From cherry trees to chicken coops, people are transforming their backyards into self-sufficient spaces. While saunas, pools, and drought-resistant gardens have been popular, a new trend called ‘prairiecore’ has emerged. This trend emphasizes designing backyards for sustainability, turning even the smallest spaces into mini farms that can reduce grocery bills.
If you’ve ever wanted fresh eggs from your coop or to host an apple-picking party, experts explain why these features are in demand and offer advice on making your homestead flourish. The prairiecore movement doesn’t mean relocating to the wild but rather incorporating elements into your yard for increased self-reliance. Options range from simple raised garden beds for year-round veggies to keeping animals like chickens, bees, goats, or even pigs.
The drive for homesteading isn’t just about following fads but fulfilling a desire for connection with the land, offering a sense of purpose and personal agency. Many backyard designers note a rise in various homesteading requests. Even small yards can have a garden bed or two, while others go for more elaborate setups.
The rising cost of eggs has fueled a 59% increase in chicken coop requests. You need at least 12 to 15 feet per chicken for coops and runs. Adding fruit trees or bushes for personal picking has also become popular, with requests for mini orchards up by 16%. Raised garden beds and fruit trees are the most requested items.
For those interested in bees, tending a beehive has become a popular choice, as reflected by a 58% increase in requests for bee-friendly gardens. Meanwhile, interest in keeping livestock, such as goats, pigs, and even horses, has grown, with a 57% surge.
While vegetable gardens aren’t new, many people are choosing to plant herbs and vegetables in containers. “Vegetable beds are our most requested homesteading feature,” says Lenhart. You can start small with one box and expand as needed, which allows flexibility based on available space and time.
Considering a prairiecore lifestyle means research is essential, especially when livestock is involved. It’s crucial to prioritize what you want—be it garden beds or livestock—fitting these into a broader landscape project that may include dining, lounging, and play areas. Plant-based features are less demanding than raising animals but installing an irrigation system helps maintain them.
Prairiecore requires realistic planning to be rewarding rather than a burden. Start small, maybe with a garden bed or two, before committing to larger projects like fruit trees or a chicken coop. Adequate sunlight is vital for cultivating fruits and vegetables effectively.
Balancing different yard uses is essential, so ensure space for relaxation alongside gardening. Even experienced gardeners face challenges, but they shouldn’t discourage anyone. Learning from failures is part of the process. Be mindful of potential restrictions from local regulations that might impact your homesteading plans—many areas have limitations on keeping certain animals.
