RESOURCES FOR GARDENING AND GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD

THINKING OF STARTING A GARDEN? HERE ARE A FEW HELPFUL RESOURCES TO START WITH.

A late summer harvest. Dense soil has led to some funky shaped carrots!

“If you feel overwhelmed about the state of the world, start by planting something and watching it grow.”

I’ve found myself saying this on multiple occasions over the past year. There is something both powerful and healing about planting a tiny seed in the soil, watering it, caring for it, and watching it grow.

There is something equally powerful about navigating the natural challenges that come with gardening and growing plants —critters, heavy rains, dry spells, big gusts of wind —and learning to work with nature rather than against it.

I do not have a naturally green thumb and consider myself very much a beginner on this topic. That said, I’ve been diving deep into research and learning over the past couple of years and thought I would share my favorite resources here in case they might feel helpful to you.

Whether you’re starting seedlings in the window sill, containers on the deck, raised beds, or a big garden plot, hopefully you’ll find something helpful within the resources below.

For Inspiration: Watch The Biggest Little Farm.

This documentary is beautiful, inspiring, awe-inducing, tear-inducing, and heartwarming.

As a fun side note, it is referenced within Expansive Impact, as well, as an example of working with conflict rather than trying to avoid it or eliminate it.

Thank you, Dana, for telling me about it!

For a Foundation: Read Gaia’s Garden.

While researching, this book came up again and again and seems to be, among many, the bible to gardening and permaculture. The author provides many helpful (and creative) strategies for planning and laying out gardens of all sizes.

For a Deep Dive: Reference The Encyclopedia of Country Living.

This book contains nearly every topic imaginable—from hunting and dressing an animal to growing apples. A wealth of information and a helpful reference manual.

For the Most Helpful Blog of All Time: Visit Homestead and Chill.

I discovered this blog only recently (Thank you, Rebecca!) and can only imagine if I would have known about it at the beginning of my gardening journey! It is truly a treasure trove of information and inspiration. Deanna is so generous in the information that she shares. If you decide on only one resource, I would recommend starting with this one. It is phenomenal.

For More Helpful Info and Some LOLs: Visit Tyrant Farms.

I discovered this website while researching strategies to prevent critters from eating my melons. They had me at this disclaimer:

“*Note: This post is NOT meant to help attractively curved women reduce unwanted affection from creepy men. However, if you’re looking for useful gardening DIYs, please continue reading…”

For Inspiration if You’re Growing Flowers: Check Out Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden.

This book is simply stunning —and hugely inspirational if you’re growing flowers. You can likely find a copy at your favorite local bookstore or possibly even your favorite gift shop or home goods store.

To Get Started with Canning and Preserving: Grab a Copy of Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving.

You can likely find a copy of this one near the canning supplies at your local hardware store (I found my copy at Menards). It is easy to follow and contains recipes and step-by-step instructions for pretty much anything you are hoping to can or preserve.

These are a few favorites to start with. Any that you would add to the list? If so, feel free to drop me a note, and I’ll add them here.

Note: I’ve linked to Amazon since typically reviews on Amazon are the most robust. That said, you can likely find these books through your local library, your favorite local bookstore, or through Bookshop.

Thanks for reading, and Happy Gardening!

May you feel as much joy from this process as I have.

—Sarah