14 Essential Books on Homesteading for Every Beginner

Discover the best books on homesteading to cultivate your self-sufficient lifestyle with expert tips, inspiring stories, and practical wisdom.
14 Essential Books on Homesteading for Every Beginner

Top Quick Picks For You

Affordable Winner

Mini Farming

Mini Farming

Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre offers an accessible and budget-friendly approach to homesteading, making it a practical choice for those looking to start without a significant financial commitment.

Best for Beginners

Simple Homesteading

Simple Homesteading

A Beginner's Guide to Simple Homesteading is specifically tailored for newcomers, providing easy-to-follow instructions on growing food and embracing self-sufficiency.

Best for Sustainable Living

Mind Body Soil

Mind Body Soil

Holistic Homesteading | Mind Body Soil focuses on sustainable practices in gardening and self-sufficiency, making it ideal for those committed to eco-friendly living.

Best for DIY Enthusiasts

Small Scale Homesteading

Small Scale Homesteading

This book offers hands-on projects allowing DIY enthusiasts to engage in building and crafting essential elements for their homestead, fostering creativity and self-sufficiency.

Best Books on Homesteading

Discovering the joys of self-sufficiency and sustainable living can be a transformative journey, and what better way to embark on this adventure than through the page-turning wisdom of the best books on homesteading? These insightful tomes serve as your trusted companions, guiding you through everything from gardening and raising livestock to preserving your harvest. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills or a curious beginner eager to embrace a simpler way of life, this curated selection will ignite your passion for homesteading and nurture your connection to the land.

Affordable Winner: Mini Farming

Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre
Highlights
Well-organized content
Comprehensive gardening guidance
Helpful charts and photos

When it comes to diving into the world of homesteading, “Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre” stands out as our Affordable Winner .

This engaging guide is packed with well-organized content that simplifies the homesteading experience without breaking the bank .

With its comprehensive gardening guidance and helpful charts, you'll quickly become a pro in sustainable living .

However, newcomers might find some sections a tad overwhelming, and it's geared towards smaller scale setups, which might not suit everyone .

Still, for those eager to roll up their sleeves and embark on a self-sufficient journey, this book is a delightful and practical choice!

Be sure to also check out the best books on cholesterol for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Mini Farming on Amazon

Best for Beginners: Simple Homesteading

A Beginner's Guide to Simple Homesteading: Grow and Preserve Irresistible Organic Fruits and Vegetables, Raise Healthy Hens, and Embrace a Self-Sufficient Lifestyle. No Farm Required.
Highlights
Beginner-friendly instructions
Budget-friendly DIY projects
Wide range of topics covered

We’re excited to introduce you to A Beginner's Guide to Simple Homesteading, our pick for the Best for Beginners .

This accessible manual is designed specifically for those just starting out on the journey toward self-sufficiency .

With easy-to-follow instructions, it covers everything from growing your own food to budget-friendly DIY projects, making it a fantastic starting point .

Although advanced homesteaders might find it basic, the wide array of topics ensures beginners won't feel overwhelmed .

Plus, it's perfect for those with limited space .

With 94 reviews and a stellar 4.8-star rating, this book is a must-have for aspiring homesteaders!

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Price history for Simple Homesteading on Amazon

Best for Sustainable Living: Mind Body Soil

Holistic Homesteading | Mind Body Soil: Transform Your Life with Self-Sufficient Practices in Gardening, Herbal Remedies, Canning & Preservation for a Modern Sustainable Home
Highlights
Practical and accessible tips
Encourages mindfulness and sustainability
Well-organized seasonal structure

Holistic Homesteading | Mind Body Soil has quickly become a favorite among our team for those passionate about sustainable living .

This engaging read serves up practical and accessible tips that encourage mindfulness and eco-friendliness in every aspect of gardening and self-sufficiency .

Structured seasonally, it allows readers to easily implement its concepts throughout the year .

While some topics may not dive deeply enough for seasoned homesteaders, it's a fantastic resource for novices looking to grow their green thumb .

With a stellar rating of 4.9 stars, it's a clear winner for anyone eager to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle!

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Price history for Mind Body Soil on Amazon

Best for DIY Enthusiasts: Small Scale Homesteading

Small Scale Homesteading for Beginners: An Easy To Use Guide to Start Your Own Backyard Homestead, Become Self Sufficient, Grow Food Naturally to Spend Less and Live a Healthy, Eco-Friendly Life
Highlights
Comprehensive guides available
Suitable for beginners
Practical tips provided

We’re excited to share our thoughts on this fantastic book, which we’ve crowned as the “Best for DIY Enthusiasts.” Perfect for those looking to roll up their sleeves, this book offers a wealth of hands-on projects that spark creativity and promote self-sufficiency .

