What If You Never Paid Another Electric Bill? This Couple Hasn’t in 40 Years.
Ron and Johanna transformed a quarter-acre backyard into a self-sufficient homestead—no electric bills, no grocery runs, complete independence. Here’s the exact blueprint they used (and why 100,000+ families are following it).
The Modern Homeowner’s Trap
- Average family pays $2,000+ per year in electricity bills
- Grocery costs keep climbing—now $12,000+ annually for a family of 4
- One power outage and you’re helpless—no food, no heat, no independence
- You’re completely dependent on corporations, supply chains, and the grid
- Retirement = fixed income but rising costs = financial stress
Your house costs you money every month. What if it made you money instead?
What if you could grow your own food, generate your own power, and never worry about rising costs again?
40 Years Off-Grid: The Story That Started It All
1979. Ron and Johanna were city folks living in Philadelphia.
Regular jobs. Regular bills. Regular life.
Then they made a decision that changed everything.
They bought a piece of land in rural Saskatchewan. No electricity. No running water. No modern conveniences.
Just raw land and a dream of independence.
Year 1: They learned the hard way. Mistakes. Failures. Cold winters that tested everything.
Year 5: Systems in place. Solar power working. Food growing. Real self-sufficiency taking shape.
Year 10: Mastery. They’d figured out what worked and what didn’t—through trial and error.
Fast forward 40 years: Not a single electric bill. Not a single mortgage payment to the grid.
Now in their 60s, they’ve downsized to a quarter-acre paradise that produces:
- 100% of their electricity (never paid a bill in 40 years)
- 90% of their food year-round (minimal grocery shopping)
- All their water (independent collection and filtration)
- Extra income from selling surplus produce and eggs
- Complete independence from corporate systems
No back-breaking work. No massive investment. Just smart systems and 40 years of wisdom.
And now they’ve documented everything in The Self-Sufficient Backyard.
Why This Book Is Different From Every Other Homesteading Guide
Let’s be blunt: Most homesteading books are written by:
- People who tried it for 2-3 years then gave up
- Journalists who interviewed farmers but never got their hands dirty
- Idealists with theories but no real-world testing
- Young people with energy but no long-term sustainability plans
The Self-Sufficient Backyard is different.
What Makes This Book Unique
✅ 40 Years of REAL Experience
- Not theory—actual lived experience in three different homesteads
- Survived Saskatchewan winters with temps below -40°F
- Raised families completely off-grid
- Made every mistake possible and learned from each one
✅ Designed for Seniors and Low-Energy Living
- Ron and Johanna are in their 60s—they built this with minimal physical strain
- Every project is “easy on the back”—no heavy lifting required
- Systems that work FOR you, not systems that require constant labor
- Perfect for retirees or anyone with physical limitations
✅ Works on Small Properties
- Quarter-acre blueprint—that’s just 10,890 square feet
- Suburban backyards can implement 80% of these systems
- You don’t need a farm—just a backyard
- Scalable to whatever space you have
✅ Profitable, Not Just Sustainable
- 7 crops that generate steady income year-round
- Turn your backyard into a cash-producing asset
- Perfect for fixed-income retirees who need extra money
- Sell surplus at farmers markets, co-ops, or direct to neighbors
This isn’t a book about going back to the Stone Age. It’s about using modern wisdom to live better for less.
🌱 Get The Self-Sufficient Backyard Now
✓ Digital + Physical Formats Available · ✓ 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee · ✓ 3 FREE Bonus Books
What’s Actually Inside The Self-Sufficient Backyard
This isn’t a fluffy inspiration book. It’s a complete blueprint with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and real measurements.
📐 The Quarter-Acre Master Plan
You’ll get:
- Detailed property layout for a family of 4 to be 100% self-sufficient
- Exact dimensions and placement for every element (greenhouse, garden beds, chicken coop, etc.)
- How to scale it down for smaller properties or up for larger land
- Only 1,020 square feet per person needed for complete food independence
The blueprint shows you exactly where everything goes—no guesswork.
