Recommended Books

These are my go-to books for each area of going off grid. Every one is something that I found indispensable in educating myself on living an off grid lifestyle.

Permaculture Books

Gaia’s Garden

This is the best book for beginners to learn permaculture. I have read most of the beginner permaculture books on the market, and this is hands down the best. Relatively short, concise, and easy to read. While permaculture design courses and huge reference books can be a nice way to grow in your permaculture practice, this book introduces permaculture so nicely, that it should be the first thing that every new permaculturist reads.

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Permaculture A Designers’ Manual

Essential reading for any serious Permaculturist. This is the classic text by Bill Mollison himself, and is probably the most significant work in the history of permaculture. My copy of this book is my go-to reference when I am working with a permaculture design or teaching permaculture . I honestly believe that every high school student should be taught a course in permaculture, and this should be the text book that they use. Well worth a place in any permaculturist’s personal library!

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Edible Forest Gardens

The essential reference on food forest design. There is no other book on the market that even compares to this work, in the realm of self-sufficient, autonomous food producing gardens. This book will save you thousands in mistakes over the years. And, is probably worth more than most bachelor’s degrees when it comes to practical, real world knowledge. Even if you don’t read the whole thing straight through, it is worth having just to refer to when design or improving your garden.

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Off Grid Income Books

The Urban Farmer: Growing Food for Profit on Leased and Borrowed Land

Not just for city dwellers! This book is a must read if you are looking to make money selling produce you grow. Curtis approaches the subject with a no-nonsense mindset, and teaches you the method he uses to make a living for his family farming small plots with minimal equipment. For aspiring market gardeners, this may be the most valuable book that you will ever own.

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Pastured Poultry Profit$

This is the definitive guide making money raising chickens. Joel Salatin single handily created the vibrant industry of organic pasture raised poultry with this book. Raising poultry using this method has proven to not only be lucrative, but beneficial the environment while providing healthy food to market. Whether you plan on making raising chickens your new vocation, or just want to raise meat for the family, this is an essential book to have in your collection.

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Biogas

The Biogas Handbook

This is hands down the best book on biogas out there, and one of my favorite books on this list. It is filled with well researched and authoritative information, written in a down to earth and practical style. If you want to equip your homestead with FREE diy gas production for stoves, heaters, or even refrigerators, then do yourself a favor and get this book in your hands.

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