Backyard Homesteading addresses the needs of many people who want to take control of the food they eat and the products they use--even if they live in a urban or suburban house on a typical-size lot. It shows homeowners how to turn their yard into a productive and wholesome homestead that allows them to grow their own fruits and vegetables, and raise farm animals, including chickens and goats. Backyard Homesteading covers the laws and regulations of raising livestock in populated areas and demonstrates to readers how to use and preserve the bounty they produce.

Dave Toht, once the proud owner of eight brown-egg biddies, has more than 60 how-to books to this credit, including the best-selling Backyard Homesteading. He considers harvesting a sun-warmed tomato from his own garden one of life's sweetest pleasures. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in Olympia, Washington.