💧 Independent Water Systems
Multiple proven methods:
- Rainwater collection systems (cheap tanks store every gallon you need)
- Hand pump installation next to kitchen sink (backup if electric fails)
- Well drilling vs. shallow well comparison (pros/cons of each)
- Water filtration for safe drinking water
- Pressurized hot water system (heated by cooking/heating, zero extra cost)
Stop paying the utility company. Collect your own water.
⚡ Off-Grid Hybrid Electricity System
Complete electrical independence:
- Exact equipment list: batteries, controllers, inverters, cables, solar panels
- How to size your system for your actual needs
- Installation instructions with diagrams
- Cost breakdown (much cheaper than you think)
- How to sell excess power back to grid if you choose
40 years. Zero electric bills. This is the exact system they use.
🌿 The 7 Essential Medicinal Plants
Natural medicine cabinet:
- The 7 plants that handled 90% of their health issues for 40 years
- How to grow, harvest, and preserve each one
- Turning plants into tinctures, salves, and remedies
- Real applications—not folk tales, but proven effectiveness
When the nearest pharmacy was 100 miles away, these plants kept them healthy.
🐔 Low-Effort Chicken System (300+ Eggs Per Hen/Year)
Protein independence:
- Chicken coop designs that minimize work
- Feeding strategies for maximum egg production
- 50+ tricks to get 300+ eggs per hen annually
- Butchering guide (cleanest, easiest methods)
- How to profit from selling eggs
Most cost-effective protein source for any homesteader.
🌡️ Year-Round Self-Sustaining Greenhouse
Grow food 365 days a year:
- Works in ANY climate (tested in -40°F Saskatchewan winters)
- Heat retention techniques (stays warm through the night)
- Optimal angles, glazing, insulation for your location
- Geothermal upgrade (uses earth’s 55°F stable temperature)
- Venting system that integrates with house heating
They grew lettuce while 2 feet of snow sat outside. You can too.
🥬 The Microgreens Money Machine
Highest profit per square foot:
- Grow nutrient-dense microgreens indoors year-round
- Ready to harvest in just 2 weeks
- 4x more nutrients than mature plants
- Sells for premium prices at farmers markets
- Perfect basement/indoor operation if you lack outdoor space
Plus: 6 other cash crops that generate steady income with minimal effort.
🍎 The No-Work Orchard
Fruit independence:
- Tree selection for low-maintenance, high-yield varieties
- Planting strategies (your kids will enjoy the fruit you plant today)
- Minimal pruning and care required
- Works in the background while you focus on other projects
🐝 The Handy Beehive System
Honey without the hassle:
- Beehives that let you grab honey directly from jars (no extraction equipment)
- Pollination boost for all your plants and trees
- Minimal maintenance once established
- Honey for eating, trading, or selling
🥫 Complete Food Preservation Guide
Preserve EVERYTHING without electricity:
- Root cellars (multiple designs—full-size, under-house, barrel, trash can)
- Canning, drying, fermenting, curing techniques
- Seed saving and preservation methods
- How to store food for 12+ months
If you can’t preserve your harvest, you can’t be self-sufficient.
🦟 24-Hour Bio Insect Control (Zero Pesticides)
Natural pest management:
- Bluebird houses eat 1,000+ bugs per day
- Bat shelters eat 4,000+ insects per night
- Includes mosquitoes, aphids, cabbage worms, beetles, grubs
- 100% organic—no chemicals on your food
🌱 75+ DIY Homestead Projects
Complete build instructions for:
- Raised beds, container gardens, hoop tunnels, walipini
- Trellises, compost systems, rainwater collection
- Cold frames, vertical gardens, herb spirals
- Every project includes diagrams and materials lists
💰 100+ Money-Saving Tips
Cut costs on everything:
- Electricity, water, heating, cooling, food, repairs
- Property taxes, tool purchases, transportation
- Start saving immediately—even before building anything
Real Success Stories: Families Using The Self-Sufficient Backyard
“The garden sketch alone is worth the price”
This book has so much useful information. We aren’t planning on being entirely self-sufficient, but we’ve always wanted to grow a large percentage of our own food. This teaches you how to do it in a small space without breaking your back. I’ve gone from feeling overwhelmed to super excited.
