Library Bookshelf

Messybun

Almost Self-Reliant
Joined
Apr 2, 2021
Messages
353
Reaction score
1,195
Points
150
Give me a book and you’ve given me the world -unknown

What are your favorite homesteading or self sufficiency books?
 

FarmerJamie

Mr. Sensitive
Joined
Dec 22, 2010
Messages
9,343
Reaction score
15,969
Points
393
We have the entire Foxfire series, multiple canning books, and my favorite (great memories of my grandparents), Jerry Baker's Great Green book of Gardening secrets.

The last is not really what I would call self-sufficient, but lots of low cost remedies
 

Messybun

Almost Self-Reliant
Joined
Apr 2, 2021
Messages
353
Reaction score
1,195
Points
150
We have the entire Foxfire series, multiple canning books, and my favorite (great memories of my grandparents), Jerry Baker's Great Green book of Gardening secrets.

The last is not really what I would call self-sufficient, but lots of low cost remedies
I absolutely consider thrifting and old fashioned remedies self-sufficiency! Thank you
 

tortoise

Wild Hare
Joined
Nov 8, 2009
Messages
8,419
Reaction score
15,104
Points
397
Location
USDA Zone 3b/4a
I keep a soapmaking book with tables so you can make your own recipes. I hope I never need it.

2 foraging/identification books specific to my region.

Current Ball canning cookbook.

A butchering book.

A book on homemade garden amendments. Interesting but not sure its good enough to share the title. I might like it better after I try it.

There is a book on small scale grain growing I want.
 

Alaskan

Almost Self-Reliant
Joined
Mar 16, 2021
Messages
1,127
Reaction score
3,183
Points
195
Location
Kenai Peninsula
Give me a book and you’ve given me the world -unknown

What are your favorite homesteading or self sufficiency books?
I think it is vital to have excellent foraging books for your specific region. I have a berry book, and several mushroom books, and a general plant gathering book.

I also find the little book on animal tracks of my area important to have. I know that sounds silly... but if the world crumbles, tracking and understanding what tracks you are looking at... so you know if you want to eat it, or it wants to eat your chickens, is important.

Also, a few gardening books ... I think regional ones are best.

I have been reading this book:
SmartSelect_20220519-222817_Samsung Internet.jpg


The info can also be used to build a house, and a root cellar, etc. Great ideas, and he has good clear explanations on how to make sure it doesn't all collapse on your head.

I highly recommend the book. And it is good wherever you might live... south or north.
 

Trying2keepitReal

Almost Self-Reliant
Joined
Oct 14, 2021
Messages
2,011
Reaction score
5,072
Points
195
Location
USDA growing zone 4a/4b
Right on in my pile on my desk, I have a variety of books but they all center are SS and
gardening:

This Organic Life: Confessions of a Suburban Homesteader

The Quarter-Acre Farm

The Self Sufficient Suburban Garden

The Dirty Life

Farm Journal's Freezing and Canning Cookbook

Growing Tomorrow
 

Mini Horses

Sustainability Master
Joined
Sep 2, 2015
Messages
7,071
Reaction score
14,452
Points
352
Location
coastal VA
I have many self printed articles, old books from 2nd hand for real cheap. Some hone in on a specific -- organics, garden pests, foraging, etc. Reference useful. One book that covers a lot of useful info, much old time methods...The Ultimate Guide to Homesteading by Nicole Faires, 2011. Not sure when or where I got it but, things like making lye (ash&rainwater) and how to check strength with an egg...🤔...soap making. The old way, not buying at the store. Lamps, knitting, moving things without equipment, building tips, canning, livestock info, training them, fence, wood types and use, seed, gardens, etc. Incredibly encompassing for living off grid/without if needed. Touches on a lot!

We all come across little looks that help. Never gonna be one for all things. :lol:
 

tortoise

Wild Hare
Joined
Nov 8, 2009
Messages
8,419
Reaction score
15,104
Points
397
Location
USDA Zone 3b/4a
I have many self printed articles, old books from 2nd hand for real cheap. Some hone in on a specific -- organics, garden pests, foraging, etc. Reference useful. One book that covers a lot of useful info, much old time methods...The Ultimate Guide to Homesteading by Nicole Faires, 2011. Not sure when or where I got it but, things like making lye (ash&rainwater) and how to check strength with an egg...🤔...soap making. The old way, not buying at the store. Lamps, knitting, moving things without equipment, building tips, canning, livestock info, training them, fence, wood types and use, seed, gardens, etc. Incredibly encompassing for living off grid/without if needed. Touches on a lot!

We all come across little looks that help. Never gonna be one for all things. :lol:
Can you share checking lye strength? I knew about rain + wood ash, but always wondered how to know if it was "good" or concentrated enough
 

Latest posts

Top