Homesteading and Handmade Life: A Curated Collection for Sustainable Living
This shelf gathers the books that shaped my approach to sustainable living, from raising food and building soil to creating a life rooted in intention and self-sufficiency. Whether you’re tending a backyard garden or nurturing off-grid land like we are at the ranch, these titles will walk you through the practical steps and the mindset behind a truly handmade life. They remind you that homesteading isn’t about doing everything all at once it’s about growing with the seasons, finding balance between hard work and gratitude, and learning that each small project adds up to something bigger and deeply meaningful.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the homestead is never finished, it’s a living thing that changes with every harvest, every new skill, and every season of your life. These books have been the quiet teachers in that journey. They’ve helped me plan gardens in the desert, care for livestock with respect, preserve the harvest, and see beauty in the slow process of making a home by hand. Whether you’re building soil, mending clothes, or mixing dough by lamplight, this collection will meet you right where you are and remind you that sustainable living isn’t a trend, it’s a way of being that connects you to the land, your community, and yourself.
This post is part of my Handmade Life series, four curated collections of books that explore the art of making, growing, and living by hand. See them all here: The Best Books for a Handmade Life
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Books That Build a Homestead
The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery is the homesteading bible. This massive book covers absolutely everything, from growing vegetables and raising chickens to butchering meat and making soap. Emery wrote it over decades, adding to it as she raised her own family on a homestead, and her voice is warm, practical, and incredibly detailed. When you have a question about any aspect of country living, this is the book you reach for first. It's comprehensive in a way that no other homesteading book has ever matched, and it belongs on every homesteader's shelf.
The Resilient Farm and Homestead, Revised and Expanded Edition by Ben Falk is a masterclass in whole systems thinking. Falk spent twenty years developing his Vermont homestead using permaculture principles, and this book documents everything he learned. You'll find detailed information on water management, forest gardens, perennial food systems, and building structures that work with the land. The revised edition includes updates from his continued experience. This isn't a book of isolated projects. It's about designing an entire landscape that becomes more productive and resilient over time.
Nourishing the Homestead by Ben Hewitt takes you beyond the mechanics of homesteading into the deeper why. Hewitt and his family live on a Vermont homestead where they've focused on building soil health and growing nutrient-dense food. This book shows you how regenerative practices create food that actually nourishes your body while healing the land. Hewitt writes beautifully about the connection between healthy soil, healthy food, and healthy families. It's part practical guide, part meditation on what it means to live well.
Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown is one of the most inspiring books on regenerative agriculture you'll ever read. Brown took over his family's failing North Dakota farm and transformed it by focusing on soil health. He eliminated tillage, stopped using chemicals, and brought livestock back into the system. The results were remarkable, both ecologically and economically. Brown writes clearly about the principles that guided his transformation, making this book accessible whether you're farming thousands of acres or managing a small homestead. His story proves that you can heal damaged land and make it thrive.
The Seven-Step Homestead by Leah Webb breaks down the overwhelming dream of homesteading into manageable phases. Webb understands that most people can't just quit their jobs and move to a farm, so she gives you a realistic framework for building your homestead gradually. She covers everything from choosing land and building infrastructure to growing food and raising animals, all organized in a logical progression. This is the book that helps you create an actual plan instead of just daydreaming about someday.
Backyard Homesteading by David Toht is perfect for anyone working with limited space. You don't need acres to produce food and live more sustainably. Toht shows you how to maximize a small yard, from intensive vegetable gardening to keeping a few chickens and composting kitchen scraps. The book is encouraging and practical, full of projects that give you real results even in suburban settings. If you're homesteading where you are rather than waiting for your perfect piece of land, this book will show you how much you can actually accomplish.
Homesteading From Scratch by Steven Jones helps you bridge the gap between wanting to homestead and actually doing it. Jones understands the beginner's perspective because he was one himself not that long ago. He walks you through fundamental projects like building raised beds, setting up a chicken coop, and preserving your harvest, all with clear instructions and realistic expectations. The tone is friendly and encouraging, never overwhelming. This is the book that gets you started without making you feel like you need to know everything first.
Homesteading Basics by Gaia Rodale gives you a solid foundation in essential self-sufficiency skills. Rodale comes from the family behind Rodale's Organic Life, so sustainable living is in her DNA. This book covers the core systems you need, from food production and preservation to water management and energy use. Whether you're rural or suburban, you'll find practical guidance for becoming more self-reliant. The information is well-organized and approachable, making it easy to find what you need when you're ready to tackle a new skill.
Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners by Tammy Wylie takes the mystery out of starting a productive garden. Raised beds are ideal for homesteaders because they give you control over your soil, better drainage, and easier maintenance. Wylie covers everything from building and filling your beds to planning what to plant and when. She includes seasonal guides and troubleshooting advice that help you succeed no matter your climate. If you're starting your homestead garden and want results in your first season, this book will get you there.
Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth is the definitive guide to seed saving. If you want a truly resilient homestead, you need to know how to save your own seeds. Ashworth covers over 160 vegetables, explaining the botany, pollination requirements, and proper techniques for each one. This book teaches you how to maintain heirloom varieties, prevent cross-pollination, and store seeds for maximum viability. It's detailed and technical in the best way, giving you the knowledge to become independent from seed companies and preserve rare varieties for future generations.
Explore the Collection
I've gathered these titles so you can build your own homesteading library, whether you're just starting out or deepening your practice.
Start your homesteading journey here:
Supporting Local
Every book you purchase from this list supports Front Street Books in Alpine, Texas, the best little bookshop in Texas and one of my favorite local spots. By shopping through this collection, you are helping preserve independent bookstores while learning the skills that keep homesteading alive.
