Homesteading Skills List: 25+ Practical Skills for Simple, Self-Sufficient Living
There’s something deeply satisfying about learning to do things for yourself—growing your own food, fixing what’s broken, and living a bit more in rhythm with the seasons. Whether you live on acreage, a suburban lot, or in an apartment dreaming of land, building homesteading skills is less about where you live and more about how you live.
Homesteading isn’t just for people with goats and greenhouses (though that’s awesome too). It’s about reclaiming a bit of old-fashioned know-how, connecting to your environment, and living a life that’s a little slower, more intentional, and a lot more rewarding.
Here’s a list of timeless homesteading skills to inspire you—pick a few that speak to you and start learning one step at a time.
Gardening & Food Growing
Seed Starting – Learn to grow your garden from seed—cheaper and more rewarding than buying starts.
Composting – Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil.
Organic Pest Control – Keep your garden thriving without harsh chemicals.
Companion Planting – Naturally boost yields and reduce pests by pairing plants wisely.
Season Extension – Use cold frames or row covers to grow more, longer.
Kitchen & Food Preservation
Scratch Cooking – Cook simple, nourishing meals from whole ingredients.
Bread Baking – There’s nothing like the smell (and taste!) of homemade bread.
Canning – Preserve your harvest with water bath or pressure canning.
Fermenting – Make your own sauerkraut, pickles, kefir, or yogurt.
Dehydrating – Preserve fruits, veggies, and herbs for year-round use.
Freezing & Meal Prep – Store your garden bounty and save time during the week.
Animal Husbandry (For Those with Land)
Backyard Chickens – Fresh eggs and natural pest control.
Dairy Goats or Cows – Milk, cheese, yogurt—oh my!
Raising Rabbits or Quail – Small livestock with big yield.
Bee Keeping – Support pollination and enjoy your own honey.
Livestock Fencing & Shelter Building – Keep your animals safe and happy.
DIY & Handyman Skills
Basic Carpentry – Build raised beds, chicken coops, or repair fences.
Tool Sharpening – A sharp tool is safer and easier to use.
Basic Plumbing & Electrical Fixes – Save money and time on simple repairs.
Firewood Splitting & Stacking – If you heat with wood, this is essential.
Home & Handmade
Sewing & Mending – Patch clothes, sew curtains, or repurpose fabric.
Knitting or Crocheting – Make your own scarves, hats, or even dishcloths.
Natural Cleaning Products – Make effective cleaners with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Herbal Remedies – Grow and use herbs to support wellness naturally.
Soft Skills (That Make a Big Difference)
Time Management – Homesteading is rewarding—but it takes time. Planning helps it all work together.
Bartering & Community Building – Trade your extra eggs for a neighbor’s honey or your herbs for their sourdough.
Problem Solving – Every day brings new challenges—embrace the learning.
Resilience & Adaptability – Weather, animals, and gardens don’t always follow the plan.
Start Where You Are
You don’t need 40 acres to start homesteading. You can start by baking bread, planting a windowsill herb garden, or learning to can jam. Choose what fits your life and brings you joy. Then build from there. For example, I started cooking from scratch with just a few recipes that we ate frequently such as sandwich bread and pasta sauce.
Homesteading is a journey, not a destination—and every new skill adds freedom, confidence, and connection to your days. I write more about this here.
What homesteading skills are you working on right now? Drop a comment below—I’d love to cheer you on!