With comprehensive guides and practical tips, it’s a treasure trove for beginners eager to dive into the world of homesteading .

While it’s true that some advanced topics are a bit scarce and not every author’s expertise shines through equally, the engaging content truly makes it a must-have for anyone ready to embark on their DIY journey.

Be sure to also check out the best books on putting for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Small Scale Homesteading on Amazon

Back to Basics Guides

Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills (Back to Basics Guides)
Highlights
Rich in survival skills
Comprehensive topic coverage
Helpful illustrations

When diving into homesteading, we often turn to the classics that have stood the test of time .

This book is rich in survival skills and offers comprehensive topic coverage, making it a valuable resource for both novices and seasoned homesteaders alike .

The helpful illustrations guide you through the processes with ease, though we recommend a gentle approach for beginners as it can be a tad overwhelming .

While some of the content may feel a bit old-fashioned and it does lack certain herbal remedies, the timeless wisdom contained within is truly worth exploring .

Get ready to cultivate your green thumb!

Be sure to also check out the best books on flirting for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Back to Basics Guides on Amazon

40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead

40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead: A Hands-on, Step-by-Step Sustainable-Living Guide (Creative Homeowner) Fences, Chicken Coops, Sheds, Gardening, and More for Becoming Self-Sufficient
Highlights
Comprehensive DIY guidance
Step-by-step instructions
Great for beginners

We absolutely love The Homesteading Handbook published by Creative Homeowner !

This gem, perfect for beginners, offers comprehensive DIY guidance that simplifies the often-daunting journey of self-sustaining living .

With its step-by-step instructions, you'll find yourself feeling empowered to grow your own food, raise animals, and embrace a sustainable lifestyle .

However, keep in mind that this book may not cater to seasoned homesteaders, and we've seen some complaints about binding quality—so inspect your copy upon arrival !

Despite these minor setbacks, with a solid rating of 4.6 stars, it’s a fantastic resource to kickstart your homesteading adventure!

Be sure to also check out the best books on hermeticism for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for 40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead on Amazon

Homesteading Guide Books on Homesteading

Homesteading: A Backyard Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energy, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More (Back to Basics Guides)
Highlights
Comprehensive information
Beginner-friendly
High customer rating

When we first laid our hands on this homesteading guide, we knew we had found a gem in the literature world .

Published by Skyhorse and now in its second edition, this book packs an incredible 464 pages of comprehensive information that’s perfect for both seasoned pros and enthusiastic beginners .

With a stellar rating of 4.8 stars from nearly 1,000 reviews, it's clear that readers appreciate its depth and accessibility .

However, be warned — its size and weight might be a workout in themselves !

If you’re serious about homesteading, this guide is a must-have resource, despite its slight heft.

Be sure to also check out the best book on homeopathy for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Homesteading Guide on Amazon

Encyclopedia of Country Living

The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 50th Anniversary Edition: The Original Manual for Living Off the Land & Doing It Yourself (Homesteading & Off-Grid Survival)
Highlights
Extensive information coverage
Practical advice from author
Well-organized with indexes

Dive into the world of self-sufficiency with this comprehensive guide on homesteading !

Published by Sasquatch Books, this Anniversary edition boasts a whopping 928 pages filled with extensive insights and practical advice from seasoned experts .

While it’s a treasure trove of information, its substantial weight might feel daunting for some, particularly beginners who could find the breadth of content overwhelming .

However, the well-organized structure and handy indexes make it easy to navigate even its heavy pages .

With a stellar 4.8-star rating, it reigns supreme as a must-have resource for any aspiring homesteader looking to thrive!

Be sure to also check out the best book on landscaping for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Encyclopedia of Country Living on Amazon

Old Farmer's Almanac

The Old Farmer's Almanac Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook (Gardener's Handbooks, 1)
Highlights
Easy to read
Helpful for beginners
Good visual aids

If you're diving into the world of homesteading, we think you'll find this book from the Old Farmer's Almanac to be an absolute gem .

With 208 pages of clear, concise guidance, it makes complex topics accessible—perfect for anyone new to the scene .

The visual aids are especially helpful, making it a breeze to follow along, even if you're just starting out .

However, it’s worth noting that some of the photos could be clearer, and the book doesn't delve deeply into regional specifics .

Still, with a stellar rating of 4.8 stars from readers, it’s undoubtedly a fantastic starting point for your homesteading journey!

