The Complete Idiot S Guide To Self Sufficient Living

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

How to cut heating and cooling costs, utilize solar energy, construct nonflush toilets and solar showers, collect rainwater, and apply permaculture techniques. Hundreds of photographs and diagrams illustrate ways to use natural resources and embrace self-reliance. Sustainable living advice from self-reliance expert Christopher Nyerges, editor of Wilderness Way magazine and author of How to Survive Anywhere.

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!

Covers every aspect of raising chickens, whether in an urban, suburban or country setting, including descriptions of the most popular breeds, how to best feed and water the birds and how to sell eggs. Original.

Even simple living has complications. City/suburban dwellers heading to 'greener pastures' will find this guide indispensable. The transition to a more rural life can be complicated, with dozens of issues to consider, from utilities to schools to weather. Expert advisor Kimberly Willis writes from experience on such topics as choosing the right location, building or refurbishing, tools and supplies, home farming, animal ownership, and more. ?A growing market with little or no competition ?Practical, easy-to-follow advice ?Strong resources section

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.

Gathers questions, quizzes, and exercises designed to uncover hidden talents, support the development of a unique personality, and foster confidence when faced with difficult situations