The Owner-Built Homestead

<p>Homesteading is small-scale intensive agriculture with a self-reliant attitude. Since the 1970s-when this book was first published-countless numbers have flocked to the countryside in search of self-sufficiency and refuge from cities and suburbs. This is the book that guided them. And now 50 years later it is finally back in print for a new generation of aspiring homesteaders.</p><p>Written in simple direct language <i>The Owner-Built Homestead </i>contains volumes of information about various aspects of settling and farming the land including vegetable gardening raising animals maintaining a fish pond harvesting trees and building a green house. This book encourages a modest country life of self-reliance and at least partial economic self-sufficiency. In addition to agrarians and full-time homesteaders it will appeal to backyard gardeners weekend country folk and city-bound ecologists alike. </p> <p>The book begins with a discussion of the mindset and attitudes essential to successful homesteading followed by 20 fully-illustrated chapters of advice and instruction for sensible farming practices. Subjects include selecting and laying out a homestead site with instructions for building roads fences a shop and a pit greenhouse; developing and managing water and soil resources; planting crops; tree and woodland production; animal and fish care; sanitation; and important information about nutrition. </p> <p>Ken and Barbara Kern were firm believers in the enduring value of the homestead life. Here they reveal their own experiences in a book that will be invaluable to anyone who shares their passions and beliefs. </p><p>Readers interested in related titles from Barbara or Ken Kern will also want to see: The Owner-Built Home (ISBN: 1626545464) The Owner Builder's Guide to Stone Masonry (ISBN: 1626545405).</p>