When Noah and I first dreamed of homesteading, we pictured acres of green pasture, fruit trees heavy with harvest, and a pantry full of jars we’d canned ourselves. Reality looked a little different: two babies under two, a small backyard, and barely enough sleep to keep a houseplant alive, let alone a sourdough starter.

But we learned something beautiful — you don’t need acres or endless time to start building a homesteading life. You can begin right where you are, with what you have. Every small step matters. Every seed planted, every loaf of bread kneaded, every moment teaching our little ones to steward God’s creation is worth it. Even in an HOA!

If you’ve been dreaming of a homesteading lifestyle but wondering how to start with little ones in tow, here are a few simple, life-giving projects you can begin today.

1. Grow Something Small 🌱

You don’t need a giant garden to begin growing your own food. A few pots on a sunny windowsill are enough!

Kitchen herbs like basil, cilantro, chives, and mint are perfect starter plants. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try microgreens — tiny, nutrient-packed greens that grow in just a week or two.

Let your kids be part of the process! Give them a small watering can, show them how to check the soil, and celebrate every tiny sprout. It’s a wonderful way to teach them about God’s creation and the miracle of growth.

“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” — 1 Corinthians 3:7

2. Composting 101 🍂

Composting might sound intimidating, but it’s actually so simple — and you can start small! All you need is a bin, a bucket, or even a pile tucked in the corner of your yard. If you want to spend the extra money, check out the Lomi!

Toss in fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste. Over time, it transforms into rich, beautiful soil you can use in your garden.

Composting is a powerful hands-on lesson for little ones. They see that nothing God made goes to waste — everything can be redeemed and used for good. Throw this into your garden and it works as a natural soil!

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — Psalm 24:1

3. Backyard Chickens or Small Animal Care 🐓

If you have a bit of outdoor space (and it’s allowed in your area), backyard chickens can be a wonderful next step. They provide fresh eggs, meat, natural fertilizer, and a lot of laughs!

Pros:

• Fresh eggs almost daily
• Natural pest control and soil fertilization
• A great responsibility-teaching tool for kids

Cons:

• They need daily care (feeding, watering, cleaning)
• They can be noisy (especially if you have a rooster)

Toddlers and preschoolers can easily help collect eggs, scatter feed, and fill water dishes — small tasks that build confidence and connection with creation.

4. Homemade Bread or Basic Preserving 🍞

You don’t have to grind your own flour and bake everything from scratch to embrace homestead cooking. Start simple!

No-knead bread is an easy, almost foolproof way to make your own delicious loaves. Or dip your toes into preservingwith freezer jam — no canning experience required! Check out my post HERE to see my favorite sandwich bread recipe.

There’s something deeply biblical and beautiful about providing for your family with the work of your hands. It’s a reminder that the simple, daily acts of motherhood and homemaking are sacred work.

“She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands… She provides food for her family.” — Proverbs 31:13,15

🌟 Start Small, Dream Big, Trust God with the Growth

Homesteading isn’t about how much land you own or how perfect your setup is. It’s about creating a home that reflects God’s provision, stewardship, and abundance — one tiny project, one messy day, one lesson at a time.

Start small.
Dream big.
And trust God with the growth. 🌱

The Macrane