Urban homesteading has become more popular as people seek to reconnect with their food sources, reduce their environmental footprint, and gain a sense of independence from industrialized food systems.
We sat down to interview Carol Skyring, Co-Founder of The Sydney Library of Things and long-time homesteading practitioner to deliver a three-part series on homesteading. Part 1 unpacked what homesteading is and how it can be applied to an urban setting; Part 2 spoke to some of the challenges and myths associated with urban homesteading and finally, Part 3 below looks at strategies and how beginners can get started.
Part 3 – Advice for Beginners
What are some key practices or techniques you employ?
I’m a ‘permie’ – an affectionate term for those who believe in, and practice, the principles of permaculture. Put simply, it involves caring for people, caring for land and taking your fair share. I think these principles are good to guide the decisions you make in life.
My key technique is home made. I look at items and then work out how I would be able to make them – minus the chemicals, the packaging and the transport miles. We often forget that once upon a time people made everything they consumed. We’ve lost many of those skills and with our busy lifestyles it’s easier to buy things pre made.
Are there practices that would be ideal for beginners or those in apartments to start with?
If you’re not a gardener, join your local community garden and learn from those with experience. Once you’re confident, you can start growing in containers at home. You can probably even get seeds or seedlings from your community garden.
If you like cooking, you’re most of the way there for preserving foods. Always be on the lookout for surplus fruit and veg in your local green grocer or online. Join a crop swap group and also keep your eye out for free or cheap produce on various web sites (see list below). The easiest of all is pickling – all you need is some vinegar and water. Search out some recipes and videos online and you’ll be pickling in no time.
Other techniques that you’ll find easy are jam making, freezing – most vegetables can be successfully frozen after a quick blanch. Or try borrowng a bread maker or dehydrator from The Sydney Library of Things and dabble with making your own delicious food for a start!
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting their own urban homestead?
Do some research. There are many good books, podcasts, videos and websites that can get you started. Look for like minded people – especially people who are already homesteading, and ask them for advice. Join some groups like crop swap and your local permaculture group – there’s a surprising number of these groups in urban areas.
Are there resources that would be helpful for beginners?
A book that many find useful is The Urban Homestead: Self-Sufficient Living in the City by Kelly Coyne, Erik Knutzen. There are also sites such as https://growinghome.com.au/.
There is also some great local hands-on experts, events and information at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability (https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/coalloader) coordinated by the North Sydney Council.
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