Homesteading Event Aims to Teach Self-Sufficiency

Brittany Hickman has transformed her Forest Hills home into an oasis of self-sufficiency.

As a homesteader, she has adopted a lifestyle that supports such practices as substance agriculture, home preservation of food, small-scale production of clothing, craft work and textiles and more. Now, she wants to help others learn a lesson or two about the way she lives.

That’s why Hickman’s Sunny Spot Gardens, 9509 N. Dartmouth Ave., is the site for The Cultivate Your Life Homesteading Event. Set for International Permaculture Day, May 5, the all-day affair features a potluck meal, on-site vendors, numerous demonstrations and a live band.

“A homesteading event is my own way of introducing as many people as I can to the ideas and practices that I have been trying myself to learn and live for the past couple years,” Hickman explained. “Every year I hold an event at our gardens and house to share knowledge with others. My idea is if we can learn just one of these skills and implement it in our own lives we can make a huge impact on how we affect the world around us.”

Hickman says even a small gesture such as planning a 4-foot-by-4-foot organic vegetable garden “can cut down on the amount of food (a person buys) at the grocery store.” This, in turn, enables a person to vote “against the conventional sprayed produce that has been trucked thousands of miles to the store.” 

What to Expect

Hickman’s homesteading takes place at her home and gardens, but it isn’t necessarily a small-scale event.

“Everyone attending can expect to find a gathering of people ready to talk and help with any questions,” she said.

Speakers attending include those coming from as far away as Fort Lauderdale, Arcadia and Brooksville. (Find out more about the speaker schedule by checking out this story.)

“These teachers are so very passionate about what they know and love sharing it with others,” Hickman said.

In addition to a lineup of speakers that spreads throughout the day, Sunny Spot Gardens also has chickens, rabbits and a whole “lawn” that has been transformed into a garden. There’s also a pond that’s used to raise tilapia.

What to Bring

While there’s no charge to attend, donations are welcome. Attendees should also bring a dish to pass during the potluck, their own drinks, a chair, blanket or other item to sit on. Sunblock, a hat or an umbrella to sit under are also recommended.

Hickman reminds visitors the event is at her home, so no alcohol is allowed and guests should be mindful of some uneven spots in the gardens.

If You Go

What: Cultivate Your Life Homesteading Event

When: May 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Sunny Spot Gardens, 9509 N. Dartmouth Ave., Forest Hills

Cost: Free, but attendees should bring something to share during the potluck and their own nonalcoholic drinks. Chairs and sunscreen are also recommended.

More information: Visit the event’s Facebook page.

Have you incorporated any homesteading practices into your life in Westchase? Share your experiences by commenting below. You can also share photos of your hard work by uploading them to this story!

See Also:

Homesteaders Line Up to Teach