Book Review: The Backyard Homestead

Book: The Backyard Homestead (Paperback, 367 pgs)
Editor: Carleen Madigan
ISBN: 978-1-60342-138-6

Are you wanting to start a garden but don't have much space? Perhaps the thought running through your head is, "We only live on less than an acre...can we really do something with it?"

Well, if that's the case, then The Backyard Homestead is the book for you!

Ms. Madigan has delightfully presided over a book that takes first-time gardeners and those wishing to have a homestead or make a start in being self-sufficient through the different processes, from growing food to producting meat and eggs on their own property, to preserving the harvest and what could be produced even on a small scale. Trust me, the numbers are staggering, given the amount of land! With several layouts and diagrams of backyard homesteads that start from 1/10 of an acre and go up to 1/2 of an acre, Ms. Madigan shows others how it can be done.

That would usually be enough for any beginner; however, it doesn't stop there. The Backyard Homestead takes the time to explain the differences in animal breeds and, while not having full-color photos, has intricate and detailed diagrams showing various components of homestead living, from planting and harvesting grain to how to make your own beer, all from materials planted and grown no further than your own backyard. Each animal that is explained in the book also has a picture, making it easy to distinguish between breeds for animal husbandry.

One of the points I enjoyed most about this book was that it was written in simple terms, in easy to understand English. Some books seem to create the task of homesteading as daunting, which indeed it can be, but The Backyard Homestead shows how each task is broken down and done in its own way to contribute to self-sufficient living as a whole. Though the diagrams are detailed, they are not technical, and it will not feel as though you are reading another how-to book or a set of put-together furniture instructions.

The Backyard Homestead, most importantly, is the book to read before you begin adventuring into the world of homesteading, no matter how much land you own...but don't get me wrong, even if you have already started, you will still find yourself learning something! Specifically geared for those who want to become self-sufficient, but must do so on a small scale, this book shows you how to make your dreams of raising most of your own food true - even in the suburbs. It was a great read, packed full of information, and will undoubtedly become a featured addition to our home library.