The Backyard Homesteader

April 5, 2021
Candlin (Country Skills) offers a realist’s take on living off the land in this no-nonsense manual. Cautioning to take things “little by little,” Candlin outlines the steps required in planning a homestead, starting with abiding by local laws and regulations, clearing land, and improving soil quality. She also offers advice on fencing, greenhouses, starting from seeds, and rotating crops. Her instructions for raising animals are brisk (“Try to remain businesslike—they are not your pets”), and include tips specific to goats, chickens, and bees. Other forms of sustenance come from foraging (“mushrooms may be the most neglected of all free food”), fishing, and hunting. A calendar of seasonal chores supplements other recurring tasks, such as preserving and pickling produce. Charts, photos, drawings, and sidebars add to the wealth of information on offer. Candlin doesn’t hold hands or cheerlead, but rather equips readers with solid information devoid of romantic illusions: “The sweat and toil of clearing the land is hard but satisfying work.” Readers thinking about taking the plunge into homesteading will find this to be an excellent resource.