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Click on any book cover for information on purchasing the book; please note that the book links open a new browser window to Amazon.com.
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BACKYARD MARKET GARDENING: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Selling What You Grow
by Andrew W. Lee, Andy Lee, Jim Hightower
The greatest opportunities can sometimes be found in our own backyards. This is true for the small-scale farmer/gardener who dreams of selling the fruits of their labors to an appreciative public. Discover how easy and profitable it is to grow and sell vegetables, fruits, flower, Herbs and small livestock from your backyard market garden. Make Money at Home!
This inspirational, dirt-under-the-fingernails book with its earthy humor, has helped inspire "the gardener's next door" to grow food not only for themselves, but others as well and make money while doing what they love.
Written by "a master farmer who has walked his talk", Backyark Market Gardening is the flagship book that has helped spawn farmers' markets and community farms across America. It has inspired thousands of communities to pursue local food self-sufficiency. "An easy, entertaining read that is very rewarding to the soul, the soil and the flow of capital".
Twice selected by the Rodale Book Club as the Editors Choice for the Book of the Month. |
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DYNAMIC FARMERS' MARKETING: A Guide to Successfully Selling Your Farmers' Market Products
by Jeff W. Ishee
Are you looking to direct market your farm products? Then this is a 'must have' in your library. Jeff Ishee takes you through the day-to-day of planning and preparing to market any and all farm products directly to the consumer. This book is a great guide in getting your ideas together on what to do in your operation or if you are just simply trying to decide if direct marketing is for you.
In working with the industry on a day-to-day basis in Kentucky, this book has been an excellent addition to my resource library. (Anonymous, Kentucky)
" . . . an essential book. Tells producers, vendors, and market organizers how to have a successful and dynamic farmers' market." (Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener - Sept/Nov 98)
"Packed with information. My kind of book! I should make it mandatory each one (of our vendors) buy a copy." (Lynn Wettach, Market Master, St. Augustine, Florida - August 1997)
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FAMILY FRIENDLY FARMING: A Multi-Generationals Home-Based Business Testament
by Joel Salatin
Family friendly farming offers hope for stressed families, dissatisfied employees, and hurried-harried lifestyles. It is no secret that family farms are in trouble. The average age of US farmers is over 60 and the brightest, best young people flee from farming. This leaves our precious rural landscape not cared for by true stewards of the land. Owners who think interms of seasons and generations, instead of 4th quarter profits. Joel and his family have demonistrated, and openly shared, their experiences, both successes and failures about what it take to have a successful, Earth friendly family farm. If you are thinking about farming this book is not only one you must read - but it is one you must study. Hats off and a standing ovation to the Salatin family for helping show us the way to a better paradigm of food production. (Andy Lee)
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FIVE ACRES and INDEPENDENCE: A Handbook for Small Farm Management
by Maurice Grenville Kains, Maurice G. Kain, J. E. Oldfield
I have a 1946 edition of this book which my father used as a reference in supplying our family all of our food from 1948 until 1962 and a large portion of our food thereafter. I have referred to it on a regular basis since 1972. While the precise numbers for costs and quantity of production are dated, the basic principles for successful small farming are clearly elucidated. You can update the costs and quantities yourself. Some of the information on animal breeds should be updated by additional research. But the priciples are all here. The chapters on "City vs. Country Life" and "Tried and True Ways to Fail" are essential reading if you have never been involved in agriculture previously. I have many reference books, and this is one of the best...with a tattered cover and yellowed pages! (Anonymous) |
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FOREST GARDENING: Cultivating an Edible Landscape
by Robert A. De J. Hart
A holistic approach encompassing health issues, spirituality, and environmental concerns governs Hart's philosophy of "forest gardening" --akin to multistory gardens maintained by certain indigenous societies. Hart and a partner have implemented just such a garden on a small farm in Shropshire, England, and Hart's ardent treatise champions a union of modern technological methods and machines with ecologically sound practices. Interplanting edible crops is utmost: herbs and fruiting shrubs, "fodder-bearing" trees, and a variety of perennial plants. Highlights include mention of other communities that have achieved great degrees of self-sufficiency, where a sacred view of man's connectedness to nature appears inextricably linked to low-maintenance symbiotic plantings, appreciation of handcrafted objects, a vegan diet, and independent lifestyle. (Alice Joyce)
The author believes harmony (peace) on this planet is highly correlated with an approach to gardening that recognizes the value of plants and all living things. He blends history, philosophy, and anthropology together as he talks about plants, vegetables, herbs, nuts, animals, and trees. He offers practical ways in dealing with "natural" problems associated with farming. Best part of the book is his appendixes where he lists drought resistant plants, wetland plants, sun loving herbs, shade loving herbs, etc. He provides an excellent bibliography. The author loves this planet. This is a thoughtful essay on the proper relationship of human beings to animals and plants on this planet. (maslow3@earthlink.net, Seattle, WA)
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FOUR SEASON HARVEST: Organic Vegetables from Your Home Garden All Year Long
by Eliot Coleman, Kathy Bray (Illustrator), Barbara Damrosch
Everyone who grows vegetables must know Coleman. He's the organic methods expert--the one who knows how to maximize both garden yield and gardening pleasure, year round. (Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.)
