General Information
Here are the top 20 homesteading books that offer comprehensive guidance on various aspects of self-sufficient living:
- “The Encyclopedia of Country Living” by Carla Emery
- A comprehensive guide covering gardening, food preservation, and more. It’s often referred to as the “homesteader’s bible.” Amazon
- “The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It” by John Seymour
- Detailed instructions on sustainable living, from growing food to generating power. Amazon
- “The Foxfire Book Series”
- A collection of books sharing Appalachian wisdom on traditional skills and crafts. Amazon
- “The Backyard Homestead” by Carleen Madigan
- Guides on how to turn your yard into a productive homestead, covering gardening, livestock, and food preservation. Amazon
- “Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens” by Gail Damerow
- Essential information on raising chickens, including care, feeding, and health management. Amazon
- “The Weekend Homesteader” by Anna Hess
- Breaks down homesteading tasks into manageable weekend projects, ideal for those with limited time. Amazon
- “The Independent Farmstead” by Beth Dougherty and Shawn Dougherty
- Focuses on raising animals and managing pastures sustainably with minimal external inputs. Amazon
- “The Woodland Homestead” by Brett McLeod
- How to make forested land productive through sustainable forestry practices. Amazon
- “Preserving Everything” by Leda Meredith
- Comprehensive guide on various food preservation methods, including canning, fermenting, and dehydrating. Amazon
- “Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide”
- Introduction to using medicinal herbs for home remedies and health care. Amazon
- “Barnyard in Your Backyard” by Gail Damerow
- Practical advice on raising a variety of farm animals, from chickens to goats. Amazon
- “The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals” by Gail Damerow
- Covers the essentials of raising different types of livestock on a small scale. Amazon
- “The New Livestock Farmer” by Rebecca Thistlethwaite and Jim Dunlop
- Modern techniques and practices for ethical and sustainable livestock farming. Amazon
- “The Doable Off-Grid Homestead” by Shannon Stonger and Stewart Stonger
- Strategies for building and maintaining an off-grid homestead on a budget. Amazon
- “The Small-Scale Poultry Flock” by Harvey Ussery
- Detailed information on managing small poultry flocks for eggs, meat, and manure. Amazon
- “The Homesteading Handbook” by Abigail R. Gehring
- A wide range of homesteading skills, from gardening to making your own soap. Amazon
- “The Urban Homestead” by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen
- Adapts homesteading techniques to urban settings, ideal for city dwellers. Amazon
- “The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects” by Spike Carlsen
- DIY guides for building useful structures like chicken coops and garden beds. Amazon
- “Making Better Buildings” by Chris Magwood
- Comparative guide to sustainable building techniques and materials. Amazon
- “Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook” by David Werner, Carol Thuman, and Jane Maxwell
- Essential medical care advice for those without access to modern healthcare facilities. Amazon
These books cover a wide range of topics crucial for successful homesteading, from growing your own food and raising animals to sustainable building and health care. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your homesteading knowledge, these resources provide valuable insights and practical tips.