Step-by-step projects for self-sufficiency : grow edibles, raise animals, live off the grid, DIY Editors of Cool Springs Press

867 Pages·2017·55.209 MB·English

by  DIY Editors of Cool Springs Press

STEP-BY-STEP
Projects for
Self-Sufficiency
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
11
of of
oo
rr
PP
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 1 9/12/16 4:55 PM
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 1 JJoobb:: 1111990011 TTiittllee:: 222244119933 -- SStteepp--bbyy--SStteepp PPrroojjeeccttss ffoorr SSeellff--SSuuffffiicciieennccyy 1((MM3/1BB2II/))16 11:02 AM
Text ((LLCCHH)) PPaaggee:: 11
© 2017 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.
First published in 2017 by Cool Springs Press, an imprint of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc., 400 First
Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA.
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
quartoknows.com
Visit our blogs at quartoknows.com
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the
copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the
artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of
copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure
that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have
occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.
Cool Springs Press titles are also available at discounts in bulk quantity for industrial or sales-promotional use.
For details contact the Special Sales Manager at Quarto Publishing Group
USA Inc., 400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 USA.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
ISBN: 978-1-59186-688-6
Digital edition: 978-0-76035-755-2
Softcover edition: 978-1-59186-688-6
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Cool Springs Press, issuing body.
Title: Step-by-step projects for self-sufficiency : grow edibles, raise
animals, live off the grid, DIY.
Description: Minneapolis, MN : Cool Springs Press, 2017. | Includes index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016045690 | ISBN 9781591866886 (hc)
Subjects: LCSH: Agriculture--Handbooks, manuals, etc. | Self-reliant
living--Handbooks, manuals, etc.
Classification: LCC S496 .S747 2017 | DDC 635--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016045690
Acquiring Editor: Mark Johanson
Project Manager: Alyssa Bluhm
Art Director: Cindy Samargia Laun
Cover Designer: Simon Larkin
Layout: Simon Larkin
Edition Editor: Eric Smith
Photographer: Tracy Walsh
Photo Assistance: Ian Miller, Susan Storck
Illustrator: Christopher R. Mills Illustration (pages 30, 96, 118, 200)
Printed in China
11
of of
oo
rr
PP
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 2 9/12/16 4:55 PM
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 2 JJoobb:: 1111990011 TTiittllee:: 222244119933 -- SStteepp--bbyy--SStteepp PPrroojjeeccttss ffoorr SSeellff--SSuuffffiicciieennccyy 1((MM3/1BB2II/))16 11:02 AM
Text ((LLCCHH)) PPaaggee:: 22

Contents (continued)
SECTION 3: GARDEN PROJECTS
14 Starting & Transplanting Seedlings 102
15 Potato-Growing Box 106
16 Octagon Strawberry Planter & Cover 110
17 Vertical Planter 116
18 Clothesline Trellis 122
19 Teepee Trellis 128
20 Raised Bed with Removable Trellis 132
21 Pallet Planter 136
22 Raised Beds 140
23 Container Gardening 146
24 Cold Frame 156
25 Jumbo Cold Frame 162
26 Planting Trees 168
SECTION 4: FOOD PREPARATION & PRESERVATION
27 Preserving Your Bounty 174
28 Solar Dryer 182
29 Solar Fruit Dryer 186
30 Herb-Drying Rack 192
31 Root Vegetable Rack 198
32 Root Cellar 204
33 Cider Press 214
T
22 34 Solar Oven 220

111
of of of
ooo
rrr
PPP
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 4 9/12/16 4:55 PM
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901 C2.indd 4 JJoobb:: 1111990011 TTiittllee:: 222244119933 -- SStteepp--bbyy--SStteepp PPrroojjeeccttss ffoorr SSeellff--SSuuffffiicciieennccyy 1((MM9/1BB2II/))16 12:11 PM
Text ((LLCCHH)) PPaaggee:: 44
SECTION 5: HOMESTEAD AMENITIES
35 Firewood Shelter 230
36 Frame Loom 236
37 Solar Still 242
38 Manual Laundry Washer 248
39 Solar Heat 254
40 Wine Racks for Winemakers 264

SECTION 6: OUTBUILDINGS & FENCES
41 Greenhouse 280
42 Hoophouse 290
43 Metal Kit Shed 300
44 Pole Barn 308
45 Post-and-Board Fence 328
46 Split-Rail Fence 334
47 Chain-Link Fence 340
Resources 348
Credits 348
Index 349
11
of of
oo
rr
PP
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 5 9/12/16 4:55 PM
JJoobb:: 1111990011 TTiittllee:: 222244119933 -- SStteepp--bbyy--SStteepp PPrroojjeeccttss ffoorr SSeellff--SSuuffffiicciieennccyy ((MMBBII)) Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 5 JJoobb:: 1111990011 TTiittllee:: 222244119933 -- SStteepp--bbyy--SStteepp PPrroojjeeccttss ffoorr SSeellff--SSuuffffiicciieennccyy 1((MM3/1BB2II/))16 11:02 AM
((LLCCHH)) PPaaggee:: 44 Text ((LLCCHH)) PPaaggee:: 55
building a
self-sufficient life
11
of of
oo
rr
PP
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 6 9/12/16 4:56 PM
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 6 JJoobb:: 1111990011 TTiittllee:: 222244119933 -- SStteepp--bbyy--SStteepp PPrroojjeeccttss ffoorr SSeellff--SSuuffffiicciieennccyy 1((MM3/1BB2II/))16 11:02 AM
Text ((LLCCHH)) PPaaggee:: 66
INTRODUCTION
building a
self-sufficient life
Living a more independent lifestyle is a
rewarding goal. By learning to do more things
yourself, you gain control of the how and when
and what of modern life.
The projects in this book are designed to help you reach the goal of self-sufficient
living. The best part is that you don’t need to sell your townhome and move to 80 acres
in the mountains to make use of these projects. Pick off a few here and there, and you
can participate in the self-sufficient way of being without making the sacrifices required
when living off the grid.
Building a greenhouse is a great way
for gardeners to jumpstart the growing
season, or to introduce new, sensitive
plants to your garden. See page 280.
T
22
111
7 oof oof oof
rrr
PPP
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 7 9/12/16 4:56 PM
JJoobb:: 1111990011 TTiittllee:: 222244119933 -- SStteepp--bbyy--SStteepp PPrroojjeeccttss ffoorr SSeellff--SSuuffffiicciieennccyy ((MMBBII)) Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901 C2.indd 7 JJoobb:: 1111990011 TTiittllee:: 222244119933 -- SStteepp--bbyy--SStteepp PPrroojjeeccttss ffoorr SSeellff--SSuuffffiicciieennccyy 1((MM9/1BB2II/))16 12:12 PM
((LLCCHH)) PPaaggee:: 66 Text ((LLCCHH)) PPaaggee:: 77
The homestead may look very different today than in the pioneer days. But what we
may lack in acreage, we can compensate for with creativity. Growing edibles in containers
on a balcony is just one way to pursue your self-sufficient goals in an urban setting.
11
oof oof 8
rr
PP
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 8 9/12/16 4:56 PM
Self Sufficiency_001-352_11901.indd 8 JJoobb:: 1111990011 TTiittllee:: 222244119933 -- SStteepp--bbyy--SStteepp PPrroojjeeccttss ffoorr SSeellff--SSuuffffiicciieennccyy 1((MM3/1BB2II/))16 11:02 AM
Text ((LLCCHH)) PPaaggee:: 88