Old Homesteading Books
Old homesteading books are true treasures of wisdom. They’re filled with timeless tips and practical know-how. Adding a few to my shelf turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. You can see how well-loved they are from the dog-eared pages—I reach for them more often than most of my newer books.
Whether you’re aiming to live more self-sufficiently or you just want some handy homesteading tips, these classics have so much to offer. Their lessons are just as useful and inspiring today as they were back then.
The Importance of a Homesteading Library
I’ve always loved books, and for a while now, I’ve been building up my own home library full of useful resources. There’s just something special about holding a physical book in your hands—it’s an experience you just can’t get from a Kindle or audiobook.
One type of book I’ve always had a soft spot for is old homesteading books. Over the years, I’ve collected a few classics that I keep going back to. These books cover so much—from tips on gardening and raising animals to advice on preserving food or even planning the perfect layout for your property. They really are an incredible resource for practical homesteading.
Where Can You Find Old Homesteading Books?
If you’re searching for old homesteading books, there are plenty of great places to look. Thrift stores and second-hand bookshops are often a goldmine for finding these hidden gems. Many small-town stores especially tend to have bookshelves filled with older titles on gardening, farming, and do-it-yourself projects. Estate sales or flea markets can also surprise you with some real treasures.
Online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or even specialty sites for used books are another fantastic option. You can search by title or topic and often find unique selections. Don’t forget about your local library, too. Many libraries have older books tucked away in their lending collections, and some even have book sales where you can pick up retired titles for cheap.
SLCG Pro Tip: Here’s a tip I’ve found helpful—search for books online first, then check to see if your local library has them available. That way, you can borrow and read them to decide if they’re worth the investment and the space on your shelf.
Old Homesteading Books
When it comes to timeless insider tips and practical advice, old books on how to start a homestead are unmatched. They offer insights that remain relevant for anyone seeking a simpler and more self-sufficient lifestyle. This list of gems covers the main areas of living this way of life, along with why they deserve a spot on your shelf.
Check a few out and see if they would make a good addition to your own home library.
Gardening
The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible by Edward C. Smith
Overview
This book explores high-yield gardening methods with detailed sections on planning, planting, and nurturing your vegetable garden. It’s packed with actionable advice, useful diagrams, and tips to extend your growing season.
Year Published
2000
Why I Love This Book
- Visuals: The photos are incredibly helpful, making planting tips easy to follow and showing how everything works in real life.
- Efficient Use of Space: Edward C. Smith’s garden is a fantastic example of maximizing space while keeping it family-friendly.
- Nutrient Grid: A standout feature is the grid page that helps you identify your plants’ nutrient needs with just a few simple clues—making the book worth every penny.
Crockett’s Victory Garden by James Underwood Crockett
Overview
This classic guide breaks it all down with month-by-month advice for growing your veggies, fruits, and flowers. It’s easy to follow, super practical, and works well no matter where you’re gardening.
Year Published
1977
Why I Love This Book
- Monthly Schedule: The step-by-step guidance keeps you on track throughout the year, making it an essential tool for garden planning.
- Real Life Answers: Included you get a list of common questions along with the answer from his PBS television show.
Livestock
Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow
Overview
This detailed book explains just about everything you need to know. Beginning with how to design a coop in a way that’s easy to understand. It also breaks down how much space chicks need to thrive as they grow, how to keep them hydrated during hot summers, and how to handle common challenges like predators and illnesses. Plus, it tackles mistakes to avoid and plenty of other must-know tips.
Year Published
1995
Why I Love This Book
- Troubleshooting Tips: It’s loaded with practical advice for every challenge you might face with your flock.
- Great for Beginners: It has straightforward information that doesn’t overwhelm you.
Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens: Care / Feeding / Facilities
Goat Husbandry by David Mackenzie
Overview
This book is a go-to classic for anyone raising goats. It covers everything from feeding and housing to breeding and keeping them healthy. It even starts with a bit of goat history, dives into their nutrition, and explains how their digestion works. You’ll definitely pick up tons of useful tips and knowledge.
