- Samuel Mitchell
- Homesteading
Homesteading is a way of life that emphasizes self-sufficiency and sustainability. There is no shortage of books available to curious citizens interested in pursuing this lifestyle.
These books cover a wide range of topics, from growing crops and raising livestock to building structures and running a homestead-based business. Essential homesteading books offer practical advice on all aspects of homesteading, from gardening and animal husbandry to financial planning and marketing strategies. They provide a comprehensive guide to living a self-sufficient life and offer inspiration for those looking to start or expand their homesteading journey.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced homesteader, these books are a valuable tool for achieving a fulfilling, sustainable way of life.
The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan
It’s probably the most read book on homesteading that there is and that’s completely deserved.
If you want to grow your own food, learn animal husbandry (from raising a cow to setting up a beekeeping starter kit) and become more self-reliant, Carleen can show you the way.
Her practical advice brings country living to your doorstep. Your homesteading journey will be easy when you rely on homesteading books like this one.
And you don’t need tons of space to do so, your backyard will do nicely.A backyard homestead is, in fact, the perfect place to start.
Grab a copy online here.
The Encyclopedia Of Country Living
by Carla Emery
This is the classic homesteaders text and it has been updated over a period of decades to give you the know how you need to run a small farm.
It touches on everything from buying land to preparing food and there’s not a question that it doesn’t answer in detail.
You’ll soon be growing your own food, raising farm animals, setting up chicken coops, know how to preserve food, make delicious recipes, etc.
If you only want to read one book out of all our favorite homesteading books on this subject, this is that book.
Grab a copy online here.
The Weekend Homesteader by Anna Hess
Anna’s guide is all about working towards homesteading, even our guide to suburban homesteading might seem a little overwhelming when you get started, so she breaks the whole project down into a year.
You’re going to be able to make your own food, develop your homestead resources, save money, learn food preservation and improve your self-sufficiency with ease!
Each month, you do one more task and by the end of the year, you’ve got your own homestead as long as you complete each project on your weekends.
Grab a copy online here.
The Self-Sufficient Life And How To Live It
By John Seymour
Our friends on the other side of the Atlantic know a bit about homesteading too and Brit, John Seymour’s book is ideal for those just transitioning to rural life.
Learn everything from wine making to reducing your energy bills and overall household waste here.
Grab a copy online here.
Restoration Agriculture
by Mark Shepard
If you want to take your homestead to the next level then it’s time to explore how you can get involved with permaculture.
This fascinating text shows how annual crops can destroy farms and societies and how you can adapt to the challenges of nature to build a truly robust homestead.
Grab a copy online here.
Barnyard In Your Backyard by Gail Damerow
This is, perhaps, the best book out there for those looking to get into raising their own animals.
It goes into detail on dairy cattle, beef cattle, geese, ducks, chickens, sheep, goats and rabbits and ensures that whatever you like to eat, you can raise it to healthy adulthood in the kindest way possible.
Grab a copy online here.
Braiding Sweetgrass
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
OK, this isn’t entirely about homesteading, instead it harkens back to a time before America’s homesteads and the secrets of our indigenous cultures.
If you want to live in harmony with the land, it can help to get some tips from those with the most experience of doing so and that’s where Braiding Sweetgrass comes in.
Grab a copy online here.
Keep Chickens!
By Barbara Kilarski
If you want to keep chickens in the city or the suburbs, this awesome resource is what you need.
It’s surprisingly funny and engaging and not just a dry text on rearing chickens. Bring on the eggs!
Grab a copy online here.
Homestead Canning Cookbook
by Georgia Varozza
Once you’ve grown that lovely food, you’re going to have to get the hang of preserving it, not just because it can come in handy during hard times but because it will rot if you can’t eat it all when you harvest it.
Georgie makes canning both fun and accessible to everyone and she’ll show you how to save a fortune on grocery purchases.
Grab a copy online here.
You Can Farm
by Joel Salatin
If you want to make your homesteading ventures profitable, then You Can Farm is the guide to make it happen.
And even if you don’t want to make money, it’s packed with useful advice for small farmers.
Grab a copy online here.
