starting a garden with no money can be done by collecting seeds from fruits and vegetables you already have, using recycled containers as planters, and composting food scraps to enrich the soil. You can also trade plant cuttings with friends or neighbors. Check online exchange groups and forums, as well as social media, for people to swap seeds with, like SeedSavers. You can also check ChipDrop to see if they are in your area. They connect gardeners looking for mulch with arborists or tree companies looking to get rid of it. In addition, you can plant your kitchen scraps! I have had success with avocado pits, celery and lettuce so far.

To start canning food, you can begin by using the water bath canning method which only requires a large pot, jar lifter, and canning jars, just like my grandmother taught me to do. You can also look for free or low-cost canning equipment and supplies on websites like FB Marketplace, thrift store, garage sales or Craigslist. Some commercial sauces are packaged in jars that are compatible with mason rings and lids, so start collecting those! Additionally, consider joining a local community garden or food preservation group for tips and resources on canning for free. Preserving your own homegrown food is a crucial part of your self sufficient farm plan.

Start small and build over time. This is exactly what we are doing as we make progress with different projects and set goals for the future. Starting a homestead with little or no money requires patience and persistence. You can begin with a small garden, a few chickens, or a mini greenhouse, and then expand over time as you gain experience and resources. Happy homesteading!

Location: Arizona, USA

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