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by Samantha at Chickens, Cookies & Closings
When people hear the word homestead, they often picture wide-open fields, a tractor or two, a cow named Bessie, and enough land to get lost on. And while that sounds dreamy (and hey, maybe we will get Bessie one day), the truth is: you don’t need 50 acres, or even 5, to start living that homestead life.
You can start right where you are. Even if that’s 1 acre, a half-acre, or a suburban backyard where your neighbors can see your laundry line and your chicken coop in the same glance. (Hi, Vicky from next door. Yes, Betty the Ameraucana is wearing a diaper today. Long story.)
Let’s take a realistic and hopeful look at how you can homestead on less than 5 acres — and why small doesn’t mean limited.
🍳 First: What Is Homesteading, Really?
Homesteading isn’t about how many acres you have. It’s a mindset. It’s about self-sufficiency, stewardship, simplicity, and a deep connection to your land, your family, and your food. It’s canning tomato sauce in September, raising a few hens for fresh eggs, growing your own basil because the store version tastes like cardboard, and teaching your kids (and yourself) where food really comes from.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about purpose.
🐔 What Can You Do on Less Than 5 Acres?
More than you might think! Here’s a little peek into what we’ve done on just a few acres — and some ideas to spark your journey.
1. Chickens – The Gate(way) Animal
Start with a small backyard flock. Just 3–6 hens (but be careful of chicken math, its real!) can supply your family with eggs, compost materials, pest control, and endless entertainment. (Trust me, watching Silkies chase a grasshopper is better than Netflix.)
2. Gardening – Grow What You’ll Eat
Whether it’s a raised bed or a small greenhouse, you can grow a surprising amount of food in a small space. Herbs, lettuces, tomatoes, green beans — they all thrive in compact gardens. Add vertical gardening and boom, you’ve got a salad bar in your backyard.
3. Composting – Black Gold, Baby
Food scraps, chicken poop, leaves — it all turns into nutrient-rich compost that your garden will LOVE. It’s the circle of life, and yes, it involves banana peels.
4. Preserving Food – Your Pantry, Your Rules
You don’t need a cellar to store up food for winter. Canning, dehydrating, fermenting, and freezing are all doable in a standard kitchen. Nothing says “prepared and proud” like a shelf lined with jars of homemade pickles and jams.
5. Teach Your Kids – Homesteading is Learning
Whether you’re homeschooling (like we do!) or just want to sneak a little nature study into snack time, homesteading offers constant lessons in patience, science, hard work, and awe. My son can tell you exactly how long it takes an egg to hatch. (Ask him. He’s very proud.)
🌻 The Hidden Benefits of a Smaller Homestead
Small homesteads are actually a blessing in disguise. Here’s why:
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Less Overwhelm – You can manage your land without needing a full-time farmhand or selling your soul to the feed store.
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More Intention – Every square foot counts, so you get smart, creative, and connected with your land.
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Easier to Maintain – Let’s be real: you still have a life. Dance recitals, real estate closings, and sourdough starter don’t wait for no farm chores.
And here’s the kicker: the peace, purpose, and joy of homesteading don’t come from acreage. They come from action. From stepping outside each morning, coffee in hand, watching your chickens scratch, your tomatoes ripen, and your child learn something beautiful.
🏡 From Homestead to Home Sweet Sold
As a real estate agent and a homesteader, I’ve seen it all. I’ve helped families find their “just right” homesteads — from cozy suburban backyards to wide-open pastures. And I’ll tell you what I always tell my clients:
You don’t need a farm to live farm-fresh.
Whether you’re on 5 acres, half an acre, or dreaming of someday, you can start right now. With what you have. Where you are.
💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Growing
Want to chat chickens? Swapping jam recipes? Looking for land where your homesteading dreams can grow? You’re in the right place. Chickens, Cookies & Closings is more than a brand — it’s a lifestyle. One filled with good food, happy homes, and lots of love.
Let’s build your homestead dream — one step, one cookie, one egg at a time.
Thanks for reading, friend. Now go give your basil plant a pep talk and tell your chickens they’re beautiful. They like that. 🐓💕
– Samantha | Chickens, Cookies & Closings
Helping families find home, from the garden gate to the closing table.
