How to save money, time, and the environment-on the urban frontier With The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Urban Homesteading anyone can learn how to live sustainably and responsibly—and save money and time—in any urban environment. Expert urban homesteader Sundari Elizabeth Kraft shares her hands-on knowledge of: growing organic foods and preserving them; composting; raising small livestock and chickens; generating electricity and biofuels; and other ways to cut costs and live green. This book has all the information required to become a successful urban homesteader in any city. • Practical advice on everything from composting to clean energy. • Sundari Elizabeth Kraft is an expert in urban homesteading.

How to be green, save green, grow greens-even turn a thumb green Self-sufficient living can mean a healthier life, a way to protect the earth, or a way to save money. This guide helps readers find their perfect degree of self reliance in the areas of food, shelter, energy, clothing, and more. For both the urban and rural dweller, it covers gardening, cooking from scratch, preserving food, raising livestock, keeping chickens, generating or supplementing energy, essential tools and equipment, foraging for wild foods, hunting, fishing, and trapping. • Saving money in today's economy and self-sufficiency go hand-in-hand • For the growing number of eco-friends considering self-sufficiency • Existing books focus on either rural or urban self-sufficiency, but this covers both

Enhanced by a helpful resources section, an indispensable handbook for urban and suburban dwellers seeking a more rural lifestyle offers suggestions on how to select the right location, building or renovating a home, home farming, essential tools and supplies, and how to cope with such issues as schools, weather, and utilities. Original.

Mouthwatering heirlooms, exciting hybrids, sensational herbs, colorful flowers - you dream of a garden overflowing with vibrant, healthy plants. Turn your dream garden into reality with seeds you save and start yourself! With easy ideas on harvesting, storing, sowing and nurturing your seeds into flourishing plants, this helpful guide gives you a sure path from start to success. In it, you get: A look at seed and plant anatomy and how pollination works. Simple suggestions for identifying seeds to save, and for gathering and prepping seeds for next year's garden. Guidance on germinating seeds, indoors or out, using scarification or stratification. Tips for transplanting, thinning, hardening off, and protecting seedlings from weather, pests and disease. Easy ideas for cross-breeding plants and creating hybrids suited to your garden and climate. A comprehensive directory of botanical names and harvesting, germination, and sowing data for hundreds of plants. The Complete Idiot's Guide To Seed Saving And Starting is an essential resource to reap richer results with plants grown from your own seeds!

The growing popularity of urban homesteading confirms the timeliness of this perfect guide to self-sufficient city dwelling. The authors show how to use available natural resources in an intelligent, efficient way. Topics include growing and preserving food; backup water supplies; energy conservation; recycling; keeping chickens, bees, and other animals, and much more.

"Embark on a transformative journey towards self-sufficiency with 'urban homesteading for beginners: A Comprehensive Guide.' This comprehensive handbook is your go-to resource for cultivating a thriving homestead right in the heart of the city. Discover the joys of tending to your own garden, whether it's a balcony bursting with herbs or a backyard filled with vibrant vegetables. Dive into the world of sustainable living as you learn essential gardening techniques, explore the art of composting, and master the delicate balance of urban animal husbandry. Uncover the secrets to successful container gardening and vertical spaces, maximizing every inch of your urban environment. Navigate the ins and outs of local regulations, and confidently introduce small animals like chickens and bees into your homestead. From rainwater harvesting to DIY projects and basic skills, this guide equips you with the knowledge needed to create a green haven amid the urban bustle. Delve into the art of preserving your harvest through canning, pickling, and other food preservation techniques, ensuring your bounty lasts throughout the seasons. Embrace a sustainable lifestyle with energy-efficient practices, waste reduction strategies, and environmentally friendly choices. Join a community of like-minded individuals, share inspiring stories of successful urban homesteaders, and find support in overcoming common challenges. 'Growing Your Sustainable Oasis' is more than a guide; it's an invitation to cultivate not just a garden but a sense of purpose, connection, and sustainability in the heart of your city. Embark on your urban homesteading adventure today and witness the growth of your own sustainable oasis, right where you are."

Leave no soapstone unturned! Soapmaking has always been a popular craft with a dedicated group of followers, but with the explosion of urban homesteading and people looking to go green, noncrafters are now joining in on the fun. Whether it's making natural soap to live greener, give as gifts, save money, or make money, The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Making Natural Soaps has everything the new soap maker will need to create organic, natural soaps of all kinds. • Includes recipes to make a wide array of molded, poured, and liquid soaps • Contains soap recipes for body as well as household and even pets