Good Books on Homesteading

 

There are many great books on homesteading that cover a wide range of topics, from gardening and animal husbandry to food preservation and self-sufficiency. Here are a few highly recommended books on homesteading:

1. "The Encyclopedia of Country Living" by Carla Emery: This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of homesteading topics, including gardening, animal husbandry, food preservation, and self-sufficiency. It's often considered a classic in the homesteading community and provides practical advice and techniques for living off the land.

2. "The Backyard Homestead" series by Carleen Madigan: This series includes several volumes, such as "The Backyard Homestead: Produce All the Food You Need on Just a Quarter Acre!" and "The Backyard Homestead Book of Building Projects." These books offer practical guidance on various homesteading skills, from gardening and food preservation to raising livestock and building structures.

3. "Storey's Basic Country Skills" series: This series includes multiple volumes, such as "Storey's Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance" and "Storey's Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Living Off the Land." These books cover a wide range of homesteading skills, from gardening and livestock management to cooking, preserving food, and renewable energy.

4. "The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It" by John Seymour: This classic homesteading book covers a wide range of topics, including gardening, animal husbandry, food preservation, and more. It provides practical advice on living a self-sufficient lifestyle and includes illustrations and diagrams to help readers understand the techniques.

5. "The Resilient Farm and Homestead" by Ben Falk: This book focuses on regenerative farming practices and homesteading techniques for building a resilient and sustainable homestead. It covers topics such as water management, soil fertility, permaculture design, and more, and provides practical guidance on creating a sustainable homestead.

6. "Homesteading: A Back to Basics Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energy, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More" by Abigail R. Gehring: This comprehensive book covers a wide range of homesteading skills, from gardening and food preservation to keeping livestock, making homemade remedies, and more. It provides step-by-step instructions and practical advice for living a self-sufficient lifestyle.

7. "The Joy of Keeping Chickens" by Jennifer Megyesi: This book provides practical advice on how to raise chickens for eggs and meat, as well as tips on building a coop and caring for your birds.

8. The Foxfire Book series is a collection of books that documents the traditional folk culture of the Southern Appalachians and are an important resource for those interested in traditional crafts, skills, and folk culture. The books are known for their down-to-earth style and emphasis on practical knowledge, as well as their focus on preserving the traditions and wisdom of rural Appalachian communities.

These are just a few examples of the many books available on homesteading. Depending on your interests and needs, you may find other books that cater to specific aspects of homesteading, such as permaculture, herbal medicine, or animal husbandry. It's always a good idea to read reviews and check the credentials of the authors to ensure that you are getting reliable and accurate information. Happy reading, homesteading, and remember that it's the simpler things in life that matter!

How Can I Learn New Homestead Skills?

 

With homesteading, there is always something new to learn or do and with that comes the question of, "How do I learn these new skills?" Very few people in today's world are brought up in a family or with a mentor who can teach one how to homestead, however there are several ways in which you can learn new homestead skills:

1. Take classes: Look for local classes or workshops that teach homesteading skills such as gardening, animal husbandry, and food preservation. Many agricultural extension offices and community colleges offer classes on homesteading topics.

2. Attend conferences: Homesteading conferences and events can be a great way to learn new skills and connect with other homesteaders. Look for events in your area or consider traveling to attend larger events.

3. Read books and articles: There are many books and articles available on homesteading topics. Look for books and articles written by experienced homesteaders who have successfully implemented the skills you want to learn. Books like the Foxfire Series
   

4. Watch videos: There are many instructional videos available online that can teach you homesteading skills. Look for videos on YouTube or other video-sharing platforms.

5. Join a homesteading group: Joining a homesteading group or organization can be a great way to connect with other homesteaders and learn new skills. Look for local groups or join online communities.

6. Seek guidance from experienced homesteaders: Reach out to experienced homesteaders in your area or online and ask for their guidance and advice. Many homesteaders are happy to share their knowledge and help others get started.

