Learning before we could start.

(This article contains affiliate links) 

In the beginning we didn’t have land…at least not enough.  However we did know that we wanted to live as self sufficiently as possible.    So what did we do?

 

We studied.

I spent down time absorbing every YouTube video I could. I became enamored with  people like Justin Rhodes at  https://youtube.com/@thejustinrhodesshow?si=sCpr2ES2Eio9djkj, Homesteady at https://youtube.com/@homesteadyshow?si=eOpmK0dAzxDih7ug, David Burns at https://youtube.com/@beek?si=Yroa3gbao6FpEFI6, and Delci at https://youtube.com/@delcifromalifeofheritage?si=JPzieSa1PrD3M5aw. Plus many…many others. I tried to find a mix of people who did very well at the exact thing we are trying to accomplish sonwe could get decent broad lessons on a lot of topics as well a few that focused very heavily on one certain topic so I could get more detailed information

 

I also developed a reference library, some of which is pictured above.  I know almost everyrhing we have in a physical book is on the internet, but having a physical book that you can write notes in, highlight. And go to refeence wothout needing internet is just nice.  I’ll post amazon affiliate links below to as many of these books as I can find.

 

The Backyard Homestead https://amzn.to/3XGa6dK - This is I believe the first book in this line and I’ve loved all of them. It was written in very broad terms and as such gives the basic information on almost every major topic in homesteading.  It also has sample layouts to turn different sized properties into a functional homestead. If you have a short attention span and learn from short “bullet point” type lessons this book is laid out perfectly.

 

The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals https://amzn.to/3xBzsis - While the first book very breifly covers some small animals this book begins to focus more on difrent animals and their specific needs.

 

The Backyard Homestead Planner https://amzn.to/3xB2miC - I got this early in the planning phase to give me an idea about chores that I had no idea I know I would have to plan for.    It’s a great for people who need written reminders to take care of tasks…like me.

 

The Woodland Homestead https://amzn.to/4cWP1jZ - we have a little over 18 acers, all but about 3 acers is mature forest.  I bought this book to help give ideas for forest management and how to integrate silvopasture and food forests into out homestead.

 

The Merek Veterinary Manual (current addition as of 6/27/24 https://amzn.to/3XHRpqe   or to save a little bit of money the 10^th edition https://amzn.to/4bs7JhT. – these books are literally filled with information on nearly everything that can effect nearly any animal you are likely to have.   I only have two complaints… the print is small, and the paper they used is thin… I understand why, if they used thicker paper and big print this book would be huge, or likely a several book set.  But it is definitely not a field guide and should stay safely inside the house.

 

Natural Disease and Pest Control https://amzn.to/3L34rHm - I got this at recommendation of a coworker. It’s been amazing in getting slugs and beatles out of our garden.  The best thing is a lot of the remedies aren’t  expensive.

 

The Fox Fire series… aparently now there are 17 books…  I thought there where only 6. All the books Ive read are great, the 1^st one has the most “how to” stuff in it.. the rest have a little bit “how to” mixed with lore and lessons.  https://amzn.to/45HtE3u

Number 1 https://amzn.to/4ciXDBh

1-12 https://amzn.to/3W0wXje

 

Self Sufficiency in the 21^st Century https://amzn.to/4cFF1Ly is another great book that gives a lot of basic information on a lot of different topics. It also has a lot of idea and projects to make things more efficient or to accomplish things on a budget with supplies you may have on hand.

 

The Complete book to Self Sufficiency by John Seymour https://amzn.to/4cpaCSg - I have and love this book, it didn’t make the picture because I left it in my truck. The name Seymour is one of the greats in homesteading. Again it’s one of those great reference books that gives you a starter lesson on almost everything and goes more in depth than the Backyard Homestead book.