Many people are cutting back on consumerism and trying to simplify their lives, realizing that the "new way" isn't necessarily the best way. The sustainable living movement goes beyond a desire to protect the environment and practice green living; it's about rediscovering simple survival skills that, in an earlier time, were known and practiced by almost everyone.

The New American Homestead gives you a wealth of information about homesteading—a lifestyle of simple, agrarian self-sufficiency—from raising chickens, bees, and other animals to gardening in earth-friendly ways to canning, preserving, home brewing, and cheese making. The book does not assume that you have a sizable parcel of land in the country; author John Tullock's techniques can be put to use in virtually any space, even a small urban plot.

• The book appeals to anyone who has a yard, courtyard, deck, or porch with room for gardening; wants to spend less money maintaining a household; and desires to reduce his or her carbon footprint through sustainable living
• The author emphasizes cultivating foods of all kinds in spaces of one-third of an acre or less, with consideration given to costs, family needs, available space, and the pleasures of the table
• Includes advice for achieving sustainability in other aspects of urban/suburban life

Whether you're dwelling in the country, suburbs, or the city, The New American Homestead shows you how to live a more sustainable life.

Introduction: The Principles of Permaculture 1

1 The Earth and You 6

2 Earth-Friendly Gardening Basics 16

3 Vegetables: Part One 57

4 Vegetables: Part Two 92

5 Herbs for Flavor and Health 143

6 Fruits 171

7 Food from Animals 203

8 In the Homestead Kitchen 231

9 Putting It All Together 289

10 The Future of the American Homestead 308

Appendix 318

Index 328