Remember that homesteading skills take time to learn and master, so be patient and persistent. Focus on one skill at a time and practice consistently to improve your skills over time.

How Do I Choose A Homestead Location?

 

Choosing a homestead location is a crucial decision that will impact your ability to succeed in your homesteading endeavors. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a homestead location:

1. Climate: The climate of your chosen location is an important factor to consider. You will want to choose a location that has a climate that is suitable for the type of crops you want to grow and animals you want to raise. You may also want to consider factors such as average rainfall and temperature extremes.

2. Soil quality: The soil quality of your homestead location is crucial for successful gardening and crop production. You will want to choose a location that has soil that is rich in nutrients and well-draining. You can have your soil tested by a local agricultural extension office to determine its quality.

3. Water availability: Access to water is crucial for successful homesteading. You will want to choose a location that has a reliable water source, such as a well or a stream. You should also consider the quality of the water and whether it is suitable for drinking and irrigation.

4. Zoning regulations: Zoning regulations vary by location and can impact your ability to homestead. You should research the zoning regulations in your chosen location to ensure that you can legally engage in homesteading activities.

5. Access to resources: Consider the availability of resources such as building supplies, feed, and seeds in your chosen location. You will also want to consider the proximity of medical facilities, schools, and other community resources.

6. Cost: The cost of land and living expenses can vary widely by location. You should consider the cost of purchasing land, building or renovating a home, and the cost of living in the area.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a homestead location that is well-suited for your needs and goals.

How Can I Get Started In Homesteading?

 

Getting started in homesteading can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful planning, research, and preparation. 

Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Determine your goals: Think about why you want to homestead and what you hope to achieve. Do you want to live more sustainably, grow your own food, or become more self-sufficient? Your goals will guide your decisions and actions as you begin your homesteading journey.

2. Choose a location: Look for a piece of land that meets your needs and budget. Consider factors such as soil quality, climate, access to water, and zoning regulations.

3. Learn new skills: Homesteading involves a wide range of skills, including gardening, animal husbandry, carpentry, and food preservation. Consider taking classes, reading books and articles, and seeking guidance from experienced homesteaders. There are a number of great YouTube creators that provide a lot of advice and help for aspiring homesteaders
   

4. Start small: It's easy to become overwhelmed when starting a homestead, so it's important to start small and focus on a few projects at a time. You can gradually expand your homestead as you gain experience and confidence.

5. Build a support network: Homesteading can be challenging and isolating, so it's important to build a support network of other homesteaders, farmers, and community members who share your values and goals.

6. Be prepared for setbacks: Homesteading is a learning process, and setbacks and failures are inevitable. Be patient and persistent, and be prepared to adapt and learn from your mistakes.

Homesteading can be a fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle, but it requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. With careful planning and preparation, you can create a sustainable and self-sufficient homestead that meets your needs and goals.

What Is Homesteading?

Homesteading originally referred to a the process of acquiring and settling on a piece of land or property with the intention of establishing a permanent residence and cultivating the land. The term originated in the 19th century in the United States and referred to the government's practice of offering land to people for little or no cost, provided that they improve the land by building a dwelling, cultivating crops, and living on the land for a specified period of time.

Homesteading today refers to a modern-day movement that emphasizes self-sufficiency and living off the land. This may involve growing one's own food, raising livestock, and reducing reliance on modern technology and conveniences. Some homesteaders also prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship, using practices such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy sources.

Find what you want to do and do it and remember, "It's the simpler things in life that matter!"

Homestead Update/To-Do List

Homestead update:

With Springtime here, that means that there is a lot going on around the homestead from planting to dealing with new animals to basic upkeep, etc.

Here's what's happening at our place.



 

1. We are currently planning our vegetable garden which will be raised beds.
2. We are putting in strawberry plants and raspberry canes
3. Need to build a new chicken tractor VERY SOON as our pullets are getting huge and need some extra room. The plan is to move the rest of our aging flock of Ameraucanas to the new tractor and then use the existing run and hen house for the new chickens.
4. Need to clean out and repaint rain barrels
5. Need to put in new grape trellis
6. Need to clean up around blueberry bushes.

