Recommended Reading: Backyard Homesteading - A Back-To-Basics Guide to Self-Sufficiency

This book encompasses a little more than we do with our backyard garden, but it drives home the point of being self-sufficient in the things that we do.  We don't have any chickens, pigs, or horses in our backyard, but under different circumstances, we'd sure enjoy that too!

Buy this book HERE

Backyard Homesteading addresses the needs of many people who want to take control of the food they eat and the products they use--even if they live in a urban or suburban house on a typical-size lot. It shows homeowners how to turn their yard into a productive and wholesome "homestead" that allows them to grow their own fruits and vegetables, and raise farm animals, including chickens and goats. Backyard Homesteading covers the laws and regulations of raising livestock in populated areas and demonstrates to readers how to use and preserve the bounty they produce.

GETTING STARTED
* Benefits of pure food
* Family recreation
* Local regulations
* Potential yields and savings
RAISING VEGETABLES AND HERBS
* Garden planning/layout
* Structures/irrigation
* Vegetable profi les
* Planting techniques
* Composting/healthy soil
* Seasonal gardening
GROWING FRUITS, BERRIES, AND NUTS
* Planting fruit trees and bushes
* Fruit profiles
* Organic pest control
* Grafting and pruning
* Harvesting methods
RAISING CHICKENS
* The joy of chickens
* Collecting eggs
* Care and feeding tips
* Other small animals
RAISING GOATS
* Benefits of goat milk
* Structures/fencing
* Care and feeding tips
* Other large animals
BEEKEEPING
* Benefits of beekeeping
* Care and harvesting
* Building hives
* Collecting honey
HARVEST HOME
* Canning/drying/freezing
* Making beer, wine, cider
* Making jerky, sausage
* Making jams, jellies
* Pickling/salting/smoking
* Building root cellars