Great Reads for Food Growers/Gardeners

[@katfromdenver]

I don't have a specific book to recommend, but one thing that I think is great to do in your "waiting room" time is learn plant identification! I did this in the first couple of years when I moved to a new state and it has helped me SO much in my homesteading endeavors, to identify edible plants, friendly natives, invasives that need to be managed, and - especially important now, as we just got goats - toxic or hazardous plants. I don't think I've ever seen anyone talk about the value of this skill in homesteading, but I'm so grateful for this knowledge now.

[@GoingGreenMom]

It is a great skill! I'm very allergic to poison sumac, and had no idea until I was touring my kids Grandma around the garden that she was like, you've got to get those off your back steps! She knew I was allergic, but I had never seen the plant because I got the rash from my son.

[@MissBetsyLu]

Very good idea. But I'm probably not real smart for that. Many blessings everyone.

[@marking-time-gardens]

@@MissBetsyLu I use to struggle with this too but I chose to just learn one at a time and not worry about the rest until I felt confident about just that one. Now over time I have learned a few (at least the ones that were important to me lol!) You've got this girl! Just pick one!

[@MissBetsyLu]

@@marking-time-gardens maybe I will. Thanks so much. Blessings everyone.

[@GoingGreenMom]

@@MissBetsyLu I find starting with the ones in your yard or that you are growing is good. For example, after a few years of growing tomatoes, you don't need to look at a tag at a garden center to know it's a tomato. You will to find out the variety, by you basically recognize the plant by leaf shape, smell, etc. Forsythia bushes was one that I started my kids on. We have one, and they are easy to spot riding around in a car with the early bright yellow flowers and bushy shape..... But then you can also see how different pruning styles look different. If you have a smart phone Google lense is typically built into the search bar, just hit the camera icon and search with camera. It can tell you what things are. Then just 1 at a time, every time you go out, look up the same type of plant til you remember the name and maybe something about it. Like Forsythia bushes have yellow blooms, or plantain is good to rub on bug bites because it helps itching.

[@fendi5319]

‘Turn the waiting room into your classroom’. That’s a real pearl for life. 🎋

[@margiebrown7436]

I’m so glad that you mentioned that. My daughters don’t write anything down to retain it… they are like “I’ll just look it up again if I need it.” I always ask them what are they going to do if they can no longer look stuff up.?. And I do believe that it could be a real possibility in the future. 😳

[@umiluv]

A book I recommend for wartime style recipes is Clara’s Kitchen where she wrote all the Great Depression recipes they ate as kids down in a book. She has a KZbin channel but she passed away so they haven’t uploaded any new videos. She said they survived by having a garden in the backyard. They bought rationed meat and so you see lots of recipes with hot dogs but you also see really cool recipes like dandelion salad and it includes a little story about picking dandelions as a young girl. The related KZbin video also shows her making the dandelion salad as well. Edit: I’ll also add that a lot of British cooking comes from the war so when you have recipes like beans on toast for breakfast or black pudding, those are due to the British figuring out how to survive on war time rations and gardens. So British cookbooks are also a great resource for surviving hard times.

[@freeomelettefarm]

I am going to check that out for sure! Thanks for sharing the recommendation!

[@leadfunnelscale]

I didn't know she had a book! I love her KZbin channel, it's like sitting with my grandmother.

[@RaiderMom2008]

I love Clara’s KZbin channel! Everyone should watch those videos. Such a sweet lady she was!

[@Sky-Child]

My gran said the same. She was about 8 when WW2 started and her dad used their back garden and their elderly neighbours ' gardens to grow food during the war and beyond. He fed the whole street ❤

[@julieanderson5184]

Love Ruth Stout! She was not only a prolific writer and gardener she also firmly believed in naked gardening. I may not go that far but I do firmly believe in walking barefoot in your garden.😊

[@carolds7595]

My kids are grown now (probably your age!) but I had to giggle when you mentioned your kids could only find ingredients in your house! That exact phrase has been a longtime joke in our family since my kids were little. They always complained there were only ingredients in the house, no food. Haha! It was a lot of work but now I take pride in the fact that I was able to feed my kids well as I now see them doing the same with their families. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@doulacoach6801]

Carol, that is SO awesome! What a gift to the next generations❣

[@carolds7595]

@@doulacoach6801 awww, thank you for the best compliment!

