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There are so many great books on homesteading. And as someone who might be beginning their journey as a homesteader, figuring out which ones to read and which ones to pass on can feel overwhelming. That’s why we have curated this list of the best books for homesteading to help you on your journey toward a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
From homesteading to herbalism and gardening, these books offer valuable insights and practical tips for anyone seeking a more sustainable way of living.
Here’s a list of our top picks for homesteading books.
Back to Basics
The Back to Basics Guide by Abigail Gehring is a comprehensive and invaluable resource for individuals interested in traditional skills and a self-sufficient lifestyle. This book covers various topics, including gardening, animal husbandry, DIY projects, and recipes.
It provides detailed instructions and practical advice, making it suitable for beginners and experienced individuals. While this book focuses on American peculiarities, its content is exceptional and makes a good starting point for anyone looking to begin a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle.
It is a must-have for anyone seeking knowledge and skills for a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle.
Homesteader’s Herbal Companion
The Homesteader’s Herbal Companion is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in herbs and herbalism. It offers a wealth of information on herb cultivation, preservation, and utilization.
The author, Amy K. Fewell, combines her knowledge of herbalism with her experience as a homesteader, making the book relatable and practical for those interested in both herbal remedies and self-sufficiency.
While some might say it does not delve deeply into each herb, it does provide sufficient guidance on harvesting, saving, and preparing herbs. The inclusion of numerous recipes adds practicality and inspiration to the book. From teas to tinctures to culinary creations, there is something for everyone.
Whether you are a beginner or have some experience in herbalism, this well-written and easy-to-understand guide will enhance your knowledge and skills in the world of herbs.
The Encyclopedia of Country Living
The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 50th Anniversary Edition, is an exceptional resource for individuals seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle. This book has extensive content, practical advice, and interactive elements, making it an invaluable tool for homesteading enthusiasts.
It covers various topics, including gardening, raising animals, preserving food, and more. This book provides detailed instructions and comprehensive information to enhance your self-sufficiency journey.
Weekend Homesteader
The Weekend Homesteader is a comprehensive guide for individuals interested in homesteading, regardless of their experience level or available space. It offers vast knowledge and practical tips in an easily understandable manner.
The book covers various aspects of homesteading, including gardening, raising livestock, and sustainable living. It provides valuable insights and advice that can be applied in different regions, making it suitable for many readers.
The book is well-organized and divided into monthly sections, making it easy to follow along with different projects throughout the year.
Herbal Remedy Book
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of herbal remedies. It offers a wealth of information on different herbs and their medicinal properties.
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies provides detailed information on making tinctures and salves with herbs, making it a helpful resource for those interested in herbal remedies.
The book is organized in a user-friendly manner, categorizing herbs based on ailments and symptoms, making it easy to find applicable remedies. It provides a solid foundation for building herbal knowledge and empowers readers to harness the natural healing properties of plants and herbs.
Despite its slightly higher price point, its value in herbal knowledge and remedies is well worth the investment.
Self-Sufficient Life Guide
The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It takes readers on a captivating journey, providing a crash course in vintage survival skills. This book educates and entertains with its sense of humor and engaging writing style.
It covers many self-sufficiency topics, including farming and animal husbandry, food production, energy sources, and DIY projects.
The book assumes a certain level of prior knowledge and experience in farming and DIY projects. Beginners may find some concepts and instructions challenging to follow without additional guidance.
Mini Farming
“Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre” is a comprehensive and well-organized guide that provides individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency on a small scale.
This book provides a wealth of information for those new to farming. It is easy to read and includes helpful pictures illustrating the concepts discussed.
This book offers valuable insights into various gardening techniques, such as composting, raised beds, and vertical gardening. It provides practical tips on maximizing space, choosing the right crops, and dealing with common challenges.
Overall, this book is a valuable resource for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, offering a balanced approach to self-sufficiency.
Pressure Canning Guide
The Complete Guide to Pressure Canning is an exceptional resource. This book offers a comprehensive and user-friendly approach to pressure canning, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced canners.
With its clear instructions, helpful tips, and diverse range of recipes, it covers all aspects of pressure canning. It also provides helpful tips and charts for successful canning.
Dehydrator Cookbook
The Complete Dehydrator Cookbook is a valuable asset for individuals at all levels of dehydrator use. It provides information on food dehydration, including selecting the right dehydrator and preparing mouthwatering recipes. This cookbook offers over 100 recipes for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs.
The book’s organization and easy-to-understand language make it accessible to beginners, while its practical tips cater to experienced dehydrator users. Whether you want to save money, preserve seasonal produce, or explore new culinary possibilities, this cookbook is an essential addition to your collection.
While the book may lack depth in pictures and visual aids, it’s recommended for anyone interested in the art of dehydration.
Ball Book
The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving is an outstanding guide for those seeking home preservation. This comprehensive book covers everything from essential equipment to a wide array of recipes, making it a go-to resource for all your preserving needs.
It has a wide variety of recipes for different preserves, sauces, pickles, and more. The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving is highly recommended for anyone interested in preserving their own food.
Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health
Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health is a must-have book for anyone interested in natural remedies and herbal healing. This book covers the medicinal properties of herbs and provides a wide range of practical recipes for maintaining vibrant health and for various health concerns, including stress and anxiety, everyday ailments, radiant beauty, and more.
With its easy-to-read format and beautiful illustrations, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the world of herbal remedies and enhance their well-being.
Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook is an essential companion for anyone interested in curating a successful vegetable garden. It covers all aspects of vegetable gardening, from planning and preparing the soil to planting, watering, and harvesting.
It includes guidance on when to plant, when to start indoors, transplanting, and companion planting. It also discusses crop rotation, pest control, and organic gardening practices.
The book’s easy-to-follow instructions, accompanied by beautiful visuals, make it accessible to both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Homesteading Guide
The Homesteading Book is a comprehensive and visually appealing resource for individuals interested in self-sufficiency. With its beautiful visuals and comprehensive coverage, this book is a must-read.
This book goes deep on homesteading, covering topics such as growing your own food, canning, keeping chickens, generating your own energy, crafting, and herbal medicine.
The book is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced homesteaders.
Home Canning Book
The Complete Book of Home Canning is a must-have for anyone exploring the art of canning. While it may not have an extensive collection of recipes, it provides clear and concise instructions for safe canning practices.
It is a convenient resource, allowing users to access all necessary information without relying on the internet. Overall, The Complete Book of Home Canning from the USDA is a worthwhile investment for any home canner.
Gardening For Everyone
Gardening For Everyone is a beautifully organized guide catering to novice and experienced gardeners. Authored by Julia Watkins, it is an inspiring and enjoyable read, reflecting her passion for gardening.
The book offers practical tips and stunning visuals, making it a must-have resource for cultivating gardens of any size. Whether you have a vast backyard or just a small windowsill, Gardening For Everyone empowers readers to grow their own vegetables, herbs, and more.
I hope you have found this list helpful.
