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Jump to navigationJump to searchThe Self-Sufficiency Bible: Window Boxes to Smallholdings - Hundreds of Ways to Become Self-Sufficient by Simon Dawson (view source)
Revision as of 16:07, 7 April 2010
, 16:07, 7 April 2010no edit summary
The recent financial crises have taken people by surprise and instead of trying to ride the problem out and then get back to our old, profligate ways we've looked at how we can live more sustainably and less expensively. Thrift is the new black and many people are taking pride in not spending money. I might take issue with whether or not Simon Dawson's book should be called a ''bible'' which suggests a completeness which is doesn't seem to exhibit, but it's an excellent starting point for those wanting to become more self-sufficient. It also has the recipe for a chocolate sponge which takes just five minutes to make – and that takes a lot of beating.
When anyone mentions self-sufficiency my mind always goes back to ''The Good Life''. It was splendid comedy but as a concept it's rather daunting. I would like to produce more of my own food and clothes, but I'd like the freedom to do otherwise if I wanted or needed to and that's where ''The Self-Sufficiency Bible'' comes into its own. You're not expected to abandon Tesco or M&S completely but every small step you take to being self-sufficient should be a source of pride. It reminded me of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's [[River Cottage Handbook Cookbook by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall|River Cottage HandbookCookbook]] but whereas Hugh concentrates on the production of food Simon branches out into other areas.
Food is, of course, the major area in which we can reduce our dependence on the supermarkets and you'll find excellent basic information on the kitchen garden – I'd regard it as the basis for your first year's crops after which you might like to invest in [[Veg Patch: River Cottage Handbook No 4 by Mark Diacono]] if you have a kitchen garden or [[The Allotment Experience by Ruth Binney]] if you have access to a larger area of ground. If you're short of space then have a look at [[Patio Produce by Paul Peacock]]. However much space you have you really should have a go at growing your own food. Nothing tastes as good as food which you've grown yourself and food yards are much better than food miles.