Whew, that's a lot to do... lol

Great Article in Mother Earth News about Living Off-Grid In Nature

For my off-grid friends (and those looking to get there), I just came across a wonderful article in Mother Earth News.

The beauty and simplicity of life that it describes is worth the read! The text of the articles follows:


When Sue McKay Miller was 48, she quit her job as a geophysicist in Calgary, Alberta, and moved to a yurt on a 130-acre chunk of wilderness on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. She took a radical approach to simplifying, divesting herself of most possessions while she figured out what “back to the basics” really means for her. 

“I knew that if I hooked up to the grid and started with all the mod-cons, I'd be unlikely to give anything up,” Sue explains. “So I decided to go at it the other way around: start out off-grid with only the bare necessities and discover what I really needed or missed and what I could easily do without. So, after over five years of 'camping out' (albeit in a large, luxurious tent!), what have I learned? I love the simple life!”

Despite being battered by gale-force winds, deluged by rain and half-buried in snow, Sue’s yurt has provided what she needs to live simply, without indoor plumbing, for more than five years. She heats with wood and lights up long winter nights with kerosene lamps and candles. When the deep snow arrives, she dons snowshoes and hauls goods up the quarter-mile driveway in an old fish crate. The wood-burning stove provides heat for cooking, washing, drying damp wood and socks, and living. “On frigid winter mornings I haul my rocking chair in front of the open oven, sip on coffee kept warm on the stovetop and write (with pen and paper, no less!) in my journal,” Sue says.

Sue’s life unfolds naturally in step with the seasons. In winter she makes stews and casseroles on the wood stove as it heats her yurt. In summer, she keeps the stove off and eats salads and raw foods. As summer nights cool down, campfires provide a fine alternative to TV and computer screens. “There is one power hog I really miss—a refrigerator!” Sue says. In winter, she places frozen gallon water jugs into a picnic cooler that she keeps in a cool spot inside. Summer's a challenge. “Perishables perish all too quickly—and an iced drink or a chilled beer would be most welcome on a hot day!”

She charges her cell phone, runs her laptop and powers a radio/CD player using a 30-watt solar PV panel and a 12-volt battery/inverter. This modest set-up provides ample power in the summer but barely enough to keep a single battery charged during short, sunless winter days. All too often, Sue runs out of power just as she’s deeply involved in writing on her laptop. She’s considering upgrades, and down the road she hopes to build a small open-plan cabin with indoor plumbing, a gravity-feed water system and underground cold-food storage. But she doesn’t want to overdo it.

“Very often I hear off-grid folks declare that 'we haven't changed our lifestyle one bit!' They buy a humungous [sic] number of solar PV and water-heating panels and maybe a windmill and large banks of batteries to run the vast array of appliances and electronic devices common to modern life,” she says. “Well, that's fine, and maybe a good option for some people, but is simply unaffordable for many of us.”

Besides, Sue loves her small, one-room home. “I like the simplicity of stove, pot and kettle rather than a wide array of specialized appliances, each with a digital clock blinking hurry! hurry! hurry! at me all the time,” she says. “Once I blow out my bedside candle, the only light is from the moon and stars. And my home is so quiet! No fridge whirring on and off, no water pump clunking, no forced air furnace roaring. That frees up my ears to enjoy nature's music—wind and water, birds and coyotes, frogs and toads (country life is seldom quiet). There is no TV or internet here, and that's mostly a good thing—I'm apt to be easily sidetracked and find it easier to focus without these distractions. However, I'm quite happy to be distracted by MNTV (Mother Nature TV), which may feature silvered clouds waltzing around a full moon, a pair of foxes courting on the frozen pond, or a moose family meandering around the pond and sampling nature's buffet. I live amongst great natural wealth and diversity, and I believe being off-grid greatly enhances my appreciation of it all.”