The best 36 Farming books

The Soil Will Save Us by Kristin Ohlson explores the untapped potential of soil to combat climate change. Through engaging storytelling and scientific research, Ohlson reveals how regenerative farming and land management practices can sequester carbon from the atmosphere and restore the health of our planet. This thought-provoking book offers a hopeful message and practical solutions for a sustainable future.

The Flower Farmer by Lynn Byczynski is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in growing and selling flowers. It provides practical advice on everything from choosing the right plants and caring for them, to marketing and selling your blooms. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this book will inspire you to start your own flower farming business.

Sheepish by Catherine Friend is a heartwarming memoir that explores the joys and challenges of raising sheep. With humor and honesty, Friend shares her experiences as a first-time shepherd and delves into the unique personalities of her flock. From unexpected friendships to valuable life lessons, this book offers a delightful glimpse into the world of sheep and the bonds we form with the animals in our lives.

The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips is a comprehensive guide to growing healthy fruit trees in harmony with nature. From understanding the soil and ecosystem to choosing the right varieties and implementing organic pest and disease management, this book provides valuable insights and practical tips for creating a thriving orchard. Whether you're a beginner or experienced orchardist, you'll find this book to be an indispensable resource for sustainable fruit growing.

Teaming with Microbes explores the fascinating world of soil and the intricate relationships between plants, microbes, and other organisms. It offers valuable insights into how we can work with nature to create healthy and thriving gardens, using organic and sustainable practices. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this book provides a wealth of knowledge that will change the way you think about the living soil beneath your feet.

Tomatoland by Barry Estabrook explores the dark side of the tomato industry, revealing the shocking truth behind the perfect-looking tomatoes we see in supermarkets. From the use of harmful chemicals to the exploitation of labor, this eye-opening book delves into the environmental and social issues surrounding tomato production and offers a compelling call for change.

The Shepherd's Life by James Rebanks is a captivating memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the traditional way of life in England's Lake District. Rebanks, a shepherd himself, shares his deep connection to the land, the challenges and rewards of sheep farming, and the rich history of his family and community. It is a beautifully written and thought-provoking book that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the importance of preserving age-old traditions.

Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown is a groundbreaking book that challenges traditional farming practices and offers a fresh perspective on regenerative agriculture. Through his own experiences and experiments, Brown demonstrates how restoring the health of the soil can lead to increased productivity, resilience, and sustainability. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of farming and the environment.

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry is a poignant novel that follows the life of its titular character as she reflects on love, loss, and the passage of time. Set in a small farming community in Kentucky, the book beautifully captures the rhythms of rural life and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Hannah's introspective narration, the story offers profound insights into the meaning of family, community, and the connections that bind us together.

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan is a compelling novel set in the Mississippi Delta during the aftermath of World War II. It tells the story of two families, one white and one black, whose lives become intertwined through hardship, racial tensions, and the unforgiving land. With richly drawn characters and evocative prose, the book explores themes of prejudice, resilience, and the search for a better future.

Root Cellaring by Mike Bubel and Nancy Bubel provides a comprehensive guide to storing fruits and vegetables in a root cellar. From planning and building your own root cellar to selecting the best produce for long-term storage, this book offers practical tips and techniques for extending the shelf life of your harvest. Whether you're a homesteader or a backyard gardener, this book will help you make the most of your seasonal bounty.

Growing a Farmer is a memoir by Kurt Timmermeister that chronicles his journey from a city-dwelling chef to a sustainable farmer. Filled with personal anecdotes and valuable insights, the book delves into the challenges and rewards of starting a small-scale farm, while also highlighting the importance of reconnecting with the land and the food we eat.

The Contrary Farmer by Gene Logsdon challenges conventional agricultural practices and offers a refreshing perspective on sustainable farming. With wit and wisdom, Logsdon shares his experiences and insights, advocating for a more natural and harmonious approach to working the land. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or simply curious about where your food comes from, this book is sure to inspire and inform.

The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan is a comprehensive guide to self-sufficient living. It provides practical advice and step-by-step instructions on how to grow your own food, raise animals, and create a sustainable homestead right in your backyard. Whether you have a small plot of land or just a few pots on a balcony, this book offers valuable tips and techniques for living a more self-reliant lifestyle.

Sepp Holzer's Permaculture is a groundbreaking book that introduces readers to the concept of permaculture and its practical applications. Written by Sepp Holzer, an Austrian farmer and permaculture pioneer, the book offers valuable insights and techniques for creating sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystems. Through engaging stories and firsthand experiences, Holzer demonstrates how permaculture can be used to restore degraded landscapes, increase biodiversity, and produce abundant food crops. A must-read for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin is a beautifully written novel set in the early 20th century. It tells the story of a solitary orchardist named Talmadge, who takes in two pregnant teenage girls fleeing from a dark past. As he cares for them and tries to protect them, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

Goat Song by Brad Kessler is a captivating memoir that delves into the world of goat herding. Through beautiful prose, Kessler shares his personal journey of leaving city life behind to start a goat farm with his wife in rural Vermont. This book offers a unique perspective on the bond between humans and animals, and the deep connection we have with the natural world.

How to Grow More Vegetables by John Jeavons provides a comprehensive guide to sustainable and high-yield gardening. With detailed instructions and practical tips, the book teaches readers how to maximize their garden space, improve soil fertility, and grow a wide variety of vegetables using organic methods. Whether you're a beginner or experienced gardener, this book offers valuable insights for growing an abundant and healthy harvest.

