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When you think of the Amish, you might picture traditional horse-drawn buggies, neatly stitched quilts, and golden fields of corn waving in the breeze. However, behind these charming scenes lies wisdom that we could all benefit from learning from.
The Amish have been quietly perfecting the art of self-sufficiency and homesteading for generations, embracing sustainability in ways that might make us all rethink our fast-paced, convenience-driven lives. From baking bread from scratch to raising happy chickens, the Amish way of life offers countless nuggets of old-fashioned brilliance that can inspire your homestead, no matter how big or small.
1. Embrace simplicity
Amish culture is rooted in simplicity, focusing on what truly matters: family, work, and nature. You’ll notice that this theme pops up again and again throughout our list, as it underlines the fundamentals of the Amish way of life.
By reducing unnecessary distractions and possessions, homesteaders can focus on living more intentionally, leading to less clutter, more time spent on meaningful activities, and a greater appreciation for the little things in life.
2. Grow your own food
The Amish place great emphasis on a steady, sustainable food supply, helping to reduce grocery bills and foster a deeper connection to the land. As a homesteader, you’re most likely already growing much of your food, but are there any areas for improvement?
For example, this winter we’ve planted a few different nut tree saplings in our fruit orchard, to provide a sustainable source of nuts for snacks and baking in the future
3. Raise animals sustainably
Whether it’s chickens, goats, or cows, the Amish raise animals in a way that prioritizes their well-being and sustainability. Their animals have access to natural food sources, are treated humanely, and are part of a balanced ecosystem.
Homesteaders can follow this example by growing organic animal fodder and allowing poultry to free-range when safe to do so.
4. Cook from scratch
Forget the grocery store shelves crammed with highly processed convenience foods – the Amish cook most of their meals from scratch, using ingredients they grow or raise themselves whenever possible.
This provides healthier, more flavorful meals and gives greater control over what goes into your food, whilst also reducing waste and saving money.
5. Food Preservation
Do you tend to shove any surplus or leftover food in the freezer? Homesteaders can improve self-sufficiency and reduce food costs by embracing Amish food preservation methods such as canning, pickling, fermenting, and drying.
6. Handmade craftsmanship
The Amish are skilled at crafts and often make their own tools, furniture, and household items. Try incorporating more handcrafts into your homesteading life by learning new skills like woodworking, knitting, or pottery.
7. Embrace off-grid living
While going totally off-grid might be a stretch for many homesteaders, simple solar or wind-powered systems can be incorporated into your setup to lower energy bills and reduce dependence on the grid.
8. Work with the seasons
The Amish are highly attuned to the natural rhythms of the seasons, planting, harvesting, and preserving at the appropriate times. We’ve really embraced this feeling on our homesteading journey, and now appreciate the joy of eating seasonal foods and feeling more in tune with nature.
9. Create a community
Homesteading and self-sufficiency are incredibly tough if you attempt to go it alone, so copy the Amish and create a local community network for mutual support and help during difficult times.
10. Practice humble living
The Amish live modestly, rejecting excess and materialism and living within their financial means. Adopting this mindset can help homesteaders prioritize what truly matters while reducing the pressure to accumulate unnecessary goods and take on unnecessary debt.
11. Use natural remedies
Follow the Amish path by learning about herbal medicine, essential oils, and homemade salves to address common ailments.
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12. Make your own clothing
By learning to sew or knit their own clothes, homesteaders can reduce their reliance on mass-produced clothing, save money, and create long-lasting, personalized garments. My favorite hack is to repurpose clothing from the thrift store to give it a new lease of life!
13. Focus on quality over quantity
Instead of chasing after the latest trends or accumulating possessions, homesteaders can embrace the Amish way of life by cultivating meaningful relationships and investing in high-quality tools and products that will last longer and serve their needs better.
13. Simplify daily routines
Amish families keep their daily routines simple and focused, minimizing distractions and unnecessary tasks. Streamline your daily routine by organizing tasks efficiently, cutting out time-wasters, and focusing on what truly matters.
14. Practice sustainable farming
Sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, composting, and minimizing chemical use, are central to Amish agriculture. These methods, often regarded as ‘old fashioned’, can improve soil health, reduce environmental impact, and increase crop yields.
15. Grow heirloom varieties
The Amish often grow heirloom varieties of plants, which are well-suited to their local environment and have superior flavor and nutrition. Organize seed swaps with your homesteading neighbors to preserve biodiversity and grow more resilient, flavorsome crops.
16. Prioritize family time
Family is at the heart of Amish culture, with shared meals and chores regarded as a way to strengthen relationships. Homesteaders can foster stronger family bonds by doing activities together, whether it’s gardening, cooking, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
17. Utilize natural building materials
Amish homes are often constructed using locally sourced, natural materials like wood, stone, and clay. Homesteaders can reduce their environmental footprint by using sustainable, natural building materials from the land, such as using tree prunings for plant supports.
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