Year Published
1991
Why I Love This Book
- Depth of Detail: Perfect for anyone serious about keeping goats, whether on a small or large scale.
- More Than Learning: This book has both anecdotal advice with a bit of humor mixed in.
- Healthcare: Be sure to check the section on health problems along with helpful antidotes.
Homesteading
The “Have More” Plan by Ed and Carolyn Robinson
Overview
This delightful homesteading guide is packed with practical tips for getting the most out of small spaces. From clever ways to boost your garden’s yield to raising livestock and designing a layout that fits your available space, it’s full of creative ideas to help you make it work.
Year Published
1943
Why I Love This Book
- Timeless Advice: Despite being over 75 years old, the Robinsons’ passion for self-sufficiency is contagious and still relevant today.
- Large Book: I love that this book is the size of an old-school magazine. At 9×12 inches, and written in columns. It really feels as if you are holding a piece of the past.
Five Acres and Independence by M.G. Kain
Overview
This classic gem has been sharing its wisdom for over 84 years! It’s packed with advice on how to make the most of your land, whether you’ve got a sprawling five acres or just a cozy backyard.
Year Published
1940
Why I Love This Book
- Practical Optimism: The timeless principles make it clear that anyone can get started, no matter their resources.
Five Acres and Independence: The Practical Guide to Selecting and Managing a Small Farm
The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing’s Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living
Overview
This book shares the Nearings’ inspiring path to self-sufficiency, offering practical details on organic gardening, building, and living off the land. It’s raw, honest, and gives you a realistic glimpse of what this lifestyle is really like. A true classic that’s stood the test of time.
Year Published
1989
Why I Love This Book
- Inspirational: The Nearings’ story shows just how much you can accomplish with hard work, determination, and a deep love for living close to nature.
- A realistic yet slightly controversial look: This book dives into the Nearings’ strong beliefs and stubborn approach to life, sprinkled with a few humbling moments along the way. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and their perspective can be tough to take in at times.
The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing’s Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living
Food Preservation
Stocking Up by Carol Hupping
Overview
A go-to guide for food preservation, this book covers canning, freezing, drying, and storing food.
Year Published
1973
Why I Love This Book
- Thorough and Practical: The techniques are laid out so clearly that it’s an absolute lifesaver when you’re getting ready for winter.
Stocking Up: How to Preserve the Foods You Grow, Naturally (Deluxe Edition)
Putting Food By by Janet Greene, Ruth Hertzberg, and Beatrice Vaughan
Overview
This classic dives into the world of long-term food preservation. It’s super organized, easy to follow, and packed with tried-and-true recipes and methods.
Year Published
1973
Why I Love This Book
- Reassuring Tone: The advice is spot-on and has become my go-to resource as I’ve taken my food preservation skills to the next level.
- Easy to Follow: The step by step instructions make it easy to follow for any skill level.
Putting Food By – The Best – Complete – Of Old And New Ways To Preserve Food Right
Setting Up a Resource Library
Creating a homesteading library at home is all about function and inspiration. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Choose a Dedicated Space
Find a quiet, accessible corner for your books. Shelves near your workspace or kitchen are a great choice since you’ll often need these books when you’re in action. - Categorize Your Collection
Group books by topic, like gardening, livestock, or food preservation. This makes it easy to grab what you need without rummaging through a stack. - Invest in Bookends and Dividers
Keeping your books upright with sturdy bookends or dividers prevents them from toppling over. Plus, it adds a neat, polished look to your space. - Mix Reference and Inspiration
Blend how-to guides with books that inspire you. A touch of creativity next to practical manuals keeps your library both functional and energizing. - Use Labels or a Simple System
If your collection grows large, consider labeling shelves or using a spreadsheet to keep track of your titles. You’ll thank yourself later when searching for a specific book.
Building a homesteading library takes time, but each book you add becomes a stepping stone toward your dream of living a healthier lifestyle that is purposeful and fulfilling.
These timeless old homesteading books aren’t just for learning; they’re also a reminder of the wisdom and resilience passed down through generations.
