Self Sufficient Backyard: The Complete Guide to Homesteading Success

Transform any backyard into a food-producing paradise with the right system

In an era of rising food costs, supply chain uncertainties, and growing environmental concerns, the dream of self-sufficiency has moved from nostalgic fantasy to practical necessity for millions. The desire to grow your own food, harness natural energy, and create a resilient home is stronger than ever. But where do you start? How do you transform a standard backyard—whether it’s a quarter-acre suburban lot or a small urban space—into a productive, life-sustaining homestead?

Enter the NEW Self Sufficient Backyard guide by Ron and Johanna. This comprehensive 300+ page digital system promises to be the ultimate roadmap to food independence and sustainable living. Marketed as containing “40 years of homesteading experience distilled into one guide,” it covers everything from year-round food production and renewable energy to water independence and survival medicine. But does this guide deliver genuine value, or is it just another overhyped survivalist manual? In this detailed 2025 review, we’ll examine every component, analyze real user results, and determine if this is truly the best investment for aspiring homesteaders.

Who Created Self Sufficient Backyard? Meet Ron & Johanna

Understanding the creators behind a system is crucial to assessing its credibility. Ron and Johanna aren’t just theoretical survivalists; they’re practitioners with four decades of hands-on experience. After leaving their corporate careers in the 1980s, they transformed multiple properties—including challenging urban lots—into completely self-sufficient homesteads.

What makes their approach particularly valuable is their focus on practical adaptation. They’ve successfully implemented these systems in different climates, soil conditions, and property sizes. Their methodology emphasizes:

• Low-cost implementation: Using recycled materials and DIY solutions
• Space efficiency: Techniques for small urban yards as well as larger properties
• Progressive implementation: A step-by-step approach that doesn’t overwhelm beginners
• Resilience planning: Systems that work during normal times and emergencies

What’s Inside the Guide? A Complete Breakdown

The Self Sufficient Backyard system is organized into logical sections that take you from basic planning to advanced self-sufficiency. Here’s what you actually receive:

Bonus Materials Included

Beyond the core guide, purchasers receive several valuable bonuses:

• The 72-Hour Survival Plan: Immediate action steps for emergency preparedness
• Cheap DIY Geothermal Greenhouse Plans: Grow tropical food in cold climates
• Aquaponics Program: Complete fish and vegetable symbiotic growing system
• Canning & Preserving Video Course: Visual guides for food preservation techniques
• Monthly Updates: Ongoing access to new content and community Q&A

Year-round food production is achievable with proper greenhouse design and season extension techniques

The Science Behind the System: What Makes It Effective?

Unlike many homesteading guides that offer vague advice, the Self Sufficient Backyard system is built on proven principles:

1. Permaculture Design Principles

The guide applies core permaculture concepts like zone planning (placing elements based on frequency of use), stacking functions (each element serves multiple purposes), and creating closed-loop systems that minimize waste and external inputs.

2. Biointensive Gardening Methods

Techniques like double-digging, companion planting, and succession planting can increase yields by 300-500% compared to traditional row gardening, making small-space food production genuinely viable.

3. Appropriate Technology

All DIY projects use readily available materials and avoid overly complex engineering. The solar and wind systems are sized appropriately for residential use rather than attempting to power entire homes off-grid immediately.

4. Progressive Implementation

The system acknowledges that complete self-sufficiency takes time. It provides a realistic 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year implementation plan based on your starting point and available time commitment.

Self Sufficient Backyard: Pros vs. Cons Analysis

Real User Results: What Buyers Are Achieving

The true test of any system is real-world implementation. Based on user testimonials and community feedback, here’s what people are accomplishing:

User Profile	Starting Point	Results After Implementation
Urban Family (1/8 acre lot)	No gardening experience $400 monthly grocery bill	65% vegetable self-sufficiency Rainwater supplies 40% of needs $220 monthly grocery savings
Suburban Couple (1/4 acre lot)	Basic vegetable garden Complete grid dependence	90% vegetable + 40% fruit needs Solar meets 35% of energy needs Eggs from backyard chickens
Rural Prepper (2 acre property)	Some food preservation skills Concerned about emergencies	Complete food independence Water security established Medical herb garden planted

Comparing Alternatives: How Does It Stack Up?

