Martha Stewart: A Homesteader’s Inspiration
Martha Stewart, the queen of homemaking and lifestyle, has been inspiring people for decades with her creativity, passion for cooking, gardening, decorating and DIY projects. Her empire includes a magazine, TV shows, cookbooks, home goods and even a line of CBD products. However, what many people may not know is that Martha is also an avid homesteader.
Homesteading is a way of life where you live off the land as much as possible by growing your food and raising animals. It’s about being self-sufficient and sustainable while living in harmony with nature. This type of lifestyle can be challenging but rewarding.
Martha has always had a love for the outdoors and nature. Growing up on Nutley Farm in New Jersey she learned to appreciate the importance of farming from her father who was a gardener himself. This early exposure sparked her interest in agriculture which later translated into her successful career as a homesteading guru.
In 2000 Martha purchased Skylands Farms located in Bedford Hills NY- 153 acres of rolling hills perfect for cultivating gardens or orchards or raising livestock such as chickens or cattle. The property included multiple homes including a Georgian-style mansion built-in 1925 surrounded by beautiful gardens designed by famous landscape designer Beatrix Farrand who worked on several other estates in NY state including Dumbarton Oaks Gardens in Washington DC.
Skylands became Martha’s haven where she could escape from the hustle-bustle of city life to find solace amongst nature while still enjoying all modern amenities like high-speed internet connection so that she could continue running her business remotely.
The farm was already established when Martha bought it but that didn’t stop her from putting her touch on everything there- adding new garden beds planting vegetables & herbs expanding chicken coops & building greenhouses to grow crops year-round.
One thing that sets Martha apart from other celebrities who dabble in homesteading is her strong commitment to sustainability. She uses only organic methods of farming and gardening, composts all food waste & manure from livestock which are then used as natural fertilizers for the gardens.
Martha also believes in giving back to the community by donating surplus produce or eggs to local food banks and teaching others how they too can grow their food. Her passion for sustainable living has led her to become an advocate for environmental causes such as reducing plastic waste and promoting clean energy.
Another aspect of homesteading that Martha embraces is DIY projects. From making your soap and candles, knitting scarves or sweaters to building furniture or chicken coops- there’s no end to what you can create with your hands when you’re a homesteader.
Martha has shared some great DIY tips on her website including tutorials on how to make homemade bird feeders, planters, raised garden beds & even recipes for dog treats made with all-natural ingredients. She also encourages people not only to save money but also reduce their carbon footprint by repurposing old items like jars into storage containers or using old wood pallets as garden beds.
One thing that makes Martha’s approach unique is that she doesn’t shy away from technology while embracing traditional ways of life. With her own app called “Martha Stewart Makes Cookies” she teaches people how easy it can be baking cookies at home without a lot of fuss or messes while still having fun experimenting with new flavors combinations.
As well as being an inspiration for homemakers everywhere Martha’s work ethic is something we could learn from too; she works tirelessly every day despite being almost 80 years old! Whether it’s filming another episode of her TV show “Martha Knows Best” preparing a new recipe in the kitchen, tending chickens in the coop, or working on one of many other passionate pursuits – nothing stops this powerhouse woman!
In conclusion, Martha Stewart is a homesteading inspiration not just because of her wealth and celebrity status but because of her commitment to sustainable living and giving back to the community. Her Skylands Farm is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and a love for nature. With all these qualities combined it’s no surprise that she has become an icon of modern homesteading.