UMass Amherst University+ (Winter 2026)
STOCKSCH 119: Building a Sustainable Homestead
Professor
Renee Ciulla
Credits
3
Mode
Online
Tuition
$2,515
Course Description
Do you dream of being more self-sufficient, either on your own property or simply acquiring the skills? Have you fantasized about growing your own food, constructing a root cellar, raising animals, foraging for wild edibles and living off-the-grid? This course explores practical home-scale food production techniques, covering kitchen essentials, season extension and food preservation techniques, carpentry skills, tool use and maintenance, as well as activities like sewing, smoking meat, fermentation and making soap and candles. Soil fertility, mini orchards, mushroom foraging, farm energy and water management, greenhouse construction and vegetable growing techniques are included. This course seeks to provide students with the knowledge necessary to live a healthy, fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle on their own homestead.
Course Reviews
Reviews coming soon.