Shows home gardeners how to grow and harvest up to forty different vegetables in season all year round by using cold frames, mobile greenhouses, high-quality compost, and other simple and inexpensive tools and techniques. (Ingram)
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HANDY FARM DEVICES and HOW TO MAKE THEM
by Rolfe Cobleigh
Originally published in 1909, "Handy Farm Devices" is more than an engaging trip down memory lane. For any small farmer or homesteader, the techniques and devices described in detail are just as useful, durable, and fully functional today as they were 75 years ago. You will learn to build a portable chicken coop, a stone boat (for moving stone), a lightweight orchard ladder, gates that don't sag, and a handy wood splitter, as well as rudimentary farm structures, well houses, bee hives, a baby's cradle, a cheese press and much more. The charming, turn-of-the-century language and useful and inspirational quotes from Shakespeare, the Bible, Bacon, Longfellow and many others make this book a delight to read. (Mark A. Hetts) |
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MAKING YOUR SMALL FARM PROFITABLE
by Ron Macher, Howard W., Jr. Kerr
The flow and content of this book was fantastic. As an organic farmer I was happy to see that most of the practices encouraged are very eco-friendly. Although a little redundant at times, the author makes some excellent points about crop sustainability and business planning. Lots of good reference info here as well. (Anonymous) |
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SECRETS TO A SUCCESSFUL GREENHOUSE AND BUSINESS: A Complete Guide to Starting and Operating A High-Profit Organic or Hydroponic Business That Benefits the Environment
by Ted M. Taylor
This book saved me ten years!
If you want the best info on greenhouses that was written in this country and is very up to date, this book is for you. Info on hydroponic tomatoes was the latest available (very important). The info on getting customers is the best that I have read. Real good ideas on building a greenhouse and the many extras you can get for this wonderful business. Suggestions on what to grow first for new growers and how many. Even what to say to prospect buyers. A buyers list that has real buyers! Just a great book and will save you many years. (Anonymous, Melbourne, FL)
The Answer To A Lifetime Dream!
If you want to know everything from the "how come?", to the "how to?", to the "how much?" of the greenhouse business then you want to order, "Secrets To A Successful Greenhouse and Business" by Ted M. Taylor. I always wanted to own a nursery or be in the greenhouse business but had convinced my self I couldn't afford the investment or the risk. I discovered a link to this book one night while searching for information on Hibiscus. I ordered one copy and then ordered another copy for a friend before the first one arrived. I read the book and can tell you first hand that you will learn everthing from the importance of developing a plan, to how to build an affordable greenhouse, to what plants to grow, to how to grow them, to how to market them plus a long list of references, buyers, workshops and seminars. Although the dates of the conferences will be different depending on the issue of the book, it is comforting to know these events are held each year and I feel sure it will be very easy to find the current year schedule.
