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Backyard Homesteading: A Back-to-Basics Guide to Self-Sufficiency (Creative Homeowner) Learn How to Grow Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts & Berries, Raise Chickens, Goats, & Bees, and Make Beer, Wine, & Cider
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.
256 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2011
92 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 17, 2013
As far as beginning guides go, this backyard homesteading book covers a multitude of topic while including many color photographs. The only thing it lacks is a list of additional books that can give the reader further information in each section. Since this book only covers the very basics, it would be nice to know where to find additional knowledge in certain areas.
March 7, 2022
I think for a true beginner just considering this lifestyle, this would be closer to a 4 or 5. But if you have any experience with intensive gardening, food preservation, etc this isn't a very helpful book. The few areas I might be interested in (fermented beverages, chickens, fruit tree cultivation) were literally limited to a highlighted box on half a page each. So maybe this is a good introduction to discover what areas of homesteading are of interest to you and then seek more in depth guides elsewhere. For this reason it would have been nice to have "additional resources" at the end of each chapter.
Much space was devoted to items I did not find particularly helpful including an entire chapter on building garden sheds and a large section devoted to root cellaring (but only a built structure or use of basement. No information on alternatives for folks like me who don't have the ability to have this typical kind of root cellar).
This book would probably be far better for someone working with a very small surburban or urban lot. I would have probably liked this book more 5 years ago when I had a teeny historic urban lot in Old Louisville. Not that the information isn't helpful for those who have over an acre, it's just not quite as relevant and I don't think I"m the target audience.
Much space was devoted to items I did not find particularly helpful including an entire chapter on building garden sheds and a large section devoted to root cellaring (but only a built structure or use of basement. No information on alternatives for folks like me who don't have the ability to have this typical kind of root cellar).
This book would probably be far better for someone working with a very small surburban or urban lot. I would have probably liked this book more 5 years ago when I had a teeny historic urban lot in Old Louisville. Not that the information isn't helpful for those who have over an acre, it's just not quite as relevant and I don't think I"m the target audience.
February 16, 2022
One to purchase for reference.
April 15, 2013
The book gives practical information in an attractive and useful layout.
This is a great starting point for folks who are wondering if homesteading is right for them, of are thinking of adding more elements of self-sufficiency into their lifestyle.
It describes various methods of cultivating plants, and gives tips on growing the most common veggies. The author gives honest information on other aspects of homesteading, including, for example, discussing the pros and cons of raising goats. The tone is not self-righteous or preach-y, nor is it a rah-rah book for those already in the movement. I felt very comfortable skipping around to the topics that interested me.
This is not "the bible of homesteading", but if you want to know "what is homesteading?" and "can I do it?" this is a great resource for you.
This is a great starting point for folks who are wondering if homesteading is right for them, of are thinking of adding more elements of self-sufficiency into their lifestyle.
It describes various methods of cultivating plants, and gives tips on growing the most common veggies. The author gives honest information on other aspects of homesteading, including, for example, discussing the pros and cons of raising goats. The tone is not self-righteous or preach-y, nor is it a rah-rah book for those already in the movement. I felt very comfortable skipping around to the topics that interested me.
This is not "the bible of homesteading", but if you want to know "what is homesteading?" and "can I do it?" this is a great resource for you.
March 3, 2020
A wonderful overview of many of the basics in homesteading. Not necessarily off-grid homesteading but still goes over the main skills one needs for food and livestock on a homestead. It really is a great jumping off point that the reader can use to delve deeper into subjects including vegetable gardening, fruit trees, chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, bees, and harvesting and preserving your garden bounties. Within each of those subjects the book reviews more details. For example, preserving food could include canning, pickling, fermenting, dehydrating, or smoking. Chickens include building a coop, feeding, watering, gathering eggs, and breeding. The beautiful, colorful illustrations and photos are probably the best part of this book. Great place to start before going down the rabbit hole of researching particular subjects more in depth.
April 13, 2023
Scouted for recommendation & gifting for a ‘new adult’ interested in sustainability, budgeting, & beginner/simple homesteading.
This book has a little bit of everything concerning a backyard homestead. From beginning to moderate gardening, raising chickens & other backyard animals, to a multitude of projects, there’s plenty to dive into.
A nice introduction to homestead living, well photographed, & well written. This one sets up realistic expectations, and gives a wide overview of the many, many aspects of living with sustainable goals.
(Note: I did pick this up with a firm understanding of living on a homestead, as that was the entirety of my formative years. That said, I have no issues in recommending this book even without my previous experiences considered)
This book has a little bit of everything concerning a backyard homestead. From beginning to moderate gardening, raising chickens & other backyard animals, to a multitude of projects, there’s plenty to dive into.
