Book Title: The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner: What to Do & When to Do It
Author: Ann Larkin Hansen
Best For: Beginner and intermediate homesteaders who want structure, direction, and simple seasonal guidance.
Quick Summary:
If you’ve ever wanted to live more self-sufficiently but felt overwhelmed about where to begin, this planner is your roadmap. It breaks down homesteading tasks by season—so instead of trying to do everything at once, you can focus on what matters most each month. It’s practical, approachable, and beautifully organized for those just starting out.
There’s something deeply grounding about learning to live closer to the land. Whether it’s growing your first tomato plant, collecting fresh eggs, or baking bread from scratch, every small act of self-sufficiency reconnects you to the rhythm of creation.
But where do you start? That’s the question nearly every beginner asks—and it’s exactly what The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner helps you figure out.
This isn’t just another how-to book. It’s a season-by-season roadmap to building the homestead lifestyle you dream of—one step, one seed, and one season at a time.
🌱 Why Seasonal Planning Matters
Homesteading isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about doing the right things at the right time. A seasonal approach helps you stay grounded, focused, and joyful rather than overwhelmed.
Each chapter of the planner walks you through:
- What to grow and when to plant it
- Simple tasks to build your skills (like composting or preserving)
- How to plan your garden layout
- Livestock and equipment tips for small spaces
- Harvest checklists to keep you organized year-round
It’s like having a mentor by your side—one who’s already made the mistakes and can show you how to avoid them.
🌾 My Honest Experience With the Book
When I first picked up The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner, I was honestly just looking for something to help me stay organized. I’d been collecting tips and Pinterest ideas for months but felt scattered and unsure where to actually begin.
This planner completely changed that.
It broke down the year into manageable, seasonal chunks so I could focus on one thing at a time—starting seeds in March, building raised beds in April, harvesting herbs in July. Suddenly, it all made sense.
The checklists are simple but motivating, and the notes section helped me track what worked (and what definitely didn’t). I especially love how it balances practical guidance with realistic expectations. It doesn’t assume you have acres of land or years of experience—it just meets you where you are.
Within one year of using it, I had my first successful garden, a compost system going, and even started canning tomatoes for the first time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to “do it all,” this book gives you permission to slow down and enjoy the process.
🌻 What Makes This Planner So Practical
Unlike many homesteading guides that overwhelm with encyclopedic information, this one’s organized by season—so you can open it in spring, summer, fall, or winter and know exactly what to focus on next.
Think of it as your homestead companion journal—one that grows with you as your skills deepen and your garden expands.
🍯 A Homestead Journey, Not a Destination
The beauty of homesteading is that it’s never about perfection. It’s about progress, patience, and presence. You don’t need acres of land or a barn full of animals to start—you just need the willingness to begin.
So pour yourself a cup of coffee, grab your garden gloves, and take that first small step.
Your homesteading journey starts one season at a time.
📖 You can find The Backyard Homestead Seasonal Planner on Amazon to help you get started today.
