The Have-More Plan

The Have-More Plan is a practical guide for establishing a productive homestead on a small piece of land. Written in 1943 by Ed and Carolyn Robinson, it outlines methods for achieving self-sufficiency through gardening, animal husbandry, and home food production. The book provides step-by-step instructions for transforming a modest property into a working mini-farm. The Robinsons share their experience with raising chickens, growing vegetables, building outbuildings, and preserving food, with an emphasis on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The text includes detailed diagrams, planting schedules, building plans, and budget calculations to help readers implement the authors' techniques. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of homesteading, from soil preparation to livestock management. This manual reflects the war-era focus on independence and resourcefulness, presenting homesteading as a path to security and abundance. The principles outlined continue to resonate with modern readers interested in sustainable living and food independence.

Readers appreciate the practical, step-by-step guidance for small-scale homesteading and self-sufficiency. Many note the book's straightforward writing style and detailed illustrations make complex farming concepts accessible. Several reviewers mention successfully implementing the book's plans for chicken coops, garden layouts, and home preservation methods. The 1940s perspective resonates with modern homesteaders seeking traditional methods, though some find the dated gender roles and social views problematic. A few readers point out that some techniques and tools referenced are now obsolete. Readers criticize the book's narrow focus on a specific climate zone (New England) and its assumption that readers have significant land and resources available. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (89 ratings) Common review quotes: "Clear instructions anyone can follow" "Dated but still relevant basics" "Too location-specific to be universally useful" "Perfect starter guide for small farming"

Five Acres and Independence by Maurice G. Kains A detailed guide for transitioning from urban life to small-scale farming with practical instructions on land selection, crop planning, and farm management.

Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre by Brett L. Markham The book presents calculations, layouts, and specific techniques for maximizing food production in limited spaces.

The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour This reference manual covers the fundamentals of homesteading from growing food to keeping livestock and preserving harvests.

The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan The text provides layouts and plans for producing food on a compact home lot, including vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, and honey.

Basic Butchering of Livestock & Game by John J. Mettler This manual contains step-by-step instructions for processing farm animals and wild game for food storage.

🌱 Published in 1943, The Have-More Plan was written during WWII to help families achieve self-sufficiency through small-scale farming on just one acre of land. 🏡 Ed and Carolyn Robinson's methods influenced the modern homesteading movement, and they later founded the Countryside & Small Stock Journal magazine. 🥕 The book details how a family can produce up to $4,000 worth of food annually (in 1940s dollars) on their homestead—equivalent to over $65,000 today. 🔧 The Robinsons emphasized practical, low-cost solutions, including how to build a greenhouse for $35 and construct farm buildings using salvaged materials. 🌿 The book gained renewed popularity during the 1970s back-to-the-land movement and continues to influence modern sustainability advocates, with multiple reprints over the decades.