Small-Yard Homestead: How to Grow Food, Raise Chickens, and Build a Productive Backyard Farm in the Suburbs

Turn your backyard into a productive mini homestead-without leaving the suburbs.

Small-Yard Homestead is a practical guide for homeowners and beginning growers who want to raise more food in limited space, make smart use of every square foot, and build a backyard system that fits real life. Whether you have a compact fenced yard, a side lot, or a patio with a few sunny beds, this book shows you how to create a productive setup that works with your climate, budget, and local rules. Inside, you'll learn how to plan a small-space backyard farm, choose fruits and vegetables you will actually use, improve soil, save water, raise chickens successfully, evaluate other small livestock, extend the season with simple greenhouses and row covers, and adapt your strategy for hot, cold, dry, or humid conditions. You'll also get sample yard plans, seasonal calendars, starter budgets, realistic yield expectations, neighbor-friendly strategies, and quick-reference charts to help you move from ideas to action. If you want a backyard that produces food, supports your household, and still fits suburban life, Small-Yard Homestead will help you build it one step at a time.