Richard Foreman - Homesteading Handbook: A Complete Homesteading Guide to Self Sufficiency and Sustainable Living

Richard Foreman

PUBLISHED BY:

Richard Foreman

Copyright 2017

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The information contained in this ebook is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by the authors and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the ebook or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the ebook for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

Introduction

Understanding Homesteading

I n this fast-paced technology driven world, the idea of living life at a slow and relaxing pace has started to gain popularity and acceptance. Rising inflation, overdependence on technology, shortage of resources, pesticides ridden fruits and vegetables, and not-a-moment-to-catch-my-breath lifestyle have pushed a number of people into looking at homesteading as a viable lifestyle. Although homesteading is certainly not a new concept, the ideas and concepts of urban homesteading has started to gain traction with both the young and the urban population.

In the past, homesteaders spent years undertaking backbreaking tasks of plowing, tilling and harvesting farms carved out of complete wilderness. They stayed away from modern day amenities and tools. Although, present day homesteaders too undertake physically exhaustive tasks, they are, nevertheless, not as grueling as the olden-day tasks. But, let this not fool you as homesteading present or past is taxing if you do not have the right aptitude to live your life without a number of so-called basic amenities that we take for granted.

A large number of people are attracted towards homesteading because it helps keep unhealthy and harmful chemicals out of the food chain. Turning to gardening is the only way to ensure that each and every one of us has access to wholesome and less-contaminated food. Moreover, people have gone further and have ensured that chemicals do not find their way into their personal lives as well. With every action they take, homesteaders make sure that they do not harm themselves, their co-beings, the Earth and the future generations. Call it what you may green movement, eco conscious or going green the basic idea that defines homesteading is self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility. Homesteading, as difficult and backbreaking it might seem initially, is the first step towards a happier, healthier and satisfying lifestyle.

Urban homesteading is not a new concept or an idea; in fact, homesteading is as old as the mountains. Before people started buying bread and eggs from stores, everyone raised poultry in their backyards and baked bread at their homes. Homesteading is an ancient concept; however, urban homesteading has revived the old techniques of self-sufficiency and adapted them to suit the urban dwellers needs. Urban homesteading is not a single concept; it is a collection of various techniques and practices. It includes growing vegetables and fruits, raising animals, preserving food, making bread, cheese and yogurt at home, spinning and knitting, making cleaning products, using solar and wind energy, conserving water and making fertilizers and compost. The one concept that holds urban and rural homesteading is the idea of providing for self, resisting the temptation to binge consumption, consuming products made at home, creating products rather than purchasing mass-produced products from stores.

If you want to live a self-sufficient life, homesteading is a must for you. Homesteading is branded by subsistence farming, home conservation of foodstuffs and it may in certain instances involve a minor production of clothing, fabrics and craftwork for home use or sale.