“40 years of experience in one book”
If you are wanting to get into homesteading, this is the book for you. The Self-Sufficient Backyard explains everything from building your site to planning your greenhouse and off-grid systems. This is 40 years of experience that wrote this book. Fantastic.
“Prevented serious mistakes before I even started”
My book arrived faster than I’d anticipated and I am THRILLED!!! Even after skimming just the first 20-25 pages, I could already see there were a number of serious mistakes I was about to make in choosing and purchasing my land. Reading this book prevented that. This book is the real deal. Ron and Johanna get right to the point—no frivolous details. The result is a book that is just PACKED with essential, first-person detailed instructions and warnings that will prove invaluable.
“Happy with the outcome”
Amazing book that provides detailed information for self-sustainability. Have been using many of the outlined techniques in the book in our garden and around our home. Happy with the outcome.
“Critically important information for our future”
This book contains critically important information for our individual and collective futures. I commend the authors for their commitment and spirit of re-pioneering how to live on the land sustainably and self-sufficiently. I’m glad to have this book as a reference for the future. I also want to note that my experience with the seller/publisher was exemplary when I contacted them. Five stars for superlative customer service.
The THREE Free Bonus Books (Worth $81)
Order today and you’ll also receive three exclusive digital bonuses:
🐟 BONUS #1: The Aquaponic Gardener ($27 Value)
Complete aquaponics system guide:
- Set up aquaponics in your backyard, basement, or greenhouse
- Fish feed bacteria → bacteria feed plants → plants clean water for fish
- Astonishing growth rates (faster than soil gardening)
- Fresh vegetables AND fresh fish simultaneously
- Fits in small spaces—perfect for urban homesteaders
Every part of the system produces food for another. Zero waste.
🔨 BONUS #2: DIY Projects from the 1900s ($27 Value)
Old-time skills for modern times:
- Charcoal making for water purification
- Smokehouses, root cellars, traps for wild game
- Plant-based remedies, fireboxes, small barns
- Solar water heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces
- Practical knowledge of the old ways (they might come in handy)
What our forefathers knew about self-sufficiency that we’ve forgotten.
🏞️ BONUS #3: Where Free Land Can Still Be Found in the US ($27 Value)
Get your own homestead land—FREE:
- 21st century homesteading opportunities (1-5 acre plots)
- Exact locations where land is still given away
- Requirements and application processes
- Just like the original Homestead Act—but today
No property? This book shows you where to get land for FREE.
Total Bonus Value: $81
Yours FREE when you order The Self-Sufficient Backyard today.
Who NEEDS The Self-Sufficient Backyard?
✅ This book is for you if:
- You’re tired of rising electricity, water, and food costs
- You want independence from corporations and the grid
- You’re approaching retirement on a fixed income
- You have back problems or physical limitations (every project is low-strain)
- You own a suburban home with a backyard (you don’t need a farm)
- You want to grow your own organic food without pesticides
- You’re worried about supply chain disruptions or emergencies
- You want to leave the rat race but don’t know where to start
- You dream of a simpler, more peaceful lifestyle
❌ This book is NOT for you if:
- You expect instant results (this is a gradual transition done in stages)
- You live in an apartment with zero outdoor space (though some projects still apply)
- You’re unwilling to get your hands dirty at all
- You’re looking for a get-rich-quick scheme (this is about long-term independence)
- You’re perfectly happy depending on corporations for everything
🌱 Start Your Self-Sufficient
Journey Today
✓ Instant Digital Access · ✓ Physical Book Ships Today · ✓ 3 FREE Bonuses · ✓ 60-Day Guarantee
The Real Cost Analysis: What Independence Is Worth
Let’s calculate what financial independence actually saves you:
| Expense Category | Traditional Annual Cost | Self-Sufficient Annual Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $2,000 | $0 (solar) | $2,000 |
| Groceries (Family of 4) | $12,000 | $1,200 (10% supplemental) | $10,800 |
| Water Bill | $600 | $0 (rainwater collection) | $600 |
| Medical Supplements | $800 | $0 (medicinal garden) | $800 |
| Eggs/Protein | $1,200 | $0 (chickens) | $1,200 |
| ANNUAL TOTAL | $16,600 | $1,200 | $15,400 |
Save $15,400 per year.
