Back to Basics

1. Embrace Self-Sufficiency: Reclaim Control Over Your Life

At its heart Back to Basics is a how-to book packed with hundreds of projects, step-by-step sequences, charts, tables, diagrams, and illustrations to help you and your family reestablish control over your day-to-day lives.

Reclaiming independence. "Back to Basics" champions a return to traditional skills, craftsmanship, and self-reliance, empowering individuals and families to take control of their lives. It's about moving away from dependence on complex, often unreliable, modern systems and rediscovering the satisfaction of doing things for oneself. This involves learning practical skills, from building a home to growing food, and embracing a more hands-on approach to daily living.

A practical guide. The book provides a comprehensive guide to various aspects of self-sufficiency, offering step-by-step instructions, charts, diagrams, and illustrations. It covers essential areas such as shelter, energy, food production, preservation, home crafts, and recreation, providing a roadmap for readers to gradually integrate these skills into their lives. The goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to become more self-reliant and less dependent on external systems.

Dreaming and doing. While the book offers practical advice, it also encourages readers to dream and explore possibilities. It's not just about immediately implementing every skill but about sparking imagination and fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. The book inspires a sense of empowerment and the potential to create a more fulfilling and independent lifestyle, whether through small-scale projects or larger endeavors.

2. Land Wisdom: Informed Choices for Country Dreams

With careful planning and a modest investment almost anyone can turn the dream of owning a small farm or a few acres of country land into a reality.

Planning and investigation. Buying country property requires careful planning, research, and a clear understanding of your goals and priorities. It's essential to define your needs, consider your budget, and thoroughly investigate potential properties before making a commitment. This includes assessing the land's suitability for your intended use, considering factors like climate, soil fertility, water availability, and access to essential services.

Beyond the surface. A thorough investigation involves more than just a quick walk around the property. It requires digging deep into the soil to assess its fertility, checking the drainage capacity, and inspecting potential building sites. It's also crucial to investigate the availability of water, both above and below ground, and to understand your water rights.

Seasonal awareness. Visiting the property in different seasons is essential to uncover potential issues that may be hidden during certain times of the year. Spring blooms can mask drainage problems, while winter snow can conceal erosion. By observing the land in all its phases, you can make a more informed decision and avoid costly surprises.

3. Home Design: Tailor Your Space to Your Life

A well-designed home, like a well-tailored garment, should fit your taste, needs, and pocketbook.

Active participation. Designing a home should be a collaborative process between the homeowner and the architect or contractor. It's crucial to actively participate in the design process, sharing your vision, needs, and preferences to ensure that the final product reflects your unique lifestyle. This involves researching design principles, exploring different styles, and carefully considering the layout and functionality of each space.

Site considerations. Choosing the right building site is paramount for energy efficiency and overall comfort. Factors like the lay of the land, soil bearing strength, drainage, sunlight exposure, and prevailing winds should all be carefully considered. Optimizing the site's natural features can significantly reduce energy consumption and create a more harmonious living environment.

Future-proof design. Home design should also take into account future needs and potential additions. A growing family may require extra space, while aging homeowners may need to consider accessibility features. Planning for future additions or incorporating flexible design elements can ensure that the home remains adaptable and functional for years to come.

4. Site Preparation: Laying the Groundwork for Success

The job of site development starts in the winter, when trees are bare and the features of the terrain are clearly visible.

Winter planning. Site development begins with careful planning and assessment, ideally during the winter months when the terrain is most visible. This involves creating a detailed development map, identifying potential challenges, and determining the best approach for clearing the land, grading the site, and excavating the foundation.

Balancing hand and machine. While heavy machinery can expedite the process, hand clearing offers several advantages, including minimizing damage to the surrounding environment and preserving valuable trees and shrubs. A combination of hand tools and machinery may be the most effective approach, allowing for precision and efficiency.

Professional expertise. Surveying the site, grading the land, and excavating the foundation are tasks that often require professional expertise. Hiring experienced contractors can ensure that the job is done correctly and safely, avoiding costly mistakes and potential structural problems.

5. Timber Mastery: From Forest to Frame

For best lumber and greatest yield per log, select trees with smooth, straight trunks at least 1 ft. in diameter.

Tree selection. Choosing the right trees is crucial for producing high-quality lumber. Look for trees with smooth, straight trunks, minimal branching, and no signs of decay or damage. Consider the intended use of the lumber when selecting tree species, as different woods have varying strengths, textures, and resistance to decay.

Logging techniques. Efficient and sustainable logging practices are essential for maximizing yield and minimizing environmental impact. This involves careful planning, proper felling techniques, and responsible hauling methods. Consider using horses for logging in sensitive areas or where machinery access is limited.

Lumber processing. Converting trees into lumber involves several steps, including bucking, sawing, and seasoning. Choose the appropriate sawing method based on the desired quality and appearance of the lumber. Proper seasoning is crucial for producing durable and stable boards that are resistant to warping and decay.

6. Log Cabin Construction: Building a Legacy

Log cabins have long symbolized the American pioneering spirit and love of independence—and with good reason.

