Essential Homesteading Skills Survey

Since I came from the city to my microstead on the Sunshine Coast, I had to make some big changes. I’m a fairly practical person but I’ve been surprised by just how much work it takes to keep a garden and house running smoothly. If I want to reach my goal of sustainable growing, I need to know what I need to know!

Enter Google and a quick survey of the top six results from searching “essential homesteading skills.” You might be surprised at some of the results.

Top Seven Essential Homesteading Skills Every Homesteader Needs

1. Keeping and raising chickens
2. Growing vegetables
3. Growing medicinal herbs and teas
4. Composting
5. Canning
6. Making Bread
7. Making butter and cheese

All seven of these were listed as essential skills in either all six, or at least five of the six lists I surveyed.

In addition the following skills (which we sorted into five categories), appeared at lease more than twice and up to four times on the six lists.

Having felt slightly overwhelmed at times by the amount of work I have to do, and the projects on my list, the survey helped me to prioritize and focus. I will be producing content associated with each of the categories which you can find on my Instagram and YouTube in the coming weeks and months. I will also be sharing the recipes I make!

Are there things missing from my list? I’m going to add salt harvesting since I live near the ocean, and I welcome your comments and suggestions. Stay tuned, and thanks for journeying along! Remember: Grow – Eat – Repeat!