In this day of technology, it is refreshing to find an author who writes with such understandable basics. It's obvious he has been a huge sucess in the greenhouse business. In a telephone conversation with Mr. Taylor, he assured me that the toughest part of the business is the decision to get started. That's the part I've had the biggest trouble with but will build my first greenhouse this year. The book showed me not only that the business is affordable but also can be profitable very early. (Dave Huffman, Palm Coast, FL)
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SMALL-SCALE LIVESTOCK FARMING: A Grass-Based Approach for Health, Sustainability, and Profit
by Carol Ekarius
My name is Carol Ekarius, and together with my husband, Ken Woodard, I've raised and marketed livestock for over a decade. Neither Ken, nor I, came from farming backgrounds, but we learned how to succeed in agriculture.
My intention with this book is to help thinking people accomplish their goals with livestock. It's for those who've been farming or ranching for most of their lives, for those who are just starting out, and for those who are dreaming of someday being a farmer or rancher. It's for those who want to make their living off of livestock, and those who just want to raise a few critters.
This isn't a cookbook, with a simple recipe for success in agriculture, because there is no such thing. But it is a book that will help you design a system that works for you, and that is environmentally and socially friendly. The book is broken into four sections (an overview, an animal husbandry section, a marketing section, and a planning section) so it's easy to jump in where you need help.
But this book isn't just about my husband and I, and how we've farmed. I include stories and information about other farmers and ranchers from throughout the United States--highlighting the things that have allowed them to be successful. One of my favorite parts of writing this book, was doing the interviews. These are can-do, will-do kind of folks, who haven't let hardships stop them from succeeding! I hope their stories inspire you. I know they inspired me. Good luck, and always pursue your dreams! (The author) |
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SMALL-SCALE PIG RAISING
by Dirk. Van Loon, Dick Van Loon
Author Dirk van Loon explains why raising a feeder pig is the best bet for someone with little land who wants to produce the most meat for the smallest investment of time and money. Besides caring for the animal, van Loon offers extensive tips on home butchering, with step-by-step instructions and many photos covering the process--from slaughtering to portioning meat for the freezer. (Ingram)
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SMALL-SCALE POULTRY KEEPING: A Guide to Free Range Poultry Production
by Ray Feltwell
This guide to small-scale' free-range poultry is a must for those interested in keeping poultry the natural way. The information provided is suitable for both the beginner and novice, covering a broad range of must-know information. From do-it-yourself poultry housing through to feeding, health, and breeding, Ray Feltwell has presented a thorough, educational, and enjoyable read. For a novice poultry keeper like myself, it has become a handbook. Of special mention is the indepth listing of English regulations, clubs, and organizations dealing with poultry production. (Danielle Gleeson) |
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SUCCESSFUL SMALL-SCALE FARMING: An Organic Approach
by Karl Schwenke, Ben Watson (Editor)
This inspiring handbook contains everything small-farm owners need to know, from buying land to organic growing methods and selling cash crops.
From the Back Cover:
"When I first wrote Successful Small-Scale Farming eleven years ago," writes Karl Schwenke in the preface to this new edition, "an 'organic farmer' was synonymous with a 'lonely hippie troublemaker.' Today he is classed somewhere between a high-priced elitist and an opportunistic liar."
So begins this classic guide to organic small-scale agriculture, fully updated and revised for the 1990s -- for a new generation of readers who would like to live closer to the earth.
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YOU CAN FARM
by Joel Salatin (Introduction), Allan Nation
In YOU CAN FARM, Joel Salatin describes just how he runs his farm and why. By sticking to the example of his own experience and his own farm, he paints a vivid, detailed, and obviously accurate picture of how he makes his living from farming, and how you can, too.
Most of the farm activities he recommends require little up-front investment or experience. One can start small and expand as one learns the ropes.
We've used many of Salatin's ideas on our farm in Oregon, and they've worked very well for us, and we know a lot of other people who've put them to work as well.
Other writers focus too much on the romance and political correctness of ecologically responsible farming. But romance and political correctness don't pay the bills. "Sustainable agriculture" has to sustain the farmer as well as the land, or it's nothing but a snare and a delusion. Salatin shows a proven path to success and profitability. (Robert Plamondon) |
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