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10 Best Homesteading Books for Self-Sufficient Living (2026)

Build your self-sufficient lifestyle with these comprehensive guides covering farming, animal husbandry, food preservation, and sustainable living.

Homesteading encompasses an enormous range of skills—from raising chickens to preserving harvests, from building soil to building structures. The best resources balance inspiration with practical how-to, helping you develop self-reliance regardless of whether you have forty acres or a suburban lot. These books represent decades of accumulated wisdom from people who've actually lived this life.

Books & Affiliate Links

#TitleBest ForPriceISBN/ASINAmazon Link
1The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla EmeryComplete reference$301632172895Buy on Amazon
2The Backyard Homestead by Carleen MadiganSmall acreage$201603421386Buy on Amazon
3Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre by Brett MarkhamUrban homesteaders$151602399840Buy on Amazon
4The Self-Sufficient Life by John SeymourClassic guide$350756654505Buy on Amazon
5Storey's Basic Country SkillsSkill building$251580172024Buy on Amazon
6The Market Gardener by Jean-Martin FortierFarm income$250865717656Buy on Amazon
7Barnyard in Your Backyard by Gail DamerowRaising livestock$201580174566Buy on Amazon
8The Resilient Farm and Homestead by Ben FalkPermaculture approach$401603584447Buy on Amazon
9The Homesteader's Herbal Companion by Amy FewellHerbal remedies$221493035150Buy on Amazon
10The Have-More Plan by Ed and Carolyn RobinsonGetting started$151586853015Buy on Amazon

Book Details

1. The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery

At over 900 pages, this comprehensive reference covers virtually every aspect of country living from gardening and food preservation to butchering livestock and making soap. Carla Emery spent decades compiling this knowledge, creating a single volume that answers questions you haven't even thought to ask yet. Perfect for anyone who wants one definitive resource they can turn to for years as their homesteading journey evolves.

2. The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan

This practical guide proves you don't need a sprawling farm to become more self-sufficient, with detailed plans for producing food on as little as a quarter acre. Readers learn how to grow fruits and vegetables, raise chickens and bees, and preserve their harvest through clear, actionable projects. Ideal for suburban homesteaders who want to maximize every square foot of their available land.

3. Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre by Brett Markham

Brett Markham demonstrates intensive farming methods that allow you to grow a significant portion of your family's food in a surprisingly small space. The book covers bio-intensive techniques, composting, seed saving, and strategies for extending your growing season year-round. Urban and suburban dwellers with limited outdoor space will find this guide particularly valuable for maximizing productivity.

4. The Self-Sufficient Life by John Seymour

John Seymour's beautifully illustrated classic has inspired generations of homesteaders with its timeless wisdom and comprehensive approach to country living. The detailed drawings and practical instructions cover everything from growing crops and raising animals to crafting and building, presented with an aesthetic charm that modern guides often lack. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the philosophy behind self-sufficient living alongside the practical skills.

5. Storey's Basic Country Skills

This wide-ranging handbook serves as a practical how-to guide for dozens of essential country skills, from fencing and equipment maintenance to food preservation and animal care. Each topic receives enough depth to get you started while pointing toward more specialized resources for deeper learning. Best suited for beginners who want to sample many aspects of country living before specializing.

6. The Market Gardener by Jean-Martin Fortier

Jean-Martin Fortier shares his proven system for running a profitable small-scale organic farm, generating substantial income from just 1.5 acres without tractors or heavy equipment. Readers learn about crop planning, efficient bed layouts, direct sales strategies, and the economics of small farming. Essential for anyone who wants to turn their homestead into an income-generating business through farmers markets and CSA programs.

7. Barnyard in Your Backyard by Gail Damerow

Gail Damerow provides expert guidance on raising chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, goats, sheep, and other small livestock in backyard settings. The book covers housing, feeding, health care, and breeding with a focus on manageable scale and practical considerations. Perfect for homesteaders ready to add animals to their operation but unsure where to start.

8. The Resilient Farm and Homestead by Ben Falk

Ben Falk applies permaculture principles and regenerative design to create a thriving homestead in Vermont's challenging cold climate, documenting a decade of hands-on experimentation. The book covers water harvesting, food forests, land management, and building systems that become more productive and resilient over time. Invaluable for homesteaders in northern climates or anyone interested in designing their property for long-term sustainability.

9. The Homesteader's Herbal Companion by Amy Fewell

Amy Fewell bridges the gap between homesteading and herbalism, teaching readers how to grow, harvest, and use medicinal herbs for their families and livestock. The book covers natural remedies for common ailments, herbal preparations for animal health, and strategies for integrating herbs into your homestead garden. A must-have for those who want to reduce dependence on conventional medicine and embrace natural wellness.

10. The Have-More Plan by Ed and Carolyn Robinson

This classic guide from the 1940s remains remarkably relevant, offering a step-by-step blueprint for transitioning from city life to a more self-sufficient existence. The Robinsons' practical wisdom and encouraging tone help beginners avoid common pitfalls while building confidence in their new skills. Ideal for those just starting their homesteading journey who want a proven roadmap from experienced mentors.

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