A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle. Khalil Gibran
As I sit fine tuning my garden plan, ordering more varieties of vegetables, and keeping my feet warm, I find some time to read. Most are books that I bought over the summer months with the intent of reading them in the coming winter months. The following are the top 5 books I have found informative, entertaining, or uplifting in some way.
1. Folks , This Ain't Normal: A Farmer's Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World by Joel Salatin.(Kindle Version)...Entertaining, informative, and inspirational. If you haven't read any books by Joel, please do so. Even if you don't farm, you will find him a very entertaining and inspiring writer and speaker. There are also some great videos of Joel on YouTube.
2. Teaming with Microbes: An Organic Gardeners Guide to the Soil Food Web by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis (Kindle Version)...A great source of information on what goes on beneath your soil, and how it is as important (perhaps more so) as what goes on above. If you weren't a soil geek before reading this book, you will be afterward.
3. The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food by Janisse Ray (Paperback). Also author of Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, which is on my reading list but not yet purchased. I can't say it any better than a review that I read: "Big biotech companies are patenting and privatizing seeds, making it illegal for farmers to retain their own crops for replanting. In a series of engaging and lyrical profiles, Ray shows that by the simple and pleasurable act of saving seeds we can wrest our food system from corporate control" (Barry Estabrook).
4. Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers' Markets, Local Food, and Saving the Family Farm by Forrest Pritchard. Foreword by Joel Salatin. (Kindle Version) A funny, heartfelt, and sometimes sad story. All I can say is "Read it!" You won't regret it.
5. Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening by Louise Riotte (Kindle Version). A comprehensive guide to companion planting...what to plant with and what not to plant with many vegetables, herbs, and fruits. There is also a great section on pest control.
While not on my top 5, another book that I refer to over and over is The Vegetable Gardeners Bible by Edward C. Smith. (Kindle version) It contains information on how to plan and grow your garden, how to nurture your soil, compost, pests, and a great directory of vegetables and herbs.
When the days warm and lengthen, it is time to put down the books and put everything we have learned into action. But for now, pass the coffee and don't hog the space heater!
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