If you’re dreaming of starting your own backyard homestead—whether that means growing herbs, raising chickens, or simply living more sustainably—these books will give you the knowledge and confidence to begin.
Each title below has been hand-picked for beginners who want real guidance and season-by-season wisdom, not overwhelm.
(All book links below go to Amazon so you can easily check reviews, prices, and sample pages.)
1. The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner — Ann Larkin Hansen
Best for: Getting organized and staying on track all year long.
A practical, season-by-season guide that shows you what to do, when to plant, and how to stay focused on manageable goals. Perfect for new homesteaders who need structure.
“It’s like having a coach in book form. Simple, doable, and motivating.”
2. The Backyard Homestead — Edited by Carleen Madigan
Best for: Building your foundation in self-sufficiency.
If you’ve ever dreamed of producing your own food—even on a small piece of land—this is the book that started it all. The Backyard Homestead is often called the “homesteader’s bible” because it shows you how much you can grow, raise, and make on even a quarter acre.
What makes it so beloved is how practical and empowering it feels. Instead of overwhelming you with theory, it gives you the confidence to try—because you really can do this, no matter where you live.
3. The Homesteading Handbook — Abigail R. Gehring
Best for: All-around homesteading skills.
A thorough beginner’s reference for gardening, animal care, soap-making, and more—without feeling too technical.
For anyone craving a simpler, more hands-on way of living, The Homesteading Handbook is like a crash course in old-fashioned self-reliance. It’s filled with approachable, step-by-step lessons on everything from gardening and composting to raising chickens, making soap, and baking homemade bread.
What makes this book stand out is how accessible it feels—you don’t need acres of land or a lifetime of experience to get started. Each chapter offers bite-sized projects and straightforward instructions that help you learn essential skills without feeling overwhelmed.
4. The Made-from-Scratch Life — Melissa K. Norris
Best for: Those craving a heartfelt, faith-rooted homesteading journey.
If your heart longs for a slower pace and a deeper connection to what truly matters, The Made-from-Scratch Life will feel like a warm invitation home. In this beautifully written blend of memoir and manual, Melissa K. Norris shares her family’s journey toward faith-filled, intentional living—one garden, one loaf of bread, and one simple act at a time.
Melissa’s gentle voice reminds you that homesteading isn’t about perfection—it’s about slowing down, finding peace in the process, and reconnecting to what you were made for.
5. Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on ¼ Acre — Brett L. Markham
Best for: Small suburban spaces.
If you think you need acres of land to grow your own food, Mini Farming will change your mind. Brett Markham proves that even on a small suburban lot, you can raise enough fruits, vegetables, and eggs to feed your family—and even earn a little extra income.
This book is packed with step-by-step methods for maximizing space and yields, from intensive garden layouts and soil care to composting, crop rotation, and efficient harvesting. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a productive garden but has limited space or time.
🍯 6. The Homestead Canning Cookbook — Georgia Varozza
Best for: Learning to preserve your harvest safely.
There’s something deeply satisfying about filling your pantry with jars of homemade goodness—and The Homestead Canning Cookbook makes it feel simple, safe, and deeply rewarding.
It’s more than a cookbook—it’s a bridge between generations, helping you reconnect with the simple joy of preserving what you’ve grown.
🌾 7. The First-Time Gardener: Growing Vegetables — Jessica Sowards
Best for: Brand-new gardeners.
If you’ve ever stood in front of seed packets wondering where to start, The First-Time Gardener: Growing Vegetables is the reassuring voice you need. Written by Jessica Sowards—beloved creator of Roots and Refuge Farm—this book feels like learning from a trusted friend who’s already walked the path.
Instead of focusing on perfection, Jessica encourages you to embrace mistakes and find joy in the process. It’s not just about growing vegetables—it’s about growing confidence.
🌿 8. The Prairie Homestead Cookbook — Jill Winger
Best for: Cooking from scratch with homegrown ingredients.
The Prairie Homestead Cookbook is more than a collection of recipes—it’s a celebration of slow living, simple ingredients, and the beauty of cooking from scratch. Jill Winger, one of the most beloved voices in the modern homesteading movement, brings her farmhouse kitchen to life with over 100 recipes made for real families and real schedules.
What makes this cookbook stand out is its blend of inspiration and practicality. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to roll up your sleeves, dust off your mixing bowl, and rediscover the joy of simple meals made with love.
🪴 9. The Weekend Homesteader: A Twelve-Month Guide to Self-Sufficiency — Anna Hess
Best for: Busy people who can only commit weekends.
If you’ve ever wished you could start homesteading but thought you didn’t have the time, The Weekend Homesteader proves that small steps really do add up.
What readers love most is its encouraging and realistic approach. You don’t need a big farm or a ton of experience—just curiosity, a bit of spare time, and a willingness to try.
🐝 10. The Beekeeper’s Bible — Richard A. Jones & Sharon Sweeney-Lynch
Best for: Aspiring beekeepers and pollinator lovers.
Few books capture the wonder of nature quite like The Beekeeper’s Bible. Equal parts handbook, history, and homage to the honeybee, it’s one of the most beautiful and informative guides you’ll ever add to your shelf.
What makes this book truly special is its tone—it’s not just a manual; it’s an invitation to slow down and appreciate the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.
🌻 Ready to Begin Your Homesteading Journey?
Start small. Pick one book that fits your current season of life—whether that’s gardening, canning, or learning to raise chickens—and let it guide you forward.
📖 Explore these books on Amazon and start your journey toward a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle.
