The self-sufficient home : how to provide for your family and prepare for the unexpected

Title:

Author:

Hoffman, Nancy, 1984-

ISBN:

9781440581281

Personal Author:

Hoffman, Nancy, 1984-

Publication Information:

Avon, Massachusetts : Adams Media, [2014]

Physical Description:

256 pages : illustrations ; 19 cm

General Note:

Includes index.

Contents:

Getting started -- Alternate energy sources -- Growing your own food -- Raising animals -- Pest control -- Self-sufficient pantry -- Canning and preserving -- Composting -- Beekeeping -- Essential household skills -- Tools for farming and repairs -- Preparing for disaster.

Abstract:

"Whether you're looking to lead a healthier life, protect the environment, or save money, The Self-Sufficient Home will show you how to transition from your current lifestyle to a self-sufficient one with hundreds of tips that you can start doing right now. You'll not only improve your day-to-day life with these basic living skills, but will also prepare yourself for any disaster that might arise in your area. Complete with advice and detailed instructions for living more simply, this book teaches you everything you need to know about building a self-sufficient home"--Back cover.

Subject Term:

Self-reliant living.

Sustainable living.

Environmentalism.

Environmental protection -- Citizen participation.

Document ID:

SD_ILS:2238408

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

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Summary

Your guide to self-sufficient living in today's world!

Whether you're looking to lead a healthier life, protect the environment, or save money, The Self-Sufficient Home will show you how to transition from your current lifestyle to a self-sufficient one with hundreds of tips that you can start doing right now. You'll not only improve your day-to-day life with these basic living skills, but will also prepare yourself for any disaster that might arise in your area. Complete with advice and detailed instructions for living more simply, this book teaches you everything you need to know about building a self-sufficient home, such as: Growing fresh produce and composting Raising animals in your backyard Preserving and canning your harvests Administrating first aid to yourself or family members With The Self-Sufficient Home , you'll be able to keep your family healthy, safe, and happy as you rediscover the simple--and secure--pleasures of a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Author Notes

Nancy Hoffman lives in a sustainable home with her family in upstate New York.

Introduction: Sustainable Living: Getting Sack to Basics	p. 9
Chapter 1 Getting Started	p. 11
Learn Why You Should Start a Self-Sufficient Home	p. 11
Recognize Your Options for Self-Sufficiency	p. 14
Consider Practical Ideas to Keep You and Your Family Safe	p. 15
Sustain Relationships While Maintaining Independence	p. 16
Deal with Debt	p. 17
Create and Stick to a Budget	p. 18
Set Reasonable Financial Goals	p. 22
Take Baby Steps Toward Your Self-Sufficient Lifestyle	p. 24
Chapter 2 Alternate Energy Sources	p. 29
Learn about Biomass Alternative Energy	p. 30
Look Into Solar Power	p. 31
Dig Into Geothermal Power	p. 32
Harness Hydroelectric Power	p. 33
Make Use of Wind Power	p. 35
Consider Wood-Burning Power	p. 36
Chapter 3 Growing Your Own Food	p. 39
Plan Your Garden	p. 40
Prepare Your Land	p. 42
Plant Your Garden	p. 44
Plant Potatoes	p. 46
Plant Tomatoes	p. 47
Look into Squash	p. 50
Check Out Corn	p. 51
Plant Peas and Beans	p. 52
Plant a Variety of Peppers	p. 53
Look Into Lettuce	p. 54
Cultivate the Brassicas Vegetables	p. 55
Make Space for Herbs	p. 56
Consider Fruit Trees	p. 56
Plant Some Berry Bushes	p. 60
Chapter 4 Raising Animals	p. 65
Raise Reliable Companions	p. 66
Take Care of Small Livestock	p. 71
Consider Large Livestock	p. 78
Raise Poultry	p. 83
Consider the Cost of Veterinary Visits	p. 86
Chapter 5 Pest Control	p. 89
Identify and Control Rodents	p. 89
Sanitize and Rodent-Proof Your Home	p. 92
Kill Unwelcome Rodents	p. 94
Practice Insect Control	p. 95
Use Natural Insecticides	p. 96
Get Rid of Birds and Flying Pests	p. 100
Protect Against Larger Animals	p. 105
Watch Out for Canine Distemper	p. 108
Chapter 6 The Self-Sufficient Pantry	p. 111
Buy Basic Cooking Supplies	p. 111
Have the Right Equipment on Hand	p. 113
Stock Up on Grains	p. 115
Leave Room for Legumes	p. 122
Bulk Up on Survival Essentials	p. 127
Chapter 7 Canning and Preserving	p. 133
Learn to Preserve Your Own Foods	p. 134
Choose a Canning Method	p. 136
Practice Pickling	p. 138
Preserve with Fermentation	p. 139
Dry Your Food	p. 140
Use Freezing and Cold Storage	p. 143
Cure Your Meats	p. 149
Chapter 8 Composting	p. 151
Learn the Basics of Composting	p. 152
Choose Compost Ingredients	p. 154
Avoid Hazardous Materials	p. 155
Build a Small Pile for Your Home	p. 157
Apply Compost to Your Soil	p. 161
Build a Compost Enclosure	p. 162
Troubleshoot Any Composting Issues	p. 163
Chapter 9 Beekeeping	p. 167
Learn the Legal Requirements	p. 168
Figure Out If Your Area Is Right for Beekeeping	p. 168
Buy Basic Beekeeping Equipment	p. 169
Purchase Bees	p. 172
Manage Your Beehive	p. 173
Collect Honey	p. 175
Know the Most Common Beekeeping Issues	p. 176
Chapter 10 Essential Household Skills	p. 179
Harvest and Store Water	p. 179
Use Graywater	p. 185
Maintain a Septic System	p. 186
Learn to Process Poultry	p. 189
Learn to Butcher Large Domestic Animals	p. 197
Build a Root Cellar	p. 199
Collect, Save, and Store Seeds	p. 202
Chapter 11 Tools for Farming and Repairs	p. 207
Set Up Your Workshop	p. 208
Build a Tool Collection on a Budget	p. 209
Choose Tools for Planting and Farming	p. 210
Avoid Plastic or Steel Tools When Farming	p. 211
Multiply Your Strength	p. 212
Buy Useful Hand Tools for Self-Sufficient Farming	p. 213
Design Your Own Off-Grid Home	p. 222
Chapter 12 Preparing for Disaster	p. 225
Create a Seventy-Two-Hour Kit for Your Home	p. 225
Make Sure You Have Clean Water	p. 231
Have a Backup Heat Source	p. 234
Keep the Lights On	p. 236
Have Medicine and First-Aid Supplies on Hand	p. 239
Keep Your Pantry Stocked	p. 242
Practice Emergency Cooking	p. 243
Store Your Documents Properly	p. 246
Index	p. 247

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Summary

Summary

Author Notes

Table of Contents