[@dawnrobb221]

I am a new gardener who is currently reading The First Time Gardner, your videos and book have been inspirational and incredibly helpful.

[@BradfordHomestead]

I bought the widest largest binder I could find and I have it stuffed full of information that I found online. I call it my homestead resources book. I intend to pass it down to my children. It has my favorite recipes. It has gardening tips, tricks ideas, anything that I would want to reference, without depending on an Internet Love the options you presented! 👍🤟❤️

[@robbiedejonge8613]

I also have a gardening/homesteading journal as well.

[@ladyryan902]

Oh my gosh I do too. Lol I thought I was just being obsessive😅

[@melissadean7471]

What a great idea! I’m going to start one. Thanks for the tip!!

[@jenc368]

I do the exact same thing too. Recipes, gardening tips, medicinal herb uses etc.

[@BradfordHomestead]

@@ladyryan902 nope or we can be obsessive together 😄

[@lindasuerussell4398]

I would appreciate your considering a long sleeve T-shirt with "I love growing ingredients" on it, in a quiet color. Thanks

[@Sky-Child]

+1

[@tarachalfant7076]

When I’m feeling discouraged because the garden isn’t producing or pest/weed pressure. I remember that you said don’t garden for the harvest. I treat everything as an experiment. The harvest is the bonus! 😉

[@ilhopeb]

I've been thinking about it, and it would be really helpful to get a like "I've done a bunch of homesteading stuff, and here is my review" video. My husband and I are starting to add to property and make plans of our next homestead steps, but we only have room for a few things. So an honest break down of what you have liked not like, what is worth it vs not would be awesome! I trust your recommendation and it would make picking easier. Examples: Is having a dairy cow worth it? Is making butter and other diary products actually feasible/ worth the effort? *This is my romantic dream, to have a dairy cow and make my own dairy products, but is it really worth it? What animals do you recommend most for raising meat? Like if I only have one area to use, should I raise pigs, or chicken, or turkey? If you were running your farm just the two of you, what would you cut? One of the things I love about homesteading is that there is ALWAYS more to learn and do- but choosing what to do so that you only do what is feasible is harder. Anyway, love the recommendations! I'm gonna look into those cool books - thanks!!

[@marandaranda]

This has nothing to do with books but the way the barn looks across the way from the shady pavilion of the garden is wooing my little heart

[@barbarafunk5118]

i love to read in fact a book is arriving today a beginner book to herbs, I cant wait to get my hands on it. We hit the ground running here and by 3, i am pretty done in, i take a hot bath and plan and putter and read. I am 75, i cant quit pull a longer day like i used to. In a way old age is a great gift, you simply have to rest. Thank You Jess i will look into some of these for my next garden book, I too believe we need books now more then ever. The internet could be gone tomorrow. A book is your friend forever.

[@FisherPriceless]

“The First Time Gardner” by Jess all the way!!! 👍👍

[@BethEmily763]

I bought it last spring and it’s wonderful❤

[@timothynadeau6837]

Thank u for sharing, caring, and being there for us to help us along our journey learning all life has to offer,n thank u!

[@jimshirey2293]

Beth here... I binged the wartime kitchen and garden shows with all the victory gardens! I couldn't get enough! All very fascinating and informational.

[@robbiedejonge8613]

The older cookbooks are the best.

[@Mekare40503]

Same argument at my house. “We have no food!! - yes we do, go pick it and cook it!” 😅

[@theIAMofME]

My youngest use to say that all the time before she left the nest. She moved to the city and eats out all the time. She didn't grow up that way. It's so sad to watch her health deteriorate. She has gained 30 lbs and looks bloated. It breaks my heart.

[@barbarabartlett2804]

The best book i ever read was Edible Landscaping. Was such a eyeopener of how to mix food growing in a beautiful landscape. It came out in 80s so i do not have any more info. But it set me up to always put food whete i do not think it should go.

