In the ’60s it was called the "back to the land" movement, and in Helen and Scott Nearings’ day, it was "living the good life." Whatever the term, North Americans have always yearned for a simpler way. But how do you accomplish that today? Blending inspiration with practical how-to’s, Rural Renaissance captures the American dream of country living for contemporary times. Journey with the authors and experience their lessons, laughter and love for the land as they trade the urban concrete maze for a five-acre organic farm and bed and breakfast in southwestern Wisconsin. Rural living today is a lot more than farming. It’s about a creative, nature-based and more self-sufficient lifestyle that combines a love of squash, solar energy, skinny-dipping and serendipity . . . The many topics explored in Rural Renaissance include: "right livelihood" and the good life organic gardening and permaculture renewable energy and energy conservation wholesome organic food, safe water and a natural home simplicity, frugality and freedom green design and recycled materials community, friends and raising a family independence and interdependence wildlife conservation and land stewardship. An authentic tale of a couple whose pioneering spirit and connection to the land reaches out to both the local and global community to make their dream come true, Rural Renaissance will appeal to a wide range of Cultural Creatives, free agents, conservation entrepreneurs and both arm-chair and real-life homesteaders regardless of where they live. Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko are innkeepers, organic growers, copartners in a marketing consulting company, and have previously published books. John is also a photographer. Former advertising agency fast-trackers, they are nationally recognized for their contemporary approach to homesteading, conservation and more sustainable living. They share their farm with their son, two llamas, and a flock of free-range chickens. Rural Renaissance also offers a foreword by Bill McKibben.

Not since Thoreau made his home in the woods at Walden Pond has the notion of self-sufficiency held more universal appeal. There's no question we're going through some tough economic times, but this book offers an alternative. It's a guide for anyone who imagines a better life--from struggling families tired of energy dependency to dreamers who always wished they could live off the land someday. This ultimate DIY guide holds to the premise that anyone can homestead, and raise at least a portion of their food themselves--even if they live in the city. Homesteading in the 21st Century is absolutely brimming with ideas on how to take control of your life by degrees--whether that means keeping chickens, growing a garden, or brewing your own beer.

Do You Want to Learn How to Save Seeds? The Homesteading Handbook vol. 3: The Heirloom Seed Saving Guide is the 3rd book in the well-received Homesteading Handbooks series of books. It's your guide to collecting seeds from a number of popular garden fruits, vegetables and herbs. If you've ever considered saving seeds, this book is your key to unlocking the secrets of seed saving. The following topics are covered in this handy guide: Why seed saving is important and how it can save money while protecting the world's food supply. The 4 most common types of seeds, including 2 seed types you never want to attempt to save seeds from. The many ways plants can produce seeds and how flowers are pollinated. How to ensure the genetic lines of your heirloom plants stay pure. How to attract pollinators from long distances away. Growing healthy plants that develop healthy seeds. Saving seeds from wet-seeded and dry-seeded crops. How to safely store seeds to ensure longevity. A simple method of testing seed viability. A discussion on whether organic seeds are absolutely necessary. In addition to the invaluable general information on saving seeds, there are in-depth instructions provided for collecting seeds from 48 of the most popular garden vegetables, herbs and fruits. If you're saving seeds, you're going to want this handbook. Click the "Buy Now" button to purchase this book and learn all about saving seeds from your favorite plants today.

For readers who want to shrink their carbon footprint, save money, and eat homegrown food whenever possible, this large, fully-illustrated guide--and companion to the bestseller "Back to Basics"--provides the basics of living a good, clean life.

Explains how to grow an organic garden, preserve the food one grows, build alternate-energy devices by hand, identify edible wild foods, conserve water, handcraft household items and much more, in a book with 500 full-color illustrations. Original.

Escape the City is the perfect guide for people who live in the city or suburbs and want to move to the country. This is the "missing manual" that tells you absolutely everything you need to know on thousands of topics that you never even realized existed. Whether you're interested in shopping for a used tractor, starting garden seeds in a grow tent, logging your own trees, planting a berry patch, breeding sheep, arranging for firewood delivery, making ten gallons of hearty soup from a pig skeleton, installing solar electric power, or fighting invasic species, Escape the City has the information you need.There are endless books on gardening, farming, and homesteading.Why this book?* Other books don't have sufficient breadth. EtC covers absolutely everything related to living in the country.* Other books have blind spots about the basic stuff. EtC explains the "obvious" stuff: the difference between straw and hay, and between discing plowing and rototilling.* Other books don't spell out the details. EtC has checklists, choices for different budgets, and step by step instructions.Escape the City explains all of the basics - everything from buying a tractor to fertilizing gardens - and concludes with dozens of recipes for farm-to-table dishes like Apple Pie with lard crust, Maple Creme Brulee, Pork Stock, Duck Leg Confit, Pork and Pumpkin Soup, Lamb Chops, and even a Whole Pig Roast.