22 Ways to Save Money Through Homesteading

What way can you save money through homesteading? Well I’m so glad you asked! One thing I know about homesteaders is they are resourceful; and they aren’t afraid of hard work. But how do you turn that innovative spirit into a way that you can save money? I have a TON of ideas on that very topic.

And after this article be sure to see my post on How to Make an Income from Your Homestead – no matter the size!

Save Money Through Homesteading – Gardening 

1. Plant what you eat 
   You’ll save money at the grocery store if you are growing the produce you’d normally buy there.
2. Eat seasonally
   If you stick to eating the produce that grows in your garden, seasonally, you won’t be running to the grocery store for every recipe. If you can’t grow it, try to barter for it.
3. Less Gas
   If you’re shopping your backyard then you’ll be making less trips to the store…aka, using less gas.
4. Start from seeds
   Start your veggies from seed. Not only is this cheaper than growing with transplants, you’l have more control over what you’re growing (GMO free / Heirloom / Organic)
5. Compost
   Save your kitchen waste and you’ll literally make your own soil with composting. See How to Compost
6. Money MAKING Option!
   Do you have enough space to grow extra? Consider selling some produce locally or wholesale to a vendor (Farmer’s Market, CSA)

Save Money Through Homesteading – Livestock

1. Collect Eggs from Your Backyard 
   This can save you money, especially if you have been buying pastured eggs. Let your hens free range and that will cut your feed costs down too.
2. Raise Your Own Meat
   You don’t need a lot of space to grow a healthy meat source right in your backyard. If you don’t have the space for large livestock or even meat chickens you can easily raise quail and meat rabbits.
3. Milk Source (Drinking, Cheese, Ice Cream)
   If you have the space a dairy goat can be a wonderful way to save you money. No more buying milk, cream, cheese or ice cream. Raising a Dairy Goat for Beginners
4. BONUS – Compost Additives
   Your livestock will produce manure to compost for rich, healthy soil! Free soil amendments!

Save Money Through Homesteading – In the Kitchen

1. Cooking from scratch
   Using real food ingredients can save you money and your health (which also saves you money). Making your own bread, cheese and homemade meals takes a bit more time and effort but it will pay off in the long run. AND you’ll eat at home instead of going out…cha ching!
2. Canning 
   When you fill your pantry full of the abundance of your garden you won’t be shopping for it later. The initial investment of canners and jars will pay off quickly when you can go to your larder instead of the grocery store. Start Canning
3. Make Your Own Spices & Extracts
   You can make your own garlic powder, tomato powder, celery powder, vanilla, almond and lemon extracts – all for a lot less than you would buying them pre-made.
4. Keep a Stocked Pantry
   What you do grow, can and raise buy in bulk and keep your pantry well stocked. Keeping it organized will help too.

Save Money Through Homesteading – Home Remedies

1. Learn herbal medicine to treat minor aches, illness and injuries.
2. Use essential oils as part of your natural medicine cabinet (What I Use).

Save Money Through Homesteading – DIY

1. Sewing, Knitting, Crochet and Other Needle Crafts
   If you can mend clothes or make them yourself (and get a good deal on fabric) you can really save money. Other needle crafts can have you making socks, hats, wash clothes, bedding and more. Not to mention it is a great way to relax and could keep you off the computer or tv (energy and brain saver). I have recently taken up loom knitting and I can put out a hat a day!
2. Make Your Own Bath and Beauty Products
   It is amazing that you can buy a pack of lip balms or the the ingredients to make 4 or 5 times the amount if you do it yourself. Not mention you can make soap or sugar scrubs for a fraction of the price.
   See Coffee Soap, Melt and Pour Shampoo Bars, Coffe Sugar Scrub, Oatmeal Soap
3. DIY Gifts
   Most homesteaders I know, including me, love to make things…including gifts. Not only will this most often save you money, it is personal and thoughtful. DIY Gifts Anyone Can Make

Save Money Through Homesteading – Miscellaneous

1. Save Energy Costs
   By hanging out your laundry, doing laundry by hand and using hand-powered tools. Not to mention all that extra manual labor will burn calories and get you into shape (you can cancel that gym membership).
2. Sharing Costs
   Start a lending library or tool share program with other local homesteaders.
3. Bartering
   Each homesteader has their own special and unique talents. Learn to barter with others so you can get things you need without spending extra cash.

Well there you have it 22 ways to save money through homesteading. How are you saving money?

Note: One thing I assumed in this article is that you are already trying to buy organic, non-gmo, grass-fed, pastured raised food from the grocery store or farmer’s market. If you’re buying fully processed  foods, this may not be a way to save (at least not as much) money.