[@FisherPriceless]

Jessica, your spiritual encouragement that you give in your videos while also providing homesteading encouragement is a testimony to your commitment to Jesus Christ. It reminds me of the quote by Charles Spurgeon: “Visit many books, but live in the Bible.”

[@earthladyadventures5018]

I’m glad that you’re here sweetie ❤ I’m looking forward to learning more from you and your family but also where you are located so I can make arrangements come visit you and your homestead ❤❤❤

[@innovativelearning36]

Did you know you just gave a "book talk" like a Teacher-Librarian. Nice work!

[@diannamc367]

I agree with Joel's way of presenting. I never thought I would be able to listen to hours of lectures until I started listening to the various presentations involving Joel on KZbin.

[@WishingonaFarm12]

Thank you for your videos. Have a blessed day

[@samanthahoos9827]

I learned no dig in the 80’s as a teen, but in each of the homes I’ve owned I’ve worked the land naturally encouraging partnership with the land and my plants. My current home I am setting it up to benefit the next generation (my daughters) who will inherit the homestead and planting many perennial plants for them to harvest from, plus beds that will make defined areas to grow food easiest. I have journals, charts and books so if I’m not around when they need answers to questions, they’ll be able to find the information with Mom’s love. 😊

[@julieb7068]

I ❤ this so much!

[@Sky-Child]

What a beautiful legacy!

[@MissBetsyLu]

Bemoaning no index.... Pouting. Many blessings everyone.

[@kayrabey1344]

They used to sell chicken feed in printed cotton bags. My aunts used make all my dresses out of that material when I was a baby and beyond.

[@homesteadingwithapurpose9681]

Thank you for the book list. I’m also a reader and gardening in an urban setting planning and preparing for a small homestead. The book Beyond Labels is another great book to the reason why we are pushing ourselves to the larger homestead.

[@silver_threads]

Yes! I'd love to hear your take on good fiction out there. Thanks!!

[@nininoona]

I wanted you to know that you literally sent me on a tangent with The Wartime Kitchen and Garden. I piqued my curiosity so i checked to see if the episodes were online, and they are: on youtube.

[@carlene2728]

Sweet Mary of Mary's Nest has a cookbook coming out. I pre-ordered it and can't wait

[@AngelitaShotrita]

THANK YOOOOOUUUUU!!!! This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@samanthadetgen5041]

Hello! I find "Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew helpful when I started companion sowing and learning how to space things (second edition is the best, can get it cheaper than third + not losing anything really) for preservation tips, I reference "Stocking up: how to preserve the foods you grow naturally" another oldie but goodie easy to find on Thriftbooks or the like Also, can I just say, i have been having a hard time gettimg into this garden season, but I just came back to your channel, started watching your backlog Ive let build up, and now Im in the garden every day haha. Thank you!!

[@footballs85]

I am glad I found this channel

[@crystal_RN_6044]

Audio books in the garden give me so much joy.

[@katiengland1529]

“All we have is ingredients!” Lol. My teenagers and young adult children say the same thing about our house.

[@theIAMofME]

Jess, maybe your next book could be along the lines of a recipe/cookbook for the garden type thing. Like Tender and Ripe by Nigel Slater??? Half the recipes you see involve ingredients paired together that don't grow at the same time. A gardener's cookbook....that's what I want. If there are any out there besides the ones Jess showed someone please tell me.

[@SerialSpinner-ss]

Thanks for all the recommendations! I have also found Charles Dowding books and KZbin channel very helpful.

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Printed and handwritten materials will always be of value, practically and historically. Consider them as backup, computers crash, phones fall into water, and all of a sudden years of work and precious photos are lost forever. Preserve your future!

[@hannahblackwellbooks]

I highly recommend The Cook And The Gardener, it’s set in france so the seasons are a bit different from us southerners, but it’s amazing. It’s part autobiography of a French chef getting along with the Gardner of a chateau where she becomes a chef and then it has LOVELY recipes. The gardener is grumpy and the chef learns to garden, it’s transformative and beautiful. Also I love the Wartime Kitchen and Garden show! I didn’t realize there was a corresponding cookbook.

