Homesteading: How to Find New Independence on the Land

“The organic homestead means something deeper than either the nobility of work or the pleasantness of leisure. What it must provide — if the homestead is to have true success — is a shrine to tranquility, an island of calm sanity to which you can retreat each day from the hectic outside world.”

Gene Logsdon is uniquely qualified to write about homesteading — his heart has never been far from the land. He was born and raised on his family’s farm, and as an adult he established a two-acre homestead before moving on to operate a 32-acre farm of his own.

A prolific writer on a range of agricultural subjects, Gene Logsdon is beloved for his practical insight, folksy wisdom, and deep reverence for the natural world. He teaches and practices a homesteading philosophy of peaceful coexistence; of accommodating oneself to nature rather than dominating it.

Homesteading is one of his first books, and the time-tested techniques it teaches are as relevant now as ever. Inside you’ll find a wealth of information about maintaining a self-sustaining lifestyle, including:

• Financial considerations
• Soil science
• Organic vegetable and fruit cultivation
• Advice on selecting grain crops for your homestead
• Raising livestock
• And a great deal more

Complete with photos and illustrations, this book is a wonderful resource for homesteaders and organic farmers alike. With an emphasis on enjoying the simple pleasures of a country life, Logsdon’s infectious positivity and humor will keep you smiling even when the going gets tough. He never fails to remind us that the hard work of homesteading ain’t worth a thing if you forget to put down your hoe, relax, and soak up the tranquil beauty of your natural surroundings.

Gene Logsdon and his wife Carol have a small-scale experimental farm in Wyandot County, Ohio. Gene is the author of numerous books and magazine articles on farm-related issues, and believes sustainable pastoral farming is the solution for our stressed agricultural system.