The differences and similarities of homesteading and prepping.

Homesteading vs Prepping: What’s the Difference, and Which One’s for You?

Let’s face it, modern life can feel a bit… wobbly at times. Whether it’s the price of food going up (again), wild weather knocking out the power, or just a general sense that we might be a bit too reliant on supermarket shelves and Wi-Fi, more and more people are looking to take matters into their own hands.

Enter two buzzwords you’ve probably come across: homesteading and prepping. They often get lumped together, and while they do share a love of being ready for whatever life throws at you, they’re not quite the same thing.

So, if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re more of a jam-making chicken whisperer or a tactical torch-wielding stockpiler (or a bit of both), read on my lovelies, we’re about to break it all down in a nice easy way!

So, What Is Homesteading?

Imagine a life where you grow your own veg, collect eggs from your own hens, and maybe even churn your own butter (or at least fantasise about it while buying Lurpak). That’s homesteading in a nutshell.

Homesteading is all about self-sufficiency and living a bit more simply and sustainably. It doesn’t mean you have to live in a log cabin in the woods—though if that’s your dream, go for it! Homesteaders can be found in cosy country cottages, suburban semis, or even city flats with balcony herb gardens and a serious composting game.

Homesteading isn’t just about surviving—it’s about creating a lifestyle that feels meaningful, hands-on, and connected to the natural world. It’s like going old-school, but in a good way.

Typical homesteady stuff includes:

Growing your own fruit and veg (even if it’s just tomatoes in pots)
Raising chickens, bees, goats or any critters that fit your space
Making things from scratch—think homemade bread, jams, soaps, even furniture
Preserving food through canning, fermenting or drying (Create your own Instagram-worthy pantry shelves!)
Using renewable energy where possible (solar panels, rainwater barrels, wood stoves)
Living frugally and reducing waste
Natural healing – Conventional medicine has its place but natural healing can work alongside it!
Foraging – No matter where you live, urban or wild, you can always find something to forage.

It’s wholesome, rewarding, occasionally muddy—and yes, you’ll probably own at least one pair of wellies. It makes you live with intention and gives you a slower more mindful pace of life. The other thing is that people assume you have to have a farm with acres of space and that just isn’t true! You can homestead in a one bed flat in a city centre if you want to! You just got to think out of the box.

OK so that is homesteading, but What About Prepping?

Now, prepping is a little different. It’s less about making your own cheese and more about making sure you’re not the one fighting over the last loo roll when disaster strikes (we all remember 2020, right?).

Prepping is about being ready for emergencies, big or small. Whether it’s a power cut, a snowstorm, a petrol shortage, or something a bit more apocalyptic, preppers like to know they’re covered. Think of it as modern-day adulting with a twist of survival know-how.

Preppers might not grow their own food (though some do, me for a start!), but they’ll definitely have a stockpile of long-life meals, a water filter, and a torch with fresh batteries. And probably a plan for how to leave town in a hurry—just in case.

Things preppers often do:

Build up a stash of emergency supplies (food, water, medicine, etc.)
Learn practical skills like first aid, self-defence, fire-making, and navigation
Keep a “bug-out bag” ready to grab in case they need to leave home quickly
Prepare for different scenarios—from natural disasters to power outages
Think ahead about security, shelter, and communication if things go sideways

It’s not about living in fear—it’s about being ready so you can stay calm while everyone else is panicking about trying to find their phone charger!

Do They Ever Overlap?

Oh yes, they absolutely do. A lot of people start out as preppers and end up growing courgettes. Others begin homesteading and realise it helps to have a few extra tins of beans and a storm-proof plan.

If you grow your own food, preserve it, and rely less on shops, then guess what? You’re becoming more prepared. And if you’re prepping for a power cut and decide to add a solar panel to the shed? You’re edging into homesteader territory.

There’s no need to pick a team. You can blend the best bits of both to suit your lifestyle, space, budget and level of interest. Here at Root & Ridge, we are both and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

So… Which One’s Right for You?

If you:

Love the idea of growing food, getting hands-on, and going a bit back to basics
Fancy a lifestyle that’s slower, simpler, and more natural
Don’t mind getting your hands dirty (literally)

Then homesteading might just be your jam (pun absolutely intended).

If you:

Like to be organised, prepared, and ahead of the game
Want peace of mind during unpredictable times
Are more interested in backup plans than homegrown spinach

Then prepping could be more your thing.

But honestly? Most folks find themselves somewhere in between. Maybe you grow herbs on the windowsill, keep a first-aid kit up to date, and know how to cook a meal from scratch and open a tin of beans. That’s a win.

Whether you’re dreaming of an off-grid life in the hills or just want to stop panicking every time the power flickers, both homesteading and prepping are about one thing: They help you feel more confident, more capable, and more connected to the things that really matter.

You don’t need acres of land or a secret bunker, just a bit of curiosity and a willingness to learn. So, go ahead… plant that tomato seed, stock up on candles, and feel good knowing you’re making your life a little more amazing, one step at a time.

Oh, and never underestimate the power of a well-stocked tea cupboard and biscuit tin. In a crisis or on a sunny Sunday morning, it’s all about the little comforts, right?

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