[@davidthegood]

I totally need to send you a copy of Compost Everything, if I haven't already.

[@alystodola]

Jess, I have a book recommendation! “Cooking from Quilt Country” by Marcia Adams. I just found it and it is beautifully written and a cookbook that is seasons based and real foods based because it’s all Amish and Mennonite recipes.

[@alystodola]

Some of the section titles: “the Earth stirs” “early garden” “the ripening garden” “the blizzard pantry”. It’s pretty great!!!

[@dawnbrown2125]

Thank you for sharing Jess, have a fantastic week !

[@tammyshawl546]

I am an older gardener canner. When I was in my 20's I lucked up and found my garden Bible an original copy of Rodells book of gardening. It is still loved and being used as a source book.

[@amandaforeman2626]

The wartime kitchen and garden show is a fantastic show on the bbc! I love hearing how other country’s dealt with war time rations , kiss the ground is a Great doc ! I diddnt realize there was a book ! Woo hoo! I’m gonna have to buy it !

[@annb6532]

Jess I’m so glad you put this video out I watched it three times! Went to order Nigel’s cookbooks along with your other suggestions and they weren’t available just went back now and I ordered five! Cannot wait to get them❤ Thank you for all your informative videos I love to listen/watch them as soon as you put them out

[@emilycole6453]

❤This was so helpful to those of us looking for good resources! Thank you & God bless!❤

[@nlcpope]

Carrots love Tomatoes- my favorite go to book along with your videos when planning my garden😘.

[@charmainemrtnz]

I would like to hear about your fiction likes and dislikes. I have your first book. I really enjoy your stories and poems. You are genuine, pure love and joy! Thank you for sharing your time with us.

[@doulacoach6801]

Yes agreed! Jess- I too & many others, would love for you to share your fiction reading list!

[@09echols]

Reading is my first addiction. I crave the smell of a paper book. I will listen to a book and read a digital book. But there's nothing like a paper book.

[@doulacoach6801]

Amen to that! I totally agree!

[@theIAMofME]

@@doulacoach6801 Me too!! Get'em while you can!!

[@hawksfaith]

Another great book for beginners on a small scale is MiniFarming self sufficiency on 1/4 acer

[@sherridaneaster]

Watched this when it came out and back to remember all the recommended books! Thanks for sharing!

[@missouribroad978]

Love book recommendations! I am currently planting replacement peppers and tomatoes. We have a raccoon and possum duo that we call Bonnie and Clyde because they would travel and destroy together. Via trail cam we watched them rip out half of our plants and tear them into pieces. Clyde has went on to meet his maker but Bonnie the raccoon is still on the lam.

[@thePOAfarmer]

I had no idea that Cook Books could be read like... well a book... until you mentioned Nigel Slater. I just used them like a recipe index, found what I needed and rolled out. Tender is super captivating, I love how Nigel digs into the growing along with how to use the veggies. Thanks for more suggestions!!!

[@loribethartist6353]

I’m a long time gardener, but each year presents new challenges! This year I have dealt with curly top virus 🦠 flea beetles (neither I have ever treated before), and the rabbits think my seedlings are a salad bar ☹️ I had to order some fencing to put up because I’m loosing everything 😢. But-- I would never say gardening is boring! Lol

[@doulacoach6801]

Thanks Jess. Love this list! SO helpful, as usual. 😁 I Bless you & thank you❣🌈

[@melodieschellenberg906]

Yes, do a video on novels, that would be fun!

