If you’re like me, then you love plants. There’s just something about them that is so calming and relaxing. I can’t help but feel at peace when I’m surrounded by plants. If you’re looking for a way to get lost in the world of plants this winter, then check out this book list! These 10 books will take you on a journey through the world of gardening, botany, and more.
Farm City by Novella Carpenter
Novella Carpenter’s “Farm City” is an engaging and often funny account of her experiences as an urban farmer in Oakland, California. Carpenter begins by recounting her childhood in Montana, where she developed a love for animals and the outdoors. She then chronicles her move to the Bay Area, where she began keeping chickens in her backyard and eventually started a small farm on a vacant lot.
Through hard work and determination, Carpenter was able to transform the lot into a thriving farm that supplied her with fresh eggs, produce, and even honey. However, her success was not always easy, and she faced many challenges along the way, including resistance from neighbors and city officials. “Farm City” is a moving tale of one woman’s journey to follow her dream, and it will leave readers eager to get their hands dirty in their own backyard gardens.
The Good Food Revolution by Will Allen
In The Good Food Revolution, Will Allen tells the story of how he went from being a basketball star to becoming a pioneer in the local food movement. Raised on a farm, Allen knew the importance of fresh food and healthy eating, but it wasn’t until he started working in an inner-city community garden that he realized the full extent of the problem.
Despite the fact that there are more than enough resources to feed everyone on the planet, millions of people go hungry every day. By starting his own farm and teaching others about sustainable agriculture, Allen is working to change that. The Good Food Revolution is an inspiring story of one man’s fight to bring fresh food to those who need it most.
Find more great garden books in our article: 55 Great Books for Gardeners of All Levels
Growing Food in a Hotter, Drier Land by Gary Paul Nabhan
In “Growing Food in a Hotter, Drier Land,” Gary Paul Nabhan explores the effects of climate change on agriculture and offers solutions for how we can adapt. As the title suggests, the book focuses on the American Southwest, where Nabhan has spent much of his life. He begins by describing the various ways that climate change is already affecting the region, from longer droughts to more frequent wildfires. He then goes on to discuss the important role that agriculture plays in combating climate change.
For example, he highlights the importance of cover crops in reducing water usage and preventing soil erosion. In addition, he discusses new methods of irrigation that are being developed to cope with increasingly scarce water resources. Ultimately, Nabhan provides a hopeful message that it is possible to adapt to a changing climate and even use agriculture to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Heirloom Notes From An Accidental Tomato Farmer by Tim Stark
Tim Stark wasn’t looking to become a farmer when he inherited an overgrown farm in Pennsylvania. But as he began to clear the land and discover hidden treasures, he found himself drawn to the challenge of growing heirloom tomatoes. In this heartwarming book, Stark chronicles his journey from novice farmer to award-winning horticulturist, sharing the lessons he learned along the way about patience, perseverance, and the joys of getting your hands dirty.
He describes the delights and tribulations of working the land with humor and humility, from battling voracious pests to dealing with fickle weather. He also introduces readers to the fascinating world of heirloom tomatoes, sharing his insights into their history, flavor, and uniqueness. By turns funny and poignant, Heirloom Notes From An Accidental Tomato Farmer is a loving tribute to the simple pleasures of digging in the dirt and savoring the fruits of your labor.
Holy Shit by Gene Logsdon
In Holy Shit, Gene Logsdon offers a humorous and irreverent look at the politics of manure. He begins by tracing the history of human waste management, from early outhouses to modern sewage systems. He then explores the many uses of manure, from fertilizer to fuel. Finally, he addresses the environmental concerns associated with manure waste. Despite the serious issues at stake, Logsdon manages to infuse his writing with a healthy dose of humor, making Holy Shit an enjoyable and enlightening read.
This Organic Life by Joan Dye Gussow
Joan Dye Gussow’s This Organic Life chronicles the author’s journey from city dweller to the country homesteader. In the book, Gussow details her move from New York City to a small farm in upstate New York and her efforts to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Along the way, she offers readers practical advice on gardening, homesteading, and living off the land. Gussow’s writing is engaging and often humorous, and her love for the natural world is evident on every page. This Organic Life is an informative and entertaining read for anyone interested in sustainable living.
The Psychic Power of Plants by John Whitman
In The Psychic Power of Plants, John Whitman explores the fascinating world of plant communication. He draws on scientific research to show how plants are able to sense and react to their environment, often in ways that are still not fully understood by humans. For example, Whitman describes how some plants can change their color or shape in response to changes in light or temperature.
Others may produce chemicals that attract insects or deter predators. And some plants even seem to be able to choose their own mates! Whitman also discusses the implications of these findings for our understanding of what it means to be alive. Ultimately, he shows how plants are far more than just passive organisms; they are dynamic and complex beings that deserve our respect and admiration.
The Taste of Country Cooking by Edna Lewis
The Taste of Country Cooking is a classic cookbook by Edna Lewis. First published in 1976, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the food and culture of the American South. Lewis was born in Virginia in the early 1900s, and she grew up on her family’s farm. Her book provides readers with a glimpse of what life was like for her during that time. Her family didn’t have much money, so they ate whatever they could grow or catch themselves. Over the years, Edna learned how to cook the food of her childhood into delicious meals that anyone would enjoy.
The recipes are based on the seasonal eating habits of the region, and they include ingredients that would have been available to Lewis when she was growing up. The book includes recipes for all sorts of traditional dishes, from fried chicken to cornbread to blackberry cobbler. The book also contains a wealth of information about the history and culture of Southern food. In addition to recipes, Lewis includes stories about her childhood, advice on cooking techniques, and tips for choosing the best ingredients.
Edna Lewis writes about food with such passion and love that you can’t help but be transported to her world, even if you’ve never stepped foot on a farm. The Taste of Country Cooking is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to learn more about where their food comes from, who enjoys good food, and who loves to cook.
Teaming With Microbes by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis
In Teaming with Microbes, Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis explore the fascinating world of soil microbes and their role in plant health. The authors begin by discussing the importance of healthy soil, noting that it is teeming with billions of microbes that play a vital role in plant growth. They then describe the three main types of soil microbes: bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Next, they discuss how these microbes interact with plants to provide essential nutrients and protect them from disease.
Finally, the authors offer advice on creating and maintaining a healthy relationship between plants and soil microbes. With its engaging writing and accessible information, Teaming with Microbes is sure to appeal to anyone interested in learning more about the hidden world of soil life.
Weeds by Richard Mabey
Richard Mabey’s Weeds is a delightful and informative guide to the many wild plants that most of us consider to be nothing more than pesky weeds. Mabey introduces us to the fascinating history and surprisingly diverse range of uses for these often-maligned plants. He also dispels many common myths about weeds, such as the idea that they are all introduced species.
In reality, most weeds are native plants that have simply adapted to live in disturbed habitats such as roadsides and railway embankments. Far from being a nuisance, these hardy plants can provide us with food, medicine, and even shelter in times of need. As Mabey so eloquently demonstrates, weeds are an essential part of our natural world, and we would do well to learn to appreciate them.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been gardening for years, there’s always something new to learn! We hope this list of books has inspired you to get out there and start (or continue) your gardening journey. Happy planting!
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