If there’s one thing homesteaders love, it’s being able to hold physical and tangible tools. And there are few better tools when learning homesteading skills than excellent books. Homesteading emphasizes self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a connection to the land, and good books are a tremendous way to learn and develop these skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced homesteader, reading causes us to stop and be patient. There are often stories woven into the most practical of books which make them indispensable treasures on our own journey toward health. Reading is an excellent way to learn about new techniques, gain new perspectives, and stay inspired. And it’s an excellent way to remember that we’re not alone — plenty of folks have gone out before us to blaze the path we’re looking to follow. Here are the top books that homesteaders should add to their reading list.

The 8 Best Homesteading Books

A Farmer’s Guide to the Bottom Line by Charles Walters: Charles Walters was the son of a Kansas farmer who grew up during the end of the Dust Bowl. His love of farming led to him joining and working for the National Farmer’s Organization (NFO), a group dedicated to using collective bargaining to obtain a better business deal for the ordinary family farmer. And that is the purpose of this book — how the small farmer can make a living. “This book is the culmination of Acres U.S.A. founder Charles Walters’ lifetime of experience, written in his honest, straight-ahead style, outlining how the small farmer-entrepreneur can find his way to a profitable bottom line.” This classic book is a comprehensive guide to organic farming that covers everything from soil management to crop rotation to pest control. It’s a great resource for homesteaders who are interested in growing their own food using sustainable methods. Get a copy today!

The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour: Originally published over 40 years ago, this classic book is a tour-de-force guide to homesteading and self-sufficient living. This book shares detailed, step-by-step instructions on all sorts of things — from chopping trees to harnessing solar power, growing fruit and vegetables, and preserving and pickling your harvest — you’ll find everything you need. Want to make bread? Brew beer? Make cheese? This book has it all. You’ll learn how to live off the land, run your own smallholding or homestead, keep chickens, and raise livestock. It may take you the rest of your life to put everything here into practice — but it will be well worth the effort. Check it out!

Everything Worth Preserving by Melissa K Norris — you don’t just get one or two preservation methods with this masterpiece — you get the nine most essential methods to preserve your food at home. Complete with easy-to-read charts and over 80 delicious recipes, this book has everything you need to take that backyard harvest and preserve it throughout the year! Popular podcaster and 5th generation homesteader Melissa K. Norris teaches you how to preserve everything from fruits, vegetables, and meats for year-round feasting. You’ll learn which methods can be used for each food, as well as crucial safety techniques. You’ll get expert tips, detailed instructions, and easy-to-use recipes to preserve your food. Buy your copy right now!

The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan: This book is a great resource for homesteaders who have a small amount of land and want to maximize its potential. You don’t need 40 acres in the rural woods to start growing a huge amount of your own food — this book shows you how to produce a huge crop on only ¼ acre to land! With tons of actionable, practical information on growing and preserving food, you’ll be eating healthy in no time! You’ll learn about the sustainable harvesting of grains and vegetables; raising animals for meat, eggs, and dairy — and even keeping honey bees! With easy-to-follow instructions on canning, drying, and pickling, you’ll be able to enjoy your backyard harvest all winter long! Get your copy today!

The One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka: This influential book by Japanese farmer and philosopher Masanobu Fukuoka is a must-read for homesteaders who are interested in permaculture and sustainable agriculture. We can’t do any better than the overview for this book: 

“Call it “Zen and the Art of Farming” or a “Little Green Book,” Masanobu Fukuoka’s manifesto about farming, eating, and the limits of human knowledge presents a radical challenge to the global systems we rely on for our food. At the same time, it is a spiritual memoir of a man whose innovative system of cultivating the earth reflects a deep faith in the wholeness and balance of the natural world. As Wendell Berry writes in his preface, the book “is valuable to us because it is at once practical and philosophical. It is an inspiring, necessary book about agriculture because it is not just about agriculture.” 

This is a unique and needed perspective on farming and we related to the world around us. Here is a practical guide on how to grow food in harmony with nature. Check out this fascinating book here.

The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Katz: This comprehensive guide to fermentation covers everything from sauerkraut and kimchi to beer and wine. And, as Michael Pollan notes, this work is “much more than a cookbook… It is also a declaration of independence from an economy that would much prefer we were all passive consumers of its commodities, rather than creators of unique products expressive of ourselves and the places where we live.”

This book is a must-have resource for homesteaders who want to learn about the ancient practice of fermentation and how to preserve food for the long term. Join in and start fermenting your own food today!

The Lean Farm by Ben Hartman: “The Lean Farm tells the story of how Clay Bottom Farm stumbled upon the lean system to turn their small farm around. It is the winner of multiple awards, including the prestigious Shingo Prize.” This practical guide to farming does what it says on the cover — you’ll learn how to “minimize waste, increase efficiency, and maximize value and profits — all with less work.” This sensational book covers everything you need when starting a vegetable garden to feed your family. You don’t want to miss out on learning the lessons that Ben developed from his time on Clay Bottom Farm. Buy your copy here!

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver: This memoir by bestselling author Barbara Kingsolver is a must-read for homesteaders who are interested in sustainable living and local food systems. The Boston Globe summarizes this lovely book wonderfully: ““A profound, graceful, and literary work of philosophy and economics, well tempered for our times, and yet timeless. . . . It will change the way you look at the food you put into your body. Which is to say, it can change who you are.” This book covers the Kingsolver family’s experiences of growing their own food and living a self-sufficient lifestyle with grace and depth. Pick up a copy here!

These are some of the most important books you should add to your homesteading reading list. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced homesteader, these books offer valuable insights and practical advice on how to live a self-sufficient lifestyle and grow your own food.