Building Your Homestead Library
When we first started J & J Homestead, we had no idea how much we’d rely on good books. From raising our first flock of chickens to figuring out soil health, every challenge led us back to a well-worn book on the shelf.
In the age of YouTube and podcasts, it’s easy to forget how valuable a detailed, well-researched book can be — but the best homesteading books don’t just teach you how to do something; they help you understand why it works.
Whether you’re just beginning or have been living the homestead life for years, here are the books that every self-reliant homesteader should own.
Books About Chickens (and Processing)
Raising chickens is often the first step into homesteading — and for good reason. They’re productive, entertaining, and relatively easy to care for. These books cover everything from coop design and egg-laying to humane meat processing.
1. “Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens” by Gail Damerow
Amazon Link
A must-have for every chicken keeper. This comprehensive guide covers feeding, housing, flock health, egg production, and even brooding chicks. Damerow’s straightforward approach makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced poultry keepers.
2. “The Small-Scale Poultry Flock” by Harvey Ussery
Publisher Link – Chelsea Green Publishing
A favorite among small-scale farmers and homesteaders. Ussery dives deep into natural chicken care, rotational grazing, and using chickens as part of a regenerative farm ecosystem.
3. “Butchering Chickens: A Guide to Human, Self-Sufficient Meat Processing” by Adam Danforth
Storey Publishing Link
If you raise meat birds (like our Cornish Cross flocks at J & J Homestead), this book is indispensable. It walks you through the entire process — from dispatching to packaging — with clear photos, humane techniques, and safety tips.
4. “The Chicken Health Handbook” by Gail Damerow
Amazon Link
Every chicken owner should have this on hand. It’s the go-to reference for diagnosing and treating common flock ailments using both traditional and holistic methods.
Books About Gardening
The garden is the backbone of the homestead. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers for pollinators, a good gardening library will help you understand your soil, seasons, and climate.
1. “The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible” by Edward C. Smith
Amazon Link
This book teaches the W-O-R-D method (Wide rows, Organic methods, Raised beds, Deep soil), which has revolutionized how many small gardeners grow food.
2. “Gaia’s Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture” by Toby Hemenway
Chelsea Green Publishing Link
A fantastic introduction to permaculture principles — designing your garden to mimic natural ecosystems for long-term sustainability.
3. “The Week-by-Week Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook” by Ron & Jennifer Kujawski
Amazon Link
Perfect for Zone 7b gardeners! It provides a planting schedule that helps you know exactly what to do — and when — to stay on track all season long.
4. “The Market Gardener” by Jean-Martin Fortier
New Society Publishers Link
Even if you’re not selling produce, this small-farm classic offers smart insights into efficiency, soil management, and sustainable productivity on small plots of land.
Books About Beekeeping
Beekeeping is one of the most rewarding parts of our homestead. Bees connect you directly to the rhythm of the seasons and the health of your land. These books will guide you from beginner basics to advanced hive management.
1. “The Beekeeper’s Bible” by Richard A. Jones and Sharon Sweeney-Lynch
Amazon Link
A stunning, full-color guide that combines science, history, and practical knowledge. It covers hive management, honey harvesting, and even recipes for beeswax and honey.
2. “Beekeeping for Dummies” by Howland Blackiston
Wiley Publishing Link
Don’t let the title fool you — this is one of the most accessible and complete guides for new beekeepers. It’s full of practical advice, step-by-step photos, and seasonal checklists.
3. “Natural Beekeeping” by Ross Conrad
Amazon Link
For those looking to raise bees organically and with minimal chemical intervention, this is the ultimate resource. It aligns beautifully with a holistic homesteading mindset.
4. “The Backyard Beekeeper” by Kim Flottum
Amazon Link
A visually engaging and modern guide that helps beginners navigate equipment, hive types, and seasonal management.
Books About Small Farm & Homestead Management
Running a homestead is more than tending gardens and animals — it’s also about managing time, land, and resources wisely. These books cover everything from planning and budgeting to creating a sustainable lifestyle.
1. “The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It” by John Seymour
Amazon Link
A timeless classic that covers everything — gardening, animal care, food preservation, and small-scale energy systems. It’s the book that inspires so many to begin their homesteading journey.
2. “Five Acres and Independence” by M.G. Kains
Dover Publications Link
Originally published in the 1930s but still relevant today. Kains offers practical advice on soil care, crop rotation, livestock, and making a small farm financially viable.
3. “The Lean Farm” by Ben Hartman
Chelsea Green Publishing Link
A game-changer for efficiency and productivity. Hartman applies the “lean manufacturing” philosophy to small farms, helping you cut waste and maximize output.
4. “Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre” by Brett L. Markham
Amazon Link
Perfect for those with limited space. This book breaks down how to grow, preserve, and profit from small-scale homesteading, no matter where you live.
Why Books Still Matter in the Digital Age
While we love online resources (and use them daily), books remain the foundation of our learning at J & J Homestead. There’s something about sitting down with a cup of coffee and a dog-eared book that feels grounding — and that slow, steady kind of learning mirrors the pace of homesteading itself.
A good homestead library becomes your greatest tool — a trusted companion through each new season and challenge.
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