A nice introduction to homestead living, well photographed, & well written. This one sets up realistic expectations, and gives a wide overview of the many, many aspects of living with sustainable goals.
(Note: I did pick this up with a firm understanding of living on a homestead, as that was the entirety of my formative years. That said, I have no issues in recommending this book even without my previous experiences considered)
June 28, 2025
I rate this book 5/5 stars! I found it highly informative for anyone interested in starting a homestead - either by purchasing land outside city limits or by creating a garden in your own backyard. Very detailed.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in producing food closer to home.
If you like quick, convenient food though (and there's nothing wrong with that) - you may not enjoy this book. Farming/gardening is hard work, and though you could scale down to store-bought plants in your backyard, this book covers both livestock and gardening in more detail.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in producing food closer to home.
If you like quick, convenient food though (and there's nothing wrong with that) - you may not enjoy this book. Farming/gardening is hard work, and though you could scale down to store-bought plants in your backyard, this book covers both livestock and gardening in more detail.
October 28, 2018
I really enjoyed the practical knowledge this book provided. It definitely hit a high level summary of many of the common/important aspects of creating a sustainable backyard garden/homestead. I will need to read into other areas more specifically in order to gain a deeper understanding/knowledge, but it was definitely a good book to start with to help me identify which areas I am more interested so I know which types of things to look into more thoroughly. Very informational!
May 5, 2024
I liked that this book had all the basics to homesteading from soil, food, and trees to animals, beekeeping, canning, and much more. It did make canning or working with any food quite scary and like everything will kill you. Technically, I know many things can but it made me nervous to start off on my own canning adventures.
This book is helpful to provide the basics. It is up to you to research more into whichever homesteading projects you decide to take up.
This book is helpful to provide the basics. It is up to you to research more into whichever homesteading projects you decide to take up.
August 4, 2018
Lots of inspiring ideas and photos, but to actually be successful at any one of the things mentioned in this book would take dedication, more knowledge and a few years of practice.
Also I am I the only one who thinks that canning needs to be streamlined? Surely there must be some middle tier of technology between boiling 6 jars and a multi-million dollar canning facility.
Also I am I the only one who thinks that canning needs to be streamlined? Surely there must be some middle tier of technology between boiling 6 jars and a multi-million dollar canning facility.
September 23, 2021
Nice primer with lots of pictures and well organized. Especially appreciate the regional-specific information.
Things we really want to build to long-term:
-Composting
-Chickens for eggs
-Bees
-Vegetable and herb gardens
-Fruit-bearing trees
-Canning
-Making our own beer
Just got to get that home + land.
Things we really want to build to long-term:
-Composting
-Chickens for eggs
-Bees
-Vegetable and herb gardens
-Fruit-bearing trees
-Canning
-Making our own beer
Just got to get that home + land.
September 10, 2024
3/5⭐️
Very average book with very average information. If this is your first time picking up a homesteading book, you may find this enjoyable!
Did not give any insightful information to me, as this is not the first homesteading book i've read.
Very average book with very average information. If this is your first time picking up a homesteading book, you may find this enjoyable!
Did not give any insightful information to me, as this is not the first homesteading book i've read.
December 18, 2018
Surprisingly comprehensive beginners guide spanning all the basics of homesteading from vegetable to animal.
February 20, 2022
Very practical
October 3, 2022
A visually appealing primer for backyard homesteading, with lots of ideas on how to get started and what to do. Interesting. Useful even if you aren't planning on going off the grid.
February 23, 2023
Love love love this book!
July 20, 2023
Informative
April 29, 2024
Definitely coming back to this book to reference more info
January 23, 2019
this book teaches you how to live with the basics of life and survive such as gardens animals ect
May 19, 2014
The star rating given reflects my opinion within ‘the official goodreads rating system’.
1 star: Didn’t Like it
2 stars: It’s Okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really Liked it
5 stars: It Was Amazing
I don’t really give a rat-fuck that there are some who think I ‘owe’ an explanation for my opinion. Nope, nada, and not sorry about it.
Sometimes I may add notes to explain what my opinions are based on, and sometimes I don’t. I do this for me, on my books, in my library and I don’t ‘owe’ any special snowflakes a thing. Fuck off if you don’t like it and stop reading my shit.
Particularly given the ‘modifications’ to reader’s personal content going on (and outright censorship), unless particularly motivated I will not comment in detail.
It would help if GR was forthcoming in the new ‘appropriate’ and would make a site-wide announcement delineating the new focus from a reader-centric site to one that is now for authors and selling.
