Five years ago, Michael Kelly turned his back on the corporate life to try his hand at what he calls “the good life”.
In his 400-page biography/memoir, Tales from the Home Farm: Live More, Spend Less, Grow your Own Food, he explained that this is the most rewarding thing he has ever done and encourages readers to follow in his footsteps.
In the book, he looks at what to grow and when, its worths, farming hens and pigs – the ups and downs, cooking and storing your bounty, physical and mental health benefits, food swapping, markets, neighbours and communities.
Based on his own sometimes hilarious experiences, Michael shares what he’s learned, taking us through the year on his small home farm.
Grow Your Own Food
He advises readers of the book – which The O’Brien Press published – to “live more, spend less and enjoy life by turning the doom and gloom into a better, more enjoyable way of living”.
One reviewer said the publication is “full of simple, useful information, which he has straightforwardly presented”.
Another explained, “it is like a gentle hand guiding you into your garden”, while another believes “it should be your bible”.
Meanwhile, another reviewer said that “this is an excellent book for people who are afraid to go into the garden for fear of making a fool of themselves”.
Another review writer commented: “The book delivers advice and insight into every aspect of home-farm living.”
About the author
Kelly is a freelance writer, author and broadcaster interested in lifestyle issues, food, self-sufficiency, travel and health.
He also established the ‘Grow It Yourself’ group, writes a successful blog called Tales from the Home Farm on his website and runs forgotten skills courses from his home.
Michael worked for ten years in the IT industry in the capital but now lives ‘the good life’ on a windswept acre in Waterford with his wife and an ever-expanding coterie of farm animals.
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