I Read Self-Sufficient Backyard and Tried It – Here’s My Honest Experience
Quick Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Self-Sufficient Backyard |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – Practical, inspiring, and highly detailed |
| Type | Physical + Digital Book (Homesteading Guide) |
| Authors | Ron & Johanna Melchiore (off-grid living experts) |
| What It Covers | Food production, water harvesting, solar power, DIY sanitation & more |
| Format | Paperback + PDF (with diagrams, photos, and step-by-step projects) |
| Price | $37 (physical book + digital access) |
| Refund Policy | 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Ideal For | Off-grid dreamers, preppers, backyard gardeners, and rural homeowners |
Why I Bought a Self-Sufficient Backyard
I’ve always loved the idea of living off the grid — not completely, but just enough to feel independent from rising prices and unreliable utilities. During lockdowns and power cuts, I started thinking more seriously about growing my own food, collecting rainwater, and relying less on grocery stores.
That’s when I came across Self-Sufficient Backyard. Written by a couple who actually live off the grid year-round, it promised practical ways to grow food, generate power, and reduce expenses on a small patch of land — even a suburban backyard.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the idea of learning from someone who’s actually done it made me hit “buy.”
What You Get Inside the Book
| Section | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Backyard Food Production | Raised beds, year-round gardening, companion planting, seed saving |
| Energy & Heating | Solar panels, solar ovens, rocket stoves, and heating without electricity |
| Water Systems | Rainwater harvesting, gray water use, and water purification |
| Backyard Projects | DIY greenhouses, root cellars, composting toilets, solar dehydrators |
| Food Preservation | Canning, pickling, drying, fermenting, and cellar storage |
| Livestock Basics | Chicken coops, rabbits, goats, fencing, and feeding |
| Bonus Tips | Budgeting, barter systems, waste management, and basic first aid |
It’s not just a textbook. It feels like real conversations and lessons from people who have actually lived this way for 40+ years.
My Experience – What I Actually Tried
Since I live in a semi-urban home with a small yard, I picked a few easy wins:
1. Rainwater Harvesting
Using the method in the book, I created a basic collection system using plastic barrels and mesh filters. Within two weeks, I had over 200 liters stored, and I now use it for my garden.
2. DIY Raised Garden Beds
I built two 4×4 raised beds and followed the companion planting suggestions. Within 3 weeks, I had spinach, lettuce, and coriander sprouting up — all from seeds I saved last season.
3. Solar Food Dehydrator
This one was a fun weekend project. Using scrap wood and black paint, I created a solar dehydrator. Dried some bananas and tomatoes — it worked way better than I expected.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Covers a wide range of off-grid topics in a single guide | Some advanced projects may require carpentry or tool skills |
| Written by real off-grid homesteaders with decades of experience | Not all ideas apply to tiny apartments or ultra-urban homes |
| Encourages practical action, not just theory | Paperback delivery can take time, depending on location |
| Beautiful illustrations, step-by-step photos | No video tutorials (it’s a book only) |
| Helps reduce bills, waste, and food dependency | Livestock sections may not apply to all readers |
| Includes both low-cost and high-tech options | Some U.S.-centric measurements (easy to convert though) |
FAQ – Questions I Had Before Buying
| Question | My Answer After Using the Book |
|---|---|
| Do I need a big backyard to use this? | No, even small yards (or patios) can implement many ideas |
| Will I save money by following this guide? | Yes – I now spend far less on herbs, greens, and even water |
| Can someone in India use this? | Absolutely – ideas are globally applicable with a little adjustment |
| Is the book beginner-friendly? | Very much — simple language, photos, no technical jargon |
| Are there step-by-step diagrams? | Yes – each project is broken into visual steps |
| How fast can I see results? | Within 1–2 weeks if you start with gardening and water harvesting |
| Does it cover long-term food storage? | Yes – includes cellar tips, canning, and natural preservation |
| What if I don’t like it? | Refund is available within 60 days via ClickBank |
Final Verdict – Is a Self-Sufficient Backyard Worth It?
Absolutely yes — if you’re serious about becoming less dependent on modern systems and more in control of your food, water, and energy.
This book isn’t some Pinterest-style collection of ideas. It’s decades of experience, condensed into an action guide. You don’t have to go fully off-grid to benefit from it — even small changes like saving water, composting, or growing greens make a noticeable impact.
If you’re into prepping, self-reliance, sustainable living, or just want to build a smart, money-saving backyard, this guide is an excellent investment.
My Rating: 4.5/5
Simple advice, real results, and genuinely written by people who live the lifestyle.
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