The Backyard Homestead Guide To Raising Farm Animals by Gail Damerow is a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to raise their own farm animals. From chickens and goats to pigs and bees, this book provides practical advice on everything from choosing the right breeds to building the proper housing and managing health and nutrition. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced homesteader, this guide will help you create a successful and sustainable farm animal operation in your own backyard.

Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow is a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to raise chickens. It covers everything from choosing the right breed and setting up a coop to feeding, breeding, and health care. With practical tips and expert advice, this book is a must-read for both beginners and experienced chicken keepers.

Mini Farming by Brett L. Markham is a comprehensive guide to small-scale farming. It offers practical advice on how to maximize your yield in a limited space by using sustainable and organic methods. From choosing the right crops to soil preparation and pest control, this book provides valuable information for anyone interested in growing their own food.

The Lean Farm by Ben Hartman offers practical strategies for reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and maximizing productivity on a small-scale farm. Drawing from his own experience, Hartman provides valuable insights and actionable tips that can help farmers streamline their operations and achieve better results with less effort. Whether you are a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to optimize their farming practices.

The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour is a comprehensive guide to living off the land and becoming more self-reliant. Covering everything from growing your own food to raising animals, making your own clothes, and generating your own energy, this book provides practical advice and inspiration for those seeking a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle.

The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer by Joel Salatin is a thought-provoking book that challenges the conventional wisdom around farming and food production. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, Salatin advocates for a more sustainable and holistic approach to agriculture. He explores topics such as the importance of soil health, the impact of industrial farming, and the potential of regenerative farming practices. This book will inspire you to think differently about where your food comes from and the role you can play in shaping the future of farming.

Carrots Love Tomatoes by Louise Riotte delves into the world of companion planting, exploring the benefits of pairing certain plants together in your garden. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips and advice on how to create harmonious plant combinations that can improve soil health, deter pests, and ultimately lead to a more bountiful harvest. Whether you're a novice or experienced gardener, this book provides valuable insights into the fascinating relationship between different plant species.

Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats by Jerry Belanger is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in raising dairy goats. It covers everything from choosing the right breed and setting up a successful goat operation to breeding, kidding, and managing health issues. With practical tips and expert advice, this book is an essential guide for both beginners and experienced goat farmers.

You Can Farm by Joel Salatin is a comprehensive guide for anyone who dreams of starting their own farm. Salatin shares his wealth of experience and knowledge, offering practical advice on everything from choosing the right land and livestock, to marketing and managing a successful farm business. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a complete beginner, this book will inspire and empower you to pursue your passion for farming.

The Vegetable Gardener's Bible by Edward C. Smith is a comprehensive guide to growing your own vegetables. It covers everything from planning and preparing your garden to selecting the right plants and caring for them throughout the season. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this book provides valuable tips and techniques to help you cultivate a bountiful and delicious harvest.

Good Husbandry by Kristin Kimball is a memoir that delves into the author's experience of starting and running a farm with her husband. Through beautiful storytelling, Kimball shares the challenges, joys, and lessons learned from their journey towards sustainable farming and a deeper connection to the land. It's a heartfelt and inspiring read for anyone interested in agriculture and the rewards of living close to nature.

The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens by Anne Kuo provides all the essential information and practical tips for anyone interested in starting their own backyard flock. From choosing the right breed and setting up a coop to caring for your chickens and collecting eggs, this book is a comprehensive guide to the joys and challenges of raising these feathered friends.

A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley is a powerful novel that reimagines Shakespeare's King Lear set on a farm in Iowa. It delves into themes of family, power, and the complexities of human relationships, as it tells the story of a father and his three daughters and the dark secrets that unravel within their family.

Farm City by Novella Carpenter is a captivating memoir that takes you on a journey to an unconventional urban farm in Oakland, California. Carpenter shares her experiences of transforming an abandoned lot into a thriving garden and raising a variety of animals, all while navigating the challenges and rewards of sustainable living in the city. It's a delightful and thought-provoking read that will inspire you to rethink our relationship with food and the environment.

Farm Anatomy by Julia Rothman is a beautifully illustrated book that delves into the intricate workings of a farm. From the different types of crops and animals to the tools and machinery used, this book provides a comprehensive and visually stunning exploration of life on a farm. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or simply curious about where your food comes from, Farm Anatomy offers a fascinating insight into the world of agriculture.

Small-Scale Livestock Farming by Carol Ekarius is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in raising animals on a small farm. From choosing the right livestock and understanding their behavior to designing efficient housing and managing health and nutrition, this book covers all aspects of small-scale animal husbandry. With practical tips and real-life examples, Ekarius empowers readers to create a sustainable and successful livestock operation.

Barnheart by Jenna Woginrich is a heartfelt memoir that chronicles the author's journey from city life to owning a farm in rural Vermont. Filled with warmth and humor, Woginrich shares her passion for sustainable living and the challenges she faces as she learns to care for her animals and cultivate the land. It's a charming and inspiring read for anyone dreaming of a simpler, more connected way of life.

The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers is a memoir by Josh Kilmer-Purcell that chronicles his and his partner's (Dr. Brent Ridge) journey from city life to owning a farm in upstate New York. Filled with humor and heart, the book explores their trials and triumphs as they navigate the challenges of rural living and pursue their dream of creating a sustainable lifestyle.