When considering the Self Sufficient Backyard guide, it’s helpful to understand the alternatives:

Piecemeal Learning (Free Online Resources)

Pros: No cost, vast amount of information available
Cons: Overwhelming, contradictory advice, no systematic approach, time-consuming to filter quality information
Verdict: Fine for specific questions, but inefficient for comprehensive homestead planning.

College Courses & Workshops

Pros: Structured learning, expert instruction, hands-on components
Cons: Very expensive ($500-$5,000), limited availability, often theoretical rather than practical
Verdict: Excellent if you have substantial budget and want certification, but impractical for most.

Other Homesteading Books/Guides

Pros: Lower cost, focused information
Cons: Usually specialized (just gardening OR energy), not comprehensive, varying quality
Verdict: Self Sufficient Backyard offers better value through comprehensiveness and practical focus.

DIY renewable energy projects can significantly reduce utility dependence

Who Is This Guide BEST Suited For?

The Self Sufficient Backyard system delivers exceptional value for specific audiences:

Ideal Users:

• Beginning Homesteaders: Those starting from scratch who need a complete roadmap
• Urban & Suburban Dwellers: People with limited space who need efficient solutions
• Cost-Conscious Implementers: Those who want to maximize results with minimal budget
• Emergency Preparedness Minded: Families wanting resilience against supply chain disruptions
• Environmental Stewards: People wanting to reduce their ecological footprint
• Retirement Planners: Those seeking to reduce living costs in preparation for retirement

Less Ideal For:

• Those Wanting Instant Results: This is a multi-year transformation process
• People Unwilling to Do Physical Work: Implementation requires consistent effort
• Extreme Climate Locations: While principles apply everywhere, Arctic or desert dwellers will need more adaptation
• Those Wanting Only Ornamental Gardens: This is focused on food production and utility

Cost Analysis: Is the Investment Justified?

At its current price point (typically $37-$47 during promotions), the Self Sufficient Backyard guide represents one of the most cost-effective homesteading investments available. Consider these comparisons:

• One consultation with a permaculture designer: $300-$800
• Weekend homesteading workshop: $250-$500
• College sustainable agriculture course: $500-$1,500
• Purchasing individual books on each topic: $200-$300
• Self Sufficient Backyard complete system: Less than $50

More importantly, the financial return on investment can be substantial. A well-implemented backyard system can save the average family $3,000-$6,000 annually on food, energy, and water costs. This means the guide often pays for itself within the first month of implementation.

Final Verdict: Is Self Sufficient Backyard Worth It?

After thorough analysis of the content, methodology, creator credentials, and user results, our assessment is clear:

The Self Sufficient Backyard guide represents exceptional value for anyone serious about moving toward food independence and sustainable living.

This isn’t a theoretical academic text but a practical, field-tested manual created by people who have actually achieved what they’re teaching. The comprehensiveness alone justifies the modest investment—covering everything from soil building and seed starting to renewable energy and emergency medicine in one coherent system.

The guide’s greatest strength is its practical implementation focus. Every technique includes specific instructions, material lists, cost estimates, and troubleshooting advice. The progressive approach prevents overwhelm while providing a clear path from beginner to advanced homesteader.

Potential buyers should understand that this is a digital product requiring active implementation. You won’t achieve self-sufficiency by simply reading the guide—you must apply the techniques consistently. However, for those willing to invest the time and effort, the rewards are substantial: reduced living costs, improved food quality, emergency preparedness, and the deep satisfaction of building a resilient life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this suitable for complete beginners with no gardening experience?
A: Yes, the guide starts with fundamental concepts and progresses gradually. Many successful users began with zero prior experience.

Q: How much space do I really need?
A: The system includes designs for spaces as small as 1/8 acre (typical urban lot). Larger spaces simply allow for more variety and scale.

Q: What’s the time commitment for implementation?
A: The guide suggests starting with just 5-10 hours weekly. Complete implementation is a multi-year process that becomes part of your lifestyle.

Q: Are the renewable energy projects legal in my area?
A: Most residential-scale projects are permitted everywhere, but you should check local regulations for specific restrictions.

Q: What if I have physical limitations?
A: Many techniques can be adapted for accessibility. Raised beds, container gardening, and smaller-scale systems are all covered.