Build It Better Yourself

by Organic Gardening Magazine Editors

The gardener and homesteader is provided with photographs, plans, and step-by-step instructions for constructing outbuildings, greenhouses, fences, beehives, bridges, garden carts, chicken houses, and other utilitarian items

Genres: Nonfiction, Woodwork, How To, Reference

960 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1977

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of projects aimed at a small farm or homestead. Includes small green houses, coops, cold frames, small barns and the like. Also contains a short bit on tools and techniques. My copy has several blueprints included but it's possible the previous owner bought them from Rodales. If you have a bit of acreage and are an amateur farmer and DIYer, this would be a good book for you.

[penny shima glanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within the 942 pages of this book you will find projects that are still of use for the modern suburban homeowner. From gardening ideas to beautiful decorative planters there are many ideas and instructions. I’m not sure how many of us will need to build a goat manger, but beehives and step stools are easy to build and useful. There are also plans for chicken coops, while I dream of eggs that fresh, that is a bit beyond me at this time. While I feel that this book is for someone who is familiar and comfortable around tools and techniques, there is a chapter A Build-It-Yourself’s Encyclopedia of Terms, Tools, and Techniques. That said, I think if you’ve never held a hammer you may feel overwhelmed with many of the larger projects. The smaller projects, boxes of various sizes and for different needs, would probably be more approachable and great projects to work on with a child.

If you can find a copy, I recommend you give it a chance.

My more detailed thoughts are available on my website.

[Sarah]

a birthday present! just what i wanted.. older but with a great glossary in the back for referring for the technical language that can feel so daunting. many good build ideas.

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farm season shelved for winter project times

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no idea why anyone interested in farm/simple living would rate this book anything below 4 or 5 stars. Must have! Each project has instructions and a material list of what you'd need to make it. Find one of these today.

[Randa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book for years and always discover something useful. Sent stepson a copy of chair plans so he could build one while a-sea!

[Denni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book was written in the 70's, I found great ideas and contraptions for gardening, food storage, energy saving, living off the land...