[@beckymartinez9926]

I’m curious where you got your dress. Love it

[@umiluv]

Old traditional recipes are also a great way to cook things that are in season together. There’s a reason ratatouille is cooked with all the ingredients together - tomato, pepper, eggplant, squash. It’s a lovely summer recipe. A lot of Asian recipes are like that as well. I grow a lot of Asian herbs bc I now live in rural TN where I have to drive an hour for a small Asian market or 3 hours for a large Asian supermarket. So making rice noodle bowls using Thai basil, Thai peppers, during the summer is fun to do. I just made 3 types of kimchi from daikon and napa cabbage this past week. So preservation methods for cold season crops to eat during the summer is also quite fun. The old ways of cooking are great references. I often keep the classics like Joy of Cooking (I have the older version that shows how to skin squirrel lol), Julia Child’s French cookbooks, any authentic traditional recipes for various regional foods like Indian, Mexican, southern US. But yes I agree it’s difficult to cook with modernity in mind like even making a traditional burger with lettuce tomatoes pickles means I have to be growing lettuce indoors (which I’m thinking about trying to do in the summers so that I have some lettuce/greens during the summer).

[@julieb7068]

Interesting… how will you accomplish this?

[@TheCoookieCrumb]

I just finished 'In Defense of Food' by Michael Pollan and love it. So I started 'Second Nature' by the same Author and I love this one even more!

[@diannamc367]

The first time I was introduced to him was with "The Omnivore's Dilemma". It was also one of my first introductions to Joel Salitin 😊

[@amymartin7272]

I really appreciate this; awesome reference list!

[@anitastyczynski7140]

Have you read Gap Creek by Robert Morgan? This is not an informational book but a great Read for a self a sufficient life. A story of a couple living in Appalachia in a fairly isolated arrea. A simple story but I loved it.

[@dhansonranch]

I like the idea of the reference....I write things down as a note but neglect to write the reference. Good idea.

[@cindyloguirato8435]

I love reading books and having it in my home on my shelves to grab anytime I want and not worry about if I can find it on the internet if ever it was to disappear. Great video Jess! Blessings, Cindy

[@doulacoach6801]

Me too! I totally agree!

[@MissBetsyLu]

I've photocopied things like charts from books and specific hints. The charts of timing of starting seeds and planting out seeds or transplants in square foot gardening by Mel Bartholomew. Are excellent, excellent, excellent..

[@dianehall5345]

Hi Jess- I have Nourishing Traditions and like it a lot! I was fortunate to have my Grandmother Hazel teach me those war time recipes and got to help her in the victory garden. Also was a young adult who followed Ruth Stout's No Work Garden in the 70s , along with Rodale Press magazine, Organic Gardening & Farming, in addition to Mother Earth News. That said, I am am grateful to see you and others carry this " Back to the Land Movement" forward ~ Diane

[@robbiedejonge8613]

I so enjoy adding to my library, especially my homesteading library.

[@homeonmagnoliahill9899]

I am BEYOND excited that you published this video!! Much needed and so very helpful!! Thank you Jess!!

[@marygrott8095]

Thanks so much for this information, Jess!

[@danij6373]

Oh my gosh I LOVE The Wartime Garden/Farm. I swear I have the same fasination as you. Thats what got me into gardening and being able to provide for myself. Its amazing how they got through it and how those who stayed home and how women really got them through the war. I've also really loved watching The Wartime Farm, The Victorian Farm and Edwardian Farm and the other 2 they had. Great shows to watch

[@nicholaceho9679]

Your first book is great I love it x

[@lindasmith6202]

I've been a voracious reader, have been all my life. I remember reading Ruth Stout way back in my hippie days! I looked up Wartime Kitchen & Garden series & now I'm halfway through watching it. I also recommend the History Channel's Wartime Farms. I don't have TV so thank goodness for You Tube. Loved your suggestions today!

[@GARDENSTATEGARDENER]

Books makes the world grow

[@akLeanne]

Love Ruth's book gardening without work. What a great sense of humor

[@virginiafox8708]

Thank you for these recommendations! Love this episode.

[@leahharbison4932]

Bless you Jess !

[@conniesanrn2730]

My daughter was watching one of your videos with me and she said "she looks like she has an ingredient only house" 😂😂

[@laurelcanterbury5370]

I ordered The First Time Gardener book of yours while watching this vlog. I got it today. Yeah!

