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If you’ve thought about starting a homestead you know how intimidating learning about it can be. Most of us use YouTube to do research or look up DIY videos. But what do you do if your internet goes down? You need a home library! And if you are a homesteader it is absolutely vital to have a selection of the best homesteading books in that library.
These books offer tried-and-true wisdom, practical tips, and a hefty dose of inspiration to help you navigate the rewarding (and sometimes challenging) world of self-sufficiency. Here are seven of the best homesteading books that deserve a spot on your shelf.
The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan
Why It’s Great: This classic guide is perfect for beginners and urban dwellers. It covers everything from growing vegetables and fruits to raising animals and making homemade dairy products. The book’s approachable tone and illustrations make even the most complex tasks feel doable.
What makes this book truly shine is its practicality for small spaces. Even if you only have a patio or a small backyard, the strategies in this guide can help you maximize your harvest and make the most of your space. It’s a great starting point for urban homesteaders.
Quick Take: Think of this as the Swiss Army knife of homesteading books—a little bit of everything in one handy resource.
The Ultimate Self-Sufficiency Manual by Tim MacWelch
Why It’s Great: This comprehensive guide is packed with practical advice for every aspect of self-sufficient living. From gardening and animal care to renewable energy and basic survival skills, MacWelch covers it all in an approachable and visually engaging format.
The step-by-step illustrations and actionable tips make this book incredibly user-friendly. Whether you’re looking to build your own chicken coop or set up a rainwater collection system, this manual provides the guidance you need to succeed.
Quick Take: A versatile resource for both beginners and seasoned homesteaders seeking to deepen their knowledge.
Polyface Micro: Success with Livestock on a Homestead Scale by Joel Salatin
Why It’s Great: This book focuses on raising livestock on a small, manageable scale, making it ideal for homesteaders with limited land. Salatin offers clear, practical advice on managing animals like chickens, pigs, and rabbits in a way that is ethical, sustainable, and productive.
Salatin’s writing style is both engaging and informative, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps. His innovative approach to small-scale farming proves that you don’t need a huge property to raise healthy, happy livestock.
Having met Joel in person, I can can confidently say he is one of the most genuine individuals you’ll ever meet -his passion for homesteading is infectious, and he genuinely loves sharing his knowledge to inspire others.
Quick Take: Perfect for homesteaders looking to integrate livestock into their self-sufficient lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed.
The Complete Guide to Saving Seeds: 322 Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, Flowers, Trees, and Shrubs by Robert E. Gough and Cheryl Moore-Gough
Why It’s Great: This comprehensive guide dives into the art and science of seed saving. Covering over 300 types of plants, it’s a must-have for preserving biodiversity and ensuring your garden’s sustainability. The detailed instructions make seed saving approachable for beginners and seasoned homesteaders alike.
Seed saving isn’t just practical—it’s empowering. This guide equips you with the knowledge to grow your garden year after year without relying on store-bought seeds, ensuring your crops are well-adapted to your specific environment.
I added this book to our collection back in 2020 after some stores started restricting the sale of seeds. It was a wake-up call about the importance of self-reliance and having the knowledge to save and reuse seeds from our own garden.
Quick Take: An essential resource for anyone serious about maintaining a thriving, self-reliant garden.
The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving by Ball Home Canning Test Kitchen
Why It’s Great: Preserving your harvest is a cornerstone of homesteading, and this book is the ultimate guide. With over 400 recipes, it’ll have you confidently canning, pickling, and jamming in no time.
The clear step-by-step instructions make this book beginner-friendly, while the variety of recipes ensures even experienced preservers will find new ideas to try. It’s not just a cookbook—it’s a confidence booster for anyone looking to preserve their hard-earned harvest. This is the Bible of canning in my opinion!
Quick Take: Your go-to kitchen companion for food preservation.
The Back to Basics Handbook by Abigail Gehring
Why It’s Great: This all-encompassing guide covers everything from making your own soap and cheese to building a log cabin. Gehring’s practical advice and easy-to-follow instructions make it a treasure trove of information for anyone looking to embrace a self-sufficient lifestyle.
With its emphasis on traditional skills, this handbook is perfect for those who want to reconnect with simpler ways of living. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your skill set, this book is an indispensable resource for self-reliance.
Quick Take: A comprehensive guide that truly lives up to its title, offering timeless knowledge for modern homesteaders.
The Family Garden Plan by Melissa K. Norris
Why It’s Great: Melissa K. Norris combines practical gardening advice with strategic planning tools to help you grow food for your family all year round. This book includes worksheets, seasonal tips, and inspiration to keep your garden thriving.
The planner format of this book is a game-changer. It helps you set clear goals for your garden, track your progress, and make adjustments as needed, ensuring you stay organized and productive throughout the growing season.
You can also purchase “The Family Garden Planner” to go with this book and have a literal garden journal ready to go!
Quick Take: A must-have for anyone looking to turn their garden into a sustainable food source for their family.
Create Your Library of the Best Homesteading Books
Homesteading is as much about mindset as it is about skillset, and these books provide a healthy dose of both. Whether you’re tending a small backyard plot or managing acres of land, there’s always something new to learn. Start with one (or more!) of these gems and watch your homesteading knowledge grow.
What do you think are the best homesteading books? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
