The $50 Starter Guide: How to Begin Your Homestead Journey on a Budget
So, you dream of homesteading—but you’re on a budget? The good news is that you don’t need acres of land or thousands of dollars to start. In fact, with just $50, you can take the first steps toward self-sufficiency, even in an apartment or small backyard.
At Magnolia Hill Homestead, I started my journey with small, intentional steps, and today, I want to show you how you can do the same—without breaking the bank.
Step 1: Define Your Homesteading Goals (Free!)
Before spending a dime, take some time to define what homesteading means to you. Do you want to:
• Grow your own food?
• Make herbal remedies?
• Learn skills of sustainability?
For me, it was all the above. I craved that deep connection to the roots of humanity - the very act of holding a tiny seed, placing it in earth and nurturing it into something that would nourish my family. I wanted to learn real skills - everything that our Grandparents knew, but didn’t pass on to us. I craved a true community, where we borrowed sugar from our neighbors again and traded plant starts. I had this desire back in 2017 and it all started with pen to paper. You can start this way too. Begin this journey with a clear focus so that every moment and dollar you spend toward this dream is intentional.
Step 2: Start a Small Container Garden ($10–$20)
Even if you don’t have land, you can grow herbs, vegetables, or microgreens in containers on a patio, balcony, or windowsill. Here’s how:
• Buy or repurpose containers (old buckets, mason jars, or thrifted pots).
• Start with easy-to-grow plants like basil, lettuce, or green onions.
• Use free compost from food scraps or find budget-friendly soil at local garden centers.
💡 Tip: Many towns offer free compost or mulch programs—check your local resources!
Step 3: Learn the Art of Homemade Herbalism ($15–$20)
Herbal medicine is a key part of homesteading, and you can start making your own herbal remedies for just a few dollars.
• Buy dried herbs in bulk (or forage for free!).
• Start with simple remedies like herbal teas, tinctures, and infused oils.
• Reuse glass jars from store-bought products for storage.
Some beginner-friendly herbs to start with:
✔ Chamomile (for relaxation and digestion)
✔ Peppermint (for headaches and digestion)
✔ Calendula (for skin healing)
💡 Tip: Check out local herb shops or online suppliers for affordable bulk herbs! And check out affordable courses on Herbalism in the Udemy app.
Step 4: Learn Basic Food Preservation (Under $10)
One of the easiest ways to embrace homesteading is by learning to preserve food. Start small:
• Make refrigerator pickles with vinegar, salt, and leftover veggie scraps.
• Try dehydrating herbs by air-drying them in a sunny window.
• Experiment with fermenting—you only need salt and cabbage to make homemade sauerkraut!
No fancy equipment required! Just use what you have in your kitchen. Reuse any jars you already have in your pantry!
Step 5: Reduce Waste & Repurpose What You Have (Free!)
Homesteading is about using resources wisely. Here’s how to start a zero-waste mindset for free:
✔ Save kitchen scraps for homemade compost.
✔ Use old T-shirts as cleaning rags instead of paper towels.
✔ Reuse glass jars for food storage and fermenting.
✔ Learn to make natural cleaners using vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
💡 Tip: Thrift stores are goldmines for affordable homestead essentials like mason jars, cast iron pans, and wool blankets.
Homesteading on a Budget is Possible
You don’t need a farm or a big budget to start homesteading—you just need a willingness to learn and start small.
For less than $50, you can:
✅ Grow your own food
✅ Make simple herbal remedies
✅ Learn basic food preservation
✅ Reduce waste and start sustainable habits
Each of these steps brings you closer to self-sufficiency—whether you’re in an apartment using a container garden, a suburb using your backyard flower beds, or rural property with unlimited property.
If you are thinking about jumping in with both feet, please tell me below… What is ONE question you have that if answered, you would feel more comfortable moving forward with this dream?
Want more beginner homesteading tips?
🌱 I’m beginning a new series! Sign up for my newsletter and we’ll let you know as soon as our free “Urban Homesteading Starter Guide” drops! Subscribe Below ⬇️ And as always, follow us on Instagram (MagnoliaHill_Farm) where we share our Homesteading adventures in our stories every day.