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Don’t miss our “Apples to Apples” program next Thursday, September 28, at Saluda Library. Come at 4 p.m. to learn several ways to preserve apples with Ashley English, a local author of 11 books that showcase a variety of topics related to small-scale homesteading. If this topic interests you, check out these books!

 

The Essential Book of Homesteading by Ashley English

In barnyards and backyards, on rooftops and in alleyways, a movement is happening—the modern homesteading movement. Whether it’s turning a lawn into a vegetable garden, getting a flock of chickens, or transforming cucumbers into pickles, people everywhere are taking charge of their own food supply. Ashley English, a major figure in the return to homesteading, gives newcomers her time-honored tips for successfully overseeing food production in their own homes. This collection covers everything from preserving jams and jellies to whipping butter and keeping a hive of honeybees. Ashley provides entry points, troubleshooting tips, and inspiration for putting the food your family consumes back in your own hands.

 

Holistic Homesteading by Roxanne Ahern

This book provides the tools for living slowly, intentionally, and better through permaculture, edible gardening, and organic farming. It is geared toward people who are interested in pursuing intentional lifestyles and organic farming methods. Learn about permaculture design, holistic nutrition, and sustainable farming in rural and urban settings. 

 

The Sustainable Homestead by Angela Ferraro-Fanning

If you’re like most homesteaders, the dream is to make the most of your land by working with it, not against it. From capturing water and building strong soil to helping your animals live their best lives, this book is about making your homestead stronger by achieving synergy between what can seem like different parts.

 

The Seven-Step Homestead by Leah M. Webb

Perfect for any aspiring backyard gardeners, this book offers a doable, incremental program for turning any yard into a primary food source with vegetables, fruits, chickens, pollinator plants, and medicinal herbs.

 

The Prairie Homestead Cookbook by Jill Winger

Part recipes and part homesteading handbook, this book will not only teach you how to make traditional American comfort food recipes with simple, whole food ingredients, but will also help you get started growing your own veggies, eggs, and maybe even dairy.

 

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian for Polk County Public Libraries. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit polklibrary.org or call (828) 894-8721.