The Essential Book of Homesteading: The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Living

by Ashley English

All the information you need to homestead—gathered in one ultimate, essential book!
 
In barnyards and backyards, on rooftops and in alleyways, a movement is happening—the modern homesteading movement. Whether it’s turning a lawn into a vegetable garden, getting a flock of chickens, or transforming cucumbers into pickles, people everywhere are taking charge of their own food supply. Ashley English, a major figure in the return to homesteading, gives newcomers her time-honored tips for successfully overseeing food production in their own homes. Totally updating material from her phenomenal homesteading books— Keeping Bees , Keeping Chickens , Canning & Preserving , and Home Dairy —this collection covers everything from preserving jams and jellies to whipping butter and keeping a hive of honeybees.  Ashley provides entry points, troubleshooting tips, and inspiration for putting the food your family consumes back in your own hands.  

Genres: Nonfiction, Food, Nature

368 pages, Hardcover

Published April 4, 2017

About the author

Ashley English is the author of the "Homemade Living" book series (Lark Books) which showcases topics related to small-scale homesteading and some of the diverse ways people are reconnecting with their food and food communities and taking up sustainable food practices.

--from the author's blog

Reviews

[Cobagibu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this book. I checked it out at the library hoping for more of a Foxfire feel, but instead ended up with a book that only dealt with 4 aspects of "homesteading" - chickens, canning, cheese making, and bees. Interesting read, but as I have already read and practiced canning in water baths, there was little use for me.

This is not the "essential" book of homesteading.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the section on chickens.

The medical information seemed complete and gave the basics of where a disease or ailment came from and what to do about it. I found this to be the strongest section.
Information about housing and feeding was also good. Concise with a bit more of an overview but it was plenty of information. Many good problem solving ideas were included.

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt less like a book on sustainable living and more like a collection of the author's previous books repackaged into one big book. So if you haven't read her previous books, then go ahead, but if you've read her other stuff I don't think there's much new here.

[Jacqueline M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a combination of 4 books: Chickens, Bees, Dairy and Canning. I guess it was OK. If you're new to homesteading this is probably good guide. For me wouldn't be worth buying. The information is nicely arranged with helpful pictures.

[Jeani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible detailed information. Perfect for getting started on important, staple projects of homesteading, like raising chickens and bees, canning and gardening.

[Megan Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely resource for inspiration and practical advice for the hobby-farming enthusiast. The book is filled with captivating images and detailed tutorials, a go-to resource for homesteading advice.