Be sure to also check out the best book on horse racing for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Old Farmer's Almanac on Amazon

Homesteading Handbook Books on Homesteading

The Homesteading Handbook: A Back to Basics Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energy, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More (Handbook Series)
Highlights
Chock-full of information
Good for beginners
Well-organized and visually appealing

When it comes to embarking on your homesteading journey, this book is a treasure trove of practical insights !

With 272 pages packed with chock-full information, it’s perfect for beginners eager to dive into the world of sustainable living .

We love its well-organized layout and visually appealing design, which makes it easy to find just what you need .

However, be mindful that it may not cover every advanced topic you might be hoping for .

Plus, some readers have noted potential print quality issues .

Still, with a solid 4.6-star rating from over 726 reviews, it’s definitely a worthy addition to your library!

Be sure to also check out the best book on palm reading for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Homesteading Handbook on Amazon

Heirloom Skills

Heirloom Skills: A Complete Guide to Modern Homesteading
Highlights
Great for beginners
Beautiful photos
Wide range of subjects

We're excited to dive into this enlightening gem that is perfect for newcomers to the homesteading scene !

With its stunning photos and a delightful variety of subjects, this book is more than just a read—it's a visual feast that inspires action .

While it may skim over advanced topics and the depth some experienced homesteaders crave, it serves as a fantastic starting point for aspiring self-sufficiency advocates .

If you're looking for a solid foundation and a sprinkle of creativity in your homesteading journey, this book might just be the spark you need!

Be sure to also check out the best books on parenting young adults for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Heirloom Skills on Amazon

Backyard Homestead

The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!
Highlights
Extensive information provided
Well-illustrated for clarity
Accessible for beginners

We absolutely loved diving into this comprehensive guide on homesteading !

With 368 pages packed full of extensive information and backed by stellar illustrations, this book truly makes the basics accessible for beginners .

While it may not provide a step-by-step roadmap, its wealth of insights encourages a little extra research to deepen your understanding .

It’s a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to embrace the homesteading lifestyle !

With a strong Amazon ranking and glowing 4.8-star reviews, you’ll find this gem both enjoyable and enlightening .

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dig into sustainable living!

Be sure to also check out the best books on preparing for death for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Backyard Homestead on Amazon

Living Off-Grid Homesteading 101 Books on Homesteading

LIVING OFF-GRID HOMESTEADING 101: Buy Your Land & Build Your Dream House, Build Solar or Alternative Energy Systems, Collect & Purify Rainwater, ... Expand Your Pantry by Raising Chickens, Lea
Highlights
Great for beginners
Informative and detailed
Good addition to library

When it comes to homesteading, this book is an excellent choice for beginners !

With 149 pages packed with informative and detailed insights, it’s a valuable addition to anyone's library .

While it may lack a plethora of photos and doesn’t delve deeply into layouts, it compensates with its clear explanations and practical advice .

Many readers appreciate its straightforward approach, making it easier to jump into the world of self-sufficiency .

At a best sellers rank of #12 in Energy Efficient Remodeling and a 4.4-star rating from 57 reviews, this book is a worthy partner on your homesteading journey!

Be sure to also check out the best books on reincarnation for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Living Off-Grid Homesteading 101 on Amazon

Ball Complete Book

Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
Highlights
Beginner-friendly instructions
400 diverse recipes
Strong safety emphasis

We’re excited to introduce a standout title in the homesteading genre that promises to be your go-to guide !

With its beginner-friendly approach, this book provides over 400 diverse recipes in canning and preserving, making it perfect for anyone eager to dive into home food preservation .

The strong emphasis on safety tips is a huge plus, ensuring you’re well-informed as you venture into this rewarding lifestyle .

However, be prepared for some hefty recipes requiring large quantities, and keep in mind it has a focused scope on canning .

Despite being a heavy paperback, its substantial content is definitely worth the effort for aspiring homesteaders !

With ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from 20 readers, this book is a top pick for anyone looking to enrich their homesteading journey.

Be sure to also check out the best books on entomology for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Ball Complete Book on Amazon

Raised-Bed Gardening

Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners: Your Guide to Growing Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
Highlights
Easy to understand
Helpful illustrations
Great for beginners

We’re excited to share our thoughts on this homesteading gem !

With its easy-to-understand language and helpful illustrations, this book is a fantastic choice for beginners eager to dive into sustainable living .

It’s straightforward and packed with practical tips that make starting your own homestead feel achievable .

However, it’s worth noting that more experienced homesteaders might find it lacking in advanced techniques .

Plus, we've heard the spine may come unglued—an issue to keep in mind .

Still, with a stellar rating of 4.6 stars, this book deserves a spot on your shelf if you're just starting out!

Be sure to also check out the best books on revelations for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Raised-Bed Gardening on Amazon

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