It is time the truth about backyard homesteaders is out…and I’m going to come clean! Some of you think you know, but only the backyard homesteaders really know! There are too many untruths and straight-up bologna going around the net and blogs. Buckle up ya’ll, I have 12 truths about backyard farmers for you!

The Truth About Backyard Homesteaders

Truth #1 – Backyard homesteaders know how to use the space we are given. Sure we might not have acres…we might not even have a 1/4 acre. But we have learned to make the most of what we have; and every space is utilized.

Truth #2 – We love a good DIY. From making soap to building chicken coops from pallets. We love a do-it-yourself project.

Truth #3 – Many backyard homesteaders are trying to keep their homestead on the DL (down low folks). Some are in HOAs that don’t allow vegetable gardens, much less chickens and others have city ordinances working against them.

Truth #4 – Not all of us want to live in the country some day. Some like the city or suburb life and just want to be as sustainable and self-reliant as they can, right where they are.

Truth #5 – Backyard homesteaders KNOW that your yappy dog is a 1000x louder than the chickens they have in the backyard. But we will suck it up because we won’t complain, if you don’t.

Truth #6 – Backyard homesteaders have a lot harder time going away on a vacation. We have gardens, livestock and projects that need tending so we can’t just go away on a whim. There aren’t a lot of homestead sitting services out there!

Truth #7 – Backyard homesteaders don’t mind dirt under their nails, poop on their shoes and brooders in the family room (ok that last one might just be me). But we do like a good pair of gardening shoes. 😉

Truth #8 – We are constantly educating ourselves. We read books and blog. We get out in the community and learn from mentors. We’re never done learning or sharing in homesteading.

Truth #9 – No one can appreciate a hens first egg like a backyard homesteader. We usually know our girls by name and celebrate their first egg with pictures on Instagram and Facebook.

Truth #10 – We take our seeds seriously. Some of us even take our seed catalogs to bed for nighttime reading.

Truth #11 – Backyard homesteaders love their kitchen gadgets! Canners, dehydrators, mixers, fermentation helpers…yeah we have pantries full of them.

Truth #12 – WE ARE REAL HOMESTEADERS!

So there you have it, 12 truths about backyard homesteaders. Have one you’d like to add? Tell me in the comments.

More about Backyard Homesteaders & Farmers

5 Easy Steps Into Backyard Homesteading

How to Keep Secret Backyard Chickens

Backyard Farm Livestock