Advanced vegetable gardeners who want go to the next level of self reliance will enjoy the attractive book by John Seymour, The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It (Dorling Kindersley, 2003, $30.00). This very practical book gives “how-to” instructions for a wide range of traditional living skills. How to raise (and butcher) poultry and rabbits, how to grow grain crops, how to make a methane digester to create energy and how to spin flax are just a few examples. The author’s intention is to encourage readers to question how truly satisfying the modern life is compared to an honest day’s work on the homestead. But even urban dwellers will find ideas for making their own food and craft products.
The simple life has gone digital, too. For articles and ideas on living a self-sufficient life, check out Mother Earth News and www.homestead.org.