Over 10 years: $154,000 in savings.
Over 20 years: $308,000 in savings.
Investment Breakdown
Initial Setup Costs (Conservative Estimate):
- Solar power system: $3,000-$5,000
- Greenhouse: $500-$1,500
- Rainwater collection: $300-$800
- Chicken coop: $200-$500
- Garden beds and soil: $300-$800
- Tools and supplies: $500-$1,000
Total Initial Investment: $4,800-$9,600
Break-even point: 4-7 months
After that, pure savings every single month for the rest of your life.
Plus: Property value increase, improved health, food security, and complete peace of mind.
The book costs less than one month’s grocery bill.
The knowledge lasts a lifetime.
Common Questions About The Self-Sufficient Backyard
Do I need a lot of land?
No. The blueprint is designed for a quarter-acre (10,890 sq ft). That’s a typical suburban lot. You can downsize to smaller properties—even 1,000-2,000 sq ft backyards can implement many of these systems. You won’t be 100% self-sufficient on tiny plots, but you’ll still save thousands annually.
Is this only for people who want to quit their jobs?
No. Most readers keep their day jobs and build their homestead gradually—one project at a time, one hour per week or per day. This is about reducing dependence, not necessarily complete off-grid living (though you can go that far if you want).
I’m in my 50s/60s/70s—is this too physically demanding?
Absolutely not. Ron and Johanna built their third homestead in their 60s specifically with low-effort, easy-on-the-back methods. Every project minimizes bending, heavy lifting, and physical strain. This is designed for seniors and people with physical limitations.
Do I need construction skills or special knowledge?
No. Ron was a city kid from Philadelphia with zero homesteading experience when he started. The book includes step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and measurements. If you can follow IKEA instructions, you can follow this book.
What if I live in a cold climate?
Perfect. Ron and Johanna’s main homestead was in Saskatchewan with winter temps below -40°F. The systems are designed to work in extreme climates. The year-round greenhouse section specifically addresses cold-weather growing.
Can I implement just parts of this, or do I need to do everything?
Implement whatever fits your situation. Start with one project—maybe the rainwater collection system or raised garden beds. Add more over time. This is designed for gradual implementation, not an all-or-nothing approach.
How long until I see results?
Some benefits are immediate (lower grocery bills within weeks of growing food). Others take months (solar system installation) or years (fruit trees). Most people see significant savings within the first 3-6 months of implementing even basic projects.
Is this legal in suburban neighborhoods?
Most of it, yes. Chickens, gardens, greenhouses, and rainwater collection are legal in most areas (always check local ordinances). Even in HOA neighborhoods, many systems can be implemented with minor modifications. The book discusses working within regulations.
Digital vs. Physical: Which Format Should You Get?
| Feature | Digital Version | Physical Book |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Time | Instant access | Ships within 24 hours |
| Portability | Read on phone/tablet/computer | Take to backyard/garden |
| Searchability | Ctrl+F to find anything instantly | Physical index (slower) |
| Durability | Never wears out | Can get dirty/worn from outdoor use |
| No-Screen Reading | Requires device | Read without screens |
| Price | Lower cost | Slightly higher (printing costs) |
| Bonus Books | ✅ Included (digital) | ✅ Included (digital bonuses) |
Best option: Get both formats if available.
Physical book for outdoor reference, digital for quick searches.
Your 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Here’s the deal:
Ron and Johanna have lived this lifestyle for 40 years. They KNOW this works because they’ve done it—in three different locations, in extreme climates, as they’ve aged from their 20s to their 60s.
They’re so confident this book will change your life that they offer a **full 60-day money-back guarantee.**
The Guarantee Works Like This:
Order the book today.
Read it cover to cover. Implement even one project.
If you don’t feel this book is worth 100x what you paid, if you don’t see a clear path to independence, if you’re not satisfied for ANY reason…
Email them within 60 days and get a full refund. No questions asked.
You keep the book. You keep the three bonus books.
They’ll refund every penny.
You literally cannot lose.
