The Owner-Built Homestead

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.

Written in simple, direct language, The Owner-Built Homestead 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.

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.

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.

Readers interested in related titles from Barbara or Ken Kern will also want to see: The Owner-Built Home (ISBN: 9781626545465), The Owner Builder's Guide to Stone Masonry (ISBN: 9781626545403).