When it comes to reading material for the backyard homestead, I look for educational and inspiring books. The best homesteading books cover the scope from beginners to experienced and have practical advice to help every family. Here are my top three favorites in homesteading books (plus a bonus as an update to this video!).
Why I Love Printed Material
It's not too difficult to find information on our phones if we have homesteading projects we want to attempt, but how do we know that information is founded on experience? Call me old-fashioned, but I love to open a book and read the printed words. Whether the book is new or has been in circulation a long time, it's an invaluable resource!
When I first began dreaming of homesteading in my backyard, I read a lot of books that were basic reference books. The books I was reading were focused more on step-by-step information to start homesteading.
As my homesteading journey continued to grow, I searched for more in-depth resources. I wanted books that not only told me about the different breeds of goats and chickens but also how to go about raising chickens and what to do if my goat was injured.
In this video, I was asked to contribute to a collaboration with Liz Zorab from Byther Farms and share my top three homesteading book recommendations. It was difficult to narrow down my favorites because I love to read! And since the time of this publication, there's a new book I'd like to share!
My Favorite Homesteading Books
Since I have so many books in my library, I found it was actually very difficult to narrow this down to only three books! I decided to choose books that can help any homesteader whether they are aspiring, new, or experienced in the homesteading journey.
Self Sufficiency for the 21st Century by Dick and James Strawbridge
This is a book written by a father and son, and it covers all stages of homesteading. Read this book to be inspired to try something new around your backyard farm.
It is full of general information for many different areas. You can find ideas of what to do if you run into a snag, or just discover better ways to live a more self-sufficient life.
You can find the book Self Sufficiency for the 21st Century here.
Grow for Flavor by James Wong
This book inspired my most popular video on how to grow the best tomatoes. It is my favorite book for gardening!
Every time I read it, I learn something new or am reminded of something I've forgotten. The thing I really appreciate about the book is that it talks about the science behind different things, such as why do peppers have different flavors?
You can find the book Grow for Flavor here.
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingslover
When I first started growing food in my backyard, I bought plants at a local store. Growing conditions were very difficult that year, and it drove me to do some research. I discovered this book, and it was a tremendous help!
This is an easy-to-read book about their family journey around food, and the corruption they've discovered in the food industry. It focuses on self-sustainability and the importance of either growing your own food or supporting local farmers.
After reading this book, I began researching and discovered Baker Creek Seed Company, and I've never looked back. Heirloom seeds will forever and always be my favorite!
You can find the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle here.
A NEW Favorite Homesteading Book
Some of you may not even know this yet, but I've actually written my very own homesteading book specifically for first-time homesteaders. You all surely know about my first book, The First Time Gardener.
It's my desire to make gardening and homesteading approachable and accessible to everyone, whether you're living on 40 acres, or 1/4 acre in the city (or even less!).
It's with that mindset that I wrote these books and, if you're new to this lifestyle, my hope is that it will be an invaluable resource to you.
You can buy The First Time Gardener here, or you can pre-order The First Time Homesteader here. It will be released in September 2022.