Either this book transforms your life, or you get your money back.
The Self-Sufficient Backyard vs. Other Homesteading Books
| Feature | Self-Sufficient Backyard | Typical Homesteading Books |
|---|---|---|
| Author Experience | 40 years off-grid living | 2-5 years (if any) |
| Property Size | Quarter-acre (suburban-friendly) | 5+ acres (requires farm) |
| Physical Demands | Low-strain, senior-friendly | Heavy labor required |
| Climate Testing | Extreme cold (-40°F) tested | Mild climates only |
| Profit Focus | 7 cash crops for income | Sustainability only, no income |
| Diagrams & Plans | Detailed measurements, illustrations | Photos only, no specs |
| Electrical Independence | Complete off-grid system guide | Usually not covered |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days, full refund | Rarely offered |
| Bonus Books | 3 bonuses worth $81 | No bonuses |
Bottom line: Most homesteading books are theory.
The Self-Sufficient Backyard is a 40-year case study.
What Happens After You Order
📱 Step 1: Instant Access (Digital Version)
- Immediate download link sent to your email
- PDF format—works on any device
- All three bonus books delivered instantly
- Start reading in the next 60 seconds
📦 Step 2: Physical Book Ships (If Ordered)
- Book ships within 24 hours of order
- Delivery in 5-10 business days (depending on location)
- High-quality printing with durable binding
- Perfect for taking to the garden or greenhouse
🌱 Step 3: Start Implementing
- Choose one project to start with (rainwater collection is popular)
- Follow the step-by-step instructions
- See immediate results (lower bills, fresh food)
- Add more projects gradually over time
💬 Step 4: Join the Community
- Access to private Facebook group (mentioned in book)
- Ask Ron and Johanna questions directly
- Connect with other self-sufficient homesteaders
- Share your progress and learn from others
The Bottom Line: What This Book Actually Is
Let’s be honest about what The Self-Sufficient Backyard is and isn’t:
It’s NOT:
- A get-rich-quick scheme
- An instant transformation (this takes time and gradual implementation)
- A book about primitive living or going back to the Stone Age
- Designed only for young, strong people with massive properties
But here’s what it IS:
- The only homesteading guide written by people with 40 years of real experience
- A proven blueprint for small properties (quarter-acre or less)
- Senior-friendly, low-strain projects anyone can implement
- A path to financial independence through self-sufficiency
- The complete system for generating your own power, water, and food
- Your ticket out of dependence on corporations and the grid
“I bought this book thinking I’d get a few gardening tips. What I got was a complete roadmap to independence. We’ve implemented six projects so far—our grocery bill dropped 60%, we haven’t paid for electricity in four months, and we’re actually MAKING money selling eggs and microgreens. This book paid for itself in the first week. Best investment I ever made for my family’s future.”
The question isn’t whether this book is worth it.
The question is: What’s your independence worth to you?
🌱 Get The Self-Sufficient Backyard Now
(Limited Time Bonuses)
✓ Instant Digital Access · ✓ Physical Book Available · ✓ 3 FREE Bonus Books ($81 Value) · ✓ 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Stop paying corporations for things you can produce yourself.
Start building your independence today.
Full Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe provide value for self-sufficient living.
Results Disclaimer: Individual results will vary based on property size, climate, local regulations, time invested, and implementation of the systems described in the book. The savings calculations are estimates based on average costs and assume full implementation of multiple systems. Your actual savings may be higher or lower depending on your specific situation.
Testimonials: Customer testimonials are from verified purchasers. Individual experiences vary based on specific circumstances, property conditions, and level of implementation. Results shown are not guaranteed and depend on proper application of the methods described.
Legal Notice: Always check local zoning laws, building codes, and HOA regulations before implementing homesteading projects. Some systems may require permits or may not be allowed in certain jurisdictions. This book provides educational information only and is not legal or financial advice.
Money-Back Guarantee: 60-day refund policy is offered by the publisher. Terms and conditions apply. Contact customer service for refund requests.
Lio Verdan writes about solar energy, off-grid living, and eco-innovation through Gridova Living — a platform dedicated to energy freedom and sustainable technology.
