---
product_id: 1563679
title: "THE RESILIENT FARM AND HOMESTEAD"
brand: "ben falk"
price: "$54.68"
currency: USD
in_stock: null
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/1563679-the-resilient-farm-and-homestead
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# THE RESILIENT FARM AND HOMESTEAD

**Brand:** ben falk
**Price:** $54.68
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

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- **What is this?** THE RESILIENT FARM AND HOMESTEAD by ben falk
- **How much does it cost?** $54.68 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
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## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    The best permaculture book to start with
  

*by N***N on Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2013*

The title really says it all. For those unfamiliar with the concept, permaculture, as defined in this work, is "applied disturbance ecology". The fundamental idea being that working with the land allows an optimized native ecosystem which is productive, supports life, and requires minimal maintenance. The term was first proposed by Bill Mollison and Dave Holmgren and first published in book form in 
  
Permaculture One: A Perennial Agricultural System for Human Settlements







  
  
    , and more extensively fleshed out in 
  
Permaculture: A Designers' Manual







  
  
    , but these are the kinds of works which beg for explanation. They are full of practical advice, plans and drawings for homestead design, water usage, and crop selection, but for all their visionary qualities, Mollison and Holmgren are not as organized or easy to follow as many would like. Additionally, the practical examples, with before and after pictures, and case studies demonstrating effectiveness are minimal in those works. This, I think, is the reason for the explosion of works like Shephard's 
  
Restoration Agriculture







  
  
    , and Hemenway's 
  
Gaia's Garden







  
  
    . This work is very much in the same tradition, but I liked it better than either of those.The first chapter is a "why permaculture?" discussion. It hits the high points of Mollison's idea, and though it doesn't say much you won't find elsewhere, it is clearly written and provides a solid foundation to the rest of the book. The second chapter discusses the design process, how to go about planning the transformation of a plot of land into a permacultured homestead. In this, it summarizes prior works, but does so every bit as extensively as the one dedicated work I've read on the subject: 
  
Permaculture Design: A Step-by-Step Guide







  
  
    . You do not need that book if you have this one. Chapter three is a summary of earth works and water planning, and while not as extensive as Yeoman's 
  
Water For Every Farm







  
  
    , it explains well enough that you could forgo that in the short term. It does not discuss contour plowing as extensively as Mark Shephard or Yeoman does. But it will give you the basic ideas behind the process. Chapter four discusses recycling of fertility, composting, and the how to use the cycle of decay and regeneration to benefit every living thing on your homestead. Chapter five discusses food crops, which centers around perennial crops and how to integrate grazing animals, poultry, and plant life to generate yields greater than the sum of the parts. Here again the discussion and the examples are better than in 
  
Restoration Agriculture







  
  
    , though some of the choices are tailored specifically to the northern temperate climate of Vermont. Enthusiasts in other climes will need to look elsewhere for specific choices. Intriguingly, the staple crop Mr. Falk grows is rice, and there is some good discussion of why this crop. Certainly unique in American agriculture, which has been solidly dominated by wheat and corn, but probably not as useful to permaculturists in more arid areas. Chapter six discusses fuel, and why wood burning, coupled with energy efficient housing design, is the most ecologically sound choice for a homestead. He also discusses building design, including how to plan for passive water conservation and use. Chapter seven is a "putting it all together" discussion. These chapters are followed with appendixes of tool lists, checklists, and design outlines.Overall, probably the best introduction to the topic, in a practical sense with examples, that I have read. While the details are specific to his location, it could not be otherwise, and for homesteaders in that climate, it will be even more useful. For those in the Midwest, the practical examples in 
  
Restoration Agriculture







  
  
     will be better, but that work is not as clear, nor as good on topics outside crop selection and planting as this one is. Additionally, while details of some aspects of sustainable living are glossed over here, it does not purport to be a self-contained manual to every aspect. For those interested in this topic for the first time, I would recommend this work, followed by 
  
Introduction to Permaculture







  
  
     as a starting point. You probably don't need much else if you have imagination, helpful neighbors, some understanding of local ecology, and a desire to experiment. For those already widely read on the subject, this is a solid addition to a permaculture library, demonstrating the feasibility and success of these principles in well photographed detail. Highly recommended.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Incredible resource!  6 stars out of 5.
  

*by C***N on Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2013*

I've been gardening, homesteading, medium scale farming/ranching in three states (MO, northern CA & NM) and five properties in the past nearly 50 years, have an extensive library, subscribe to several excellent relevant publications, am constantly learning and expanding my skills & horizons.  This is, hands down, one of the best, most comprehensive and HELPFUL books of which I am aware.  Yes, I have and love resources from John Seymour, Gene Logsdon, Sepp Holzer, Joel Salatin, a HUGE amount of permaculture texts, gardening, homesteading, grass farming, sustainability, etc., WHICH ARE IMMEASURABLY VALUABLE, but this is right up there with the best.  I enthusiastically echo several other excellent reviews, but cannot understand the scathingly negative ones.  For my purposes, Ben has written a wonderfully refreshing blend of PRACTICAL and possible permaculture homesteading book from his PERSONAL experience.  I've plenty of books gathering dust telling me what to do and what should work...but not many willing to admit when it doesn't (particularly the permaculture books).  It is concise despite covering an impressive array of material.  Not everything that "experienced" old-timers do works equally well in all situations and I appreciate the author's honest reporting of what is or is not working historically and currently on his particular property at various stages of its development/reclamation.  It often takes several years of working with a property to get a feel for what it wants and needs in terms of plants, animals, water, amendments...especially if one's experience is with vastly divergent enterprises and climatic challenges.  Regardless of what we know (or think we know), one can always learn from others' successes, mistakes, ideas, experience.  While most of the charts & graphs were not helpful for my personal learning styles, no doubt other folks loved them.  He wisely presented the material in various formats to reach the widest audience.  I appreciate Ben's willingess to share their project journey thus far and look forward to his subsequent reports...books.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Contains actual experience rather than abstract theory
  

*by B***O on Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2014*

I was pretty shocked that this book didn't have a 4.5 or 5 star rating. It was really refreshing to read a book where the author has actual experience putting his money where his mouth is and applying the permaculture principles to one place for a long time. Most other permie books I read are heavy on theory and having drawings of how permaculture is supposed to work. This has actual photos because the author actually applied everything and shared his successes and failures.And guess what? Note all permaculture "commandments" ended up being true, at least not for him in his particular location. That's what happens when you move beyond theory and go an get your hands dirty. I suspect that the negative reviewers are mostly information junkies that have a bookshelf full of permaculture literature but have never planted a tree.I loved the author's focus on resiliency and simple solutions. Sure, a wind turbine would be great, a giant system of solar power lighting up the area sounds fun and green. But the author promotes low tech and traditional when possible, simply because it's the most practical approach. Turbines and solar panels break, and they require complex parts from far off lands. In the fragile system we live in, who knows if these things will be available in the future. I also liked his subtle references to SHTF scenarios and preparation for emergencies.TLDR; this book is not your standard regurgitation on permaculture principles and you will gain new insights from this.

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*Last updated: 2026-03-17*