[@Sky-Child]

I have just found a beautiful old binder that I bought ages ago and forgot about. I am absolutely starting my own growing/homesteading/cooking book, even if just for myself

[@jamiwhatley1765]

I just received my copy of your homestead book. I’m excited.

[@melodypipkin3855]

I have your gardening book on the way and the Homesteading one on my wish list. I also just downloaded Gardening without work on Audible. Thanks for the Rec!

[@JessicaBlalock101]

Yes!! I am a pencil and paper kind of gal myself and I have a binder where I print out or write out recipes that I find to keep. I also have notebooks and legal pads of notes I have taken while watching videos (many of yours, lol) or reading books while I am in my classroom with my first garden. I love that you do this also!! ❤❤ I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being so authentic and patient. Thank you for your love of teaching us newbies and seasoned gardeners alike! Just thank you for being such an amazing and inspirational person. We really need more like you in the world we live in now. ❤❤

[@aprilwestervelt3516]

Nigel Slater FTW! I’m so glad that you love his books!! ❤

[@aloras405]

I like to acquire print books because I don't always want to have to go back online to find that one piece of info.

[@anitakeppinger3276]

Fiction booklist? Yes, please!

[@kath-phlox]

Oh I wondered where we were going with this, is it about interesting books? Surprise, it's a way to plug your own books at it's heart. Don't get me wrong, I love your channel Jess and I will always watch it because it's good. Nigel Slater - thumbs up.

[@amandaforeman2626]

Oh books are a amazing resource! I have soooo many books on homesteading , animal husbandry , gardening ! The soul of soil is a great read :) I buy mine at thrift stores :)

[@Jordan-bh2tm]

I love all the books!! Thank so much for your recommendations! I would totally be into a video on your fiction books too 😊

[@denisebrady6858]

Jess I have handwritten recipes from probably 50 odd years ago & always will. My Gardening journals are also manually recorded as I lost a computer once & nearly lost my entire history- never again.

[@suerawlings7698]

Kiss the ground is an awesome book

[@larkendelvie]

Just a suggestion - instead of printing all the pages you can save any Chrome page (at least on a Windows machine) by printing it to a pdf document which you can specify the name of. This would allow you to keep it for long term, you can also print it to paper after saving it.

[@Sky-Child]

5 star tip right here

[@robinjohnston8180]

I always look at the library for gardening books it is not always easy to find them!

[@Wildevis]

Awesome book review. I can say, that I ordered and got Sally Fallon's book all the way to South Afrcia and it's a great read, as one can read it like a novel

[@sarac3089]

I have been hoping you would give us a list of recommendations of books!

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

Wonderful assortment ! I am familiar some of them but some I look forward to checking them out!

[@nicholaceho9679]

I literally just made a wartime chocolate sponge cake with strawberries, only using the ingredients that would have been available in wartime rations love it x

[@kristyholman351]

I love books and recommendations and would also like to know what fiction you read. You mentioned in a video that you were reading war time books that talked about how they grew food and the victory gardens. I’m very interested in that too!

[@nicolephillips9991]

This was so wonderful and inspirational! I am adding every single book to my list right now. The way you talked about how each book helps you and centers you on why we are doing this. Why this is important. And giving you the tools to do it better. I think the cookbooks will be immensely helpful. I loved your last video because it was so great to see you using the produce from your garden immediately. You are right that modern cookbooks are not for a gardener. So I don't even know how to use all the things that are coming in at the same time. That episode was awesome, and I'm so glad you were sharing cookbooks that give you that feeling. Thank you and I would love to hear your fiction book list!!

[@cristinawiley4905]

I have an ingredient house too, my kids would prefer ready to grab items because they are hungry right now. Because we are an ingredient house I was able to make cinnamon roles on a whim because we had all the ingredients at the house.

[@annalivingston4045]

I'd love to hear your fiction reads. Karen White was so fun to read through (though I'm not a fan of the spooky series she did, just me) which got me thinking you'd probably have a similar reading preference. Thanks for all of these recommendations!

[@JB-pd4ni]

love a good book, thanks for sharing some of your favs

[@tracyzabelle]

I do love to read.. thank you for this