1 star: Didn’t Like it
2 stars: It’s Okay
3 stars: Liked it
4 stars: Really Liked it
5 stars: It Was Amazing
I don’t really give a rat-fuck that there are some who think I ‘owe’ an explanation for my opinion. Nope, nada, and not sorry about it.
Sometimes I may add notes to explain what my opinions are based on, and sometimes I don’t. I do this for me, on my books, in my library and I don’t ‘owe’ any special snowflakes a thing. Fuck off if you don’t like it and stop reading my shit.
Particularly given the ‘modifications’ to reader’s personal content going on (and outright censorship), unless particularly motivated I will not comment in detail.
It would help if GR was forthcoming in the new ‘appropriate’ and would make a site-wide announcement delineating the new focus from a reader-centric site to one that is now for authors and selling.
July 1, 2020
I accidentally ordered this thinking it was a part of the series produced by Storey Publishing... Only to find out that it wasn't. Still, I'm actually really glad that I got this one, even if it wasn't intentional.
While I really like the other Backyard Homestead series by Storey Publishing, this one by David Toht introduces a few things that Storey's series does not: like how to build your Animal Shelters, how to deal with Municipal Regulations, Fruit Trees, and what to actually do once you've harvested your crops (like Canning, Smoking, and so on). This is all information that I had wished the Storey Publishing series had included, but which was lacking- and I'm glad to have found it in another book. It also offers a wide range of illustrations, color photographs, and even worksheets and tables that are a great help in all stages of Homestead development and Management.
While I really like the other Backyard Homestead series by Storey Publishing, this one by David Toht introduces a few things that Storey's series does not: like how to build your Animal Shelters, how to deal with Municipal Regulations, Fruit Trees, and what to actually do once you've harvested your crops (like Canning, Smoking, and so on). This is all information that I had wished the Storey Publishing series had included, but which was lacking- and I'm glad to have found it in another book. It also offers a wide range of illustrations, color photographs, and even worksheets and tables that are a great help in all stages of Homestead development and Management.
June 5, 2012
This is absolutely excellent for the type of book it is: an introduction into the concepts around urban/suburban homesteading. It gives the reader an overview and introduction to the ways they can transform their sub/urban lot into a productive space that provides food in various ways. If you are just getting into the idea of building your lot into a vege-producing mecca or even raising poultry/goats, then this book is simply an excellent starter for you!
Who it's not for: people who are already experienced in homesteading or in urban agriculture projects. Folks who are looking to optimize an already functioning food producing lot.
Who it's not for: people who are already experienced in homesteading or in urban agriculture projects. Folks who are looking to optimize an already functioning food producing lot.
April 16, 2012
I'm a sucker for a pretty book. And this is a pretty book. The pages feel good, the pictures are bright, even the illustrations are drawn nicely. This book is a well made book and for that it gets a star. On top of that it's a good intro book and provides everything in small (read not overwhelming as some homesteading books try to shove everything into 200 pages... you can't do that) sections. There is a lot of useful info and it definitely would be a basic starter book I'd recommend to future or just starting out urban/suburban homesteaders :D
June 18, 2012
A great introduction to backyard homesteading and many foundational aspects of growing for yourself and your family (including useful tables like vegetable needs for an adult, yield per foot, etc.). Toht's broad focus is great for offering an inspirational taste of what a backyard is capable of producing under industrious hands. Read or skim it, find what resonates with your capabilities and personal tastes, and then go out and use this as a jumping-off point for more learning and experimenting!
October 7, 2012
I have read a more than a few books on this topic. This one does an excellent job of explaining what options you REALLY can pull off in your suburban backyard. Covers topics such as management of smaller flocks, small breed goats, what to grow and how to do it to add food to your table. A great book for beginners and those with tons of actual farm experience trying to make it work in the city.
September 27, 2012
This was a really good book! And super-informative!
Most of the time books like this just briefly introduce each topic, but this one actually had tons of info for each topic. It was definitely a thorough introduction.
Most of the time books like this just briefly introduce each topic, but this one actually had tons of info for each topic. It was definitely a thorough introduction.
October 15, 2012
I found the information very useful in helping plan out and prepare our small space for the garden next year. The additional sections were interesting and it makes me want more land so I can have chickens again.
January 4, 2015
My Dad is not going to be pleased by the list of projects I will be asking for help with in the future, but oh well! This book was amazing and taught me quite a bit about the things I wish to do, though I still have some questions..
September 7, 2013
Useful book on how to.
September 16, 2014
A little about a lot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews