Directly from my own bookshelf, I review and recommend books about homesteading, permaculture, and gardening that I enjoy and have learned from.
https://youtu.be/SVcP3hiEIIw When Eric Toensmeier and Jonathan Bates first moved into their duplex in Holyoke, Massachusetts, they didn’t exactly have a garden paradise waiting for them. Their small tenth-of-an-acre lot was filled with debris—think broken concrete, asphalt, and poor soil. But despite those less-than-ideal conditions, they had a bold vision: to turn that rundown space into…
https://youtu.be/ueylosxTVXE Are you dreaming of creating a flourishing, productive garden right in your backyard, no matter how small? Gaia’s Garden, written by Toby Hemenway, may just be the inspiration and guide you need. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced grower looking to work more harmoniously with nature, this book has something for everyone.…
https://youtube.com/shorts/d911zsB5AYc?feature=share Hey y'all! If you're passionate about self-sufficiency, sustainability, and cutting down the cost of your garden, I’ve got a fantastic book recommendation for you. It’s from Seed Savers Exchange, and it's packed with valuable insights on seed saving—something every gardener, whether a novice or an expert, should consider. Why Seed Saving Matters If you're…
As gardeners and farmers increasingly recognize the value of building soil health and restoring ecosystems, "The Regenerative Grower's Guide to Garden Amendments" by Nigel Palmer emerges as an essential resource, shedding light on the intricate world of locally sourced materials and how they can be transformed into valuable garden amendments. Authenticity and Depth One of…
"The No-Till Organic Vegetable Farm: How to Start and Run a Profitable Market Garden That Builds Health in Soil, Crops, and Communities" by Daniel Mays is a practical guide for anyone interested in no-till farming. Filled with color photos, clear and informative drawings, and well-organized charts, this book is as visually appealing as it is…
"Teaming with Microbes" has played a significant role in educating gardeners about the importance of soil health and the role of microbes in maintaining it. The book has had a broad influence, bringing the concepts of the soil food web and organic gardening to a wide audience. Understanding the Unseen World Below The Authors, Jeff…
"Weeds and What They Tell Us" by Ehrenfried E. Pfeiffer is a compact guide that aims to provide a thorough understanding of the types of plants commonly known as weeds, their growth patterns, and their relation to soil health. The book presents both theoretical and practical aspects of combating weeds, making it a versatile resource…
"The Resilient Farm and Homestead" by Ben Falk is a comprehensive guide to creating a sustainable and resilient homestead. The book provides a wealth of practical information on everything from permaculture design principles to renewable energy systems and water management. Falk draws on his extensive experience as a designer, builder, and homesteader to provide a…
"The Good Life: Helen and Scott Nearing's Sixty Years of Self-Sufficient Living" is a book that tells the story of a couple who lived a self-sufficient lifestyle for six decades. Written by Helen and Scott Nearing, the book chronicles their journey from city life to a simple, sustainable lifestyle on a homestead in rural Vermont.…
https://youtube.com/shorts/d911zsB5AYc?feature=share If you’re passionate about soil for market gardening or simply want to improve your home garden, The Living Soil Handbook by Jesse Frost is a book you can’t afford to miss. This book is one of my all-time favorites when it comes to understanding and protecting the soil food web, especially from the perspective…
The Encyclopedia of Country Living, written by Carla Emery, is a comprehensive guide to self-sufficient living in the country. This book is a classic, having been first published in 1974 and updated multiple times since then. It is a thick tome, with over 900 pages filled with practical advice, recipes, and tips for living off…
Edible Forest Gardens is a two-volume set written by Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier that explores the concept of creating food forests, which are designed to mimic the structure and function of natural forests, but with a focus on growing edible plants. This comprehensive work is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in permaculture, agroforestry,…
Tree Crops: A Permanent Agriculture by J. Russell Smith is a classic book on agroforestry that was first published in 1929. Despite being nearly a century old, the book remains relevant and influential today. It is widely regarded as a seminal work in the field of agroforestry. One of the key themes in Part 1…
"Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability" is a comprehensive guide to permaculture, a design system for sustainable living and land use. The book, written by David Holmgren, co-originator of permaculture, covers the ethics, and principles of permaculture and how they can be applied in various contexts, from urban to rural and from gardening to community…
"The Permaculture Handbook: Garden Farming for Town and Country" by Peter Bane is a comprehensive guide to permaculture design and living. The book provides a thorough overview of permaculture principles and practices, including soil preparation, water management, plant selection, and animal husbandry. Bane also covers the social and economic aspects of permaculture, such as community…
