One Acre Homestead: Planning for self-sufficiency

by Sara Simmons McDonald

Sara McDonald embarked on her homesteading journey wondering "is self-sufficiency really possible on one acre of land?" In this book she recalls the experiences that inspired her to begin homesteading, and some of the successes and failures of her first 5 years. She then illustrates a long-term plan to achieve her goal of self-sufficiency. One-Acre Homestead features a simplified permaculture design for a one acre farm that produces the majority of the resident's food. This design is based on practical workable methods that the author uses on her homestead. The author explains the importance of creating zones that will be dedicated to different purposes in the garden, and encourages planning ahead with slow but steady progress in mind. Instead of investing in expensive livestock, she focuses on a few small animals, practices forest gardening and growing trees for biomass production in order to achieve a no-till, sustainable gardening system. She explains why her goal on the homestead isn't to provide 100% of everything a family uses in order to be self-sufficient. Instead, gardening zones are established so that production can be maximized to meet the majority of a family's food needs in a crisis year. Written in an informal style directed toward the reader, the author aims to encourage others to take steps toward self-sufficiency no matter where they are in their journey. Using her own experience over the past 5 years as a guide, she urges readers to begin working now toward their goal of self-sufficiency. She often refers to methods that have worked for her in the humid southeastern US and makes suggestions for readers in other climates to adapt these practices to their gardens. This book is broken into 3 parts I. The author's journey II. The basic design process with lots of photos and reasoning for each step of the plan III. Gaining financial independence

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Reference

82 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2012

Reviews

[Steven Martinez]

I don't think this book was completed

I feel like large sections of this book are missing or incomplete. There are notes and heading for sections that aren't written.

[Jeff Bonasse]

Fantastic

Fantastic

Mrs. McDonald wrote a wonderful book based on her own experiences and understanding. I can see where I (with only a few alterations) could make a homestead work for me. My only issue was a problem on my end, in that I don't understand gardening or plants very well and I found some of her plant descriptions meant absolutely nothing to my uneducated mind.

[Diane]

Good ideas

While homesteading isn't for everyone, this book gives you a lot of ideas. Well thought out and to the point, you get information on budgeting for your homestead as well as the mechanics of actually getting yours up and running.

[Ryan M Marks]

Very informative. Definitely worth the money

[Ken Grevemberg]

Great Education

I've been curious about self sufficiency for some time and this author covered the topic in great detail. Very easy to comprehend.

[Marsha]

My favorite part of the book was the design process but... there wasn't as much information there as I wanted. Her personal journey to her homestead was also enjoyable to read about.