Symbol of self-reliance. Log cabins represent a connection to the past and a spirit of self-sufficiency. They are constructed from readily available materials, offering an economical and sustainable housing option. Whether built from scratch or assembled from a kit, log cabins provide a unique and charming living space.

Log selection and preparation. Choosing the right trees and preparing the logs is crucial for building a sturdy and long-lasting cabin. Evergreens like pine, fir, and cedar are ideal choices, and logs should be carefully peeled, seasoned, and notched for a secure fit.

Notching and wall construction. Well-made notches are essential for locking wall logs in place and preventing water damage. Various notching styles exist, each with its own advantages and aesthetic appeal. Careful measuring, precise cutting, and proper chinking are crucial for creating weathertight and structurally sound walls.

7. Adobe Construction: Earth-Based Harmony

Adobe, or sun-dried mud, is among the most ancient and widely used building materials.

Ancient and sustainable. Adobe construction offers a sustainable and energy-efficient building method that utilizes readily available materials like soil, water, and straw. Adobe homes provide excellent insulation, maintaining a stable interior temperature in arid climates.

Soil suitability. The ideal soil for adobe construction contains a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, with little to no organic matter. Simple tests can be performed to assess soil fertility and suitability for adobe brick making.

Brick making and wall construction. Adobe bricks are made by mixing soil, water, and straw, then casting the mixture into molds and allowing it to dry in the sun. Walls are constructed by laying the adobe bricks like ordinary bricks, using adobe mud as mortar. Careful planning and attention to detail are essential for creating structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing adobe homes.

8. Stone House Construction: Enduring Strength and Beauty

People have a natural love for stones.

Timeless appeal. Stone houses evoke a sense of permanence, security, and connection to nature. They offer a unique blend of beauty and strength, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing living space.

Stone selection and traditional masonry. Choosing the right type of stone is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of a stone house. Traditional stonemasonry involves carefully selecting and shaping each stone to fit securely in place, using mortar to bind the stones together.

Slipform method. The slipform method offers a more accessible approach to stone house construction, allowing individuals with limited masonry skills to create beautiful and durable stone walls. This method involves packing loose stones into removable forms and cementing them together with concrete.

9. Harnessing Nature's Power: Energy Independence

The era of cheap and abundant energy is recognized to be over.

Alternative energy sources. The rising cost of fossil fuels and growing environmental concerns have spurred renewed interest in alternative energy sources like wood, water, wind, and sun. These renewable resources offer the potential for greater energy independence and a more sustainable lifestyle.

Wood, water, wind, and sun. Each energy source has its own advantages and limitations. Wood provides a readily available fuel for heating, while waterpower can generate electricity. Wind power offers a clean and renewable energy source, and solar energy can be harnessed for heating water and generating electricity.

Energy efficiency and conservation. Before investing in alternative energy systems, it's crucial to prioritize energy efficiency and conservation measures. This involves insulating your home, weather stripping windows and doors, and using energy-efficient appliances. Reducing energy consumption is the first step towards achieving energy independence.

10. Growing Your Own: Cultivating a Sustainable Homestead

The best fertilizer for a piece of land is the footprints of its owner.

The kitchen garden. A kitchen garden provides fresh, nutritious produce, reduces food costs, and fosters a deeper connection to the natural world. Careful planning, soil preparation, and crop selection are essential for maximizing yields and ensuring a continuous supply of vegetables throughout the growing season.

Beyond the garden. In addition to vegetables, a sustainable homestead may also include fruit trees, berry bushes, and livestock. These elements can provide a diverse range of food sources and contribute to a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Organic practices. Embracing organic gardening practices is crucial for maintaining soil health, protecting the environment, and producing high-quality food. This involves using natural fertilizers, composting waste, and implementing integrated pest management strategies.

11. Preserving the Harvest: Enjoying Nature's Bounty Year-Round

Gather the gifts of Earth with equal hand;

Extending the season. Preserving the harvest allows you to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor throughout the year, ensuring a continuous supply of homegrown food. Various preservation methods exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Methods of preservation. Common methods include canning, freezing, drying, salt curing, and jellying. Each method affects the taste, texture, and nutritional value of the food differently, so it's important to choose the right method for each type of produce.

Safety and storage. Proper techniques and storage are essential for ensuring the safety and quality of preserved foods. Follow reliable recipes, use sterile containers, and store preserved foods in a cool, dark place.

12. Homestead Crafts: Skills for a Fulfilling Life

It is my special pleasure to behold the lines of hand-made things and to see the patina of seasoned wood and to feel a patriotic pride in the good workmanship there.

Connecting to tradition. Homestead crafts offer a connection to the past, allowing you to learn and practice skills that were essential for survival in earlier times. These crafts provide a sense of accomplishment, creativity, and independence.

Variety of crafts. A wide range of crafts can be practiced on a homestead, including natural dyeing, spinning, weaving, rug making, leatherwork, woodworking, broom making, and more. Each craft offers its own unique challenges and rewards.

Practical and fulfilling. Homestead crafts not only provide useful items for the home but also offer a sense of fulfillment and connection to the natural world. These skills can be passed down through generations, preserving valuable knowledge and traditions.

Last updated: February 21, 2025