Kate Weiss
[isbn]
Whether you know just enough to be dangerous (like me), have made your own clothing for years, or simply want to consider the possibilities, this book will be a good friend. You’ll save money and strut your own style with confidence and pride. Kate Weiss offers really sound advice that’s serious but not too complicated. And you don’t have to make “outfits.” There’s plenty of mending, etc., that we should all be doing, and her instructions are... (read more)
Recommended by Marianne T
|
Justin Rhodes
[isbn]
This book is so inspiring! Rhodes blends his own family’s experience with grounded know-how and practical advice. And then there are the photographs! My favorite shows his daughter and a chicken on page 120. This is an irresistible read.
Recommended by Marianne T
|
Monte Burch, Joan Burch
[isbn]
This is the real deal, from making soap and sharpening knives to foraging and butchering. All the skills our great-grandparents had and we can use.
Recommended by Marianne T
|
Sadhbh Moore, Abi Aspen Glencross
[isbn]
There are lovely recipes here (grouped into categories for “Plants,” “Vaguean,” and “Omnivore”) but also wonderful tips for shopping, re-using, planning, and cleaning. This is a smart and helpful book and would make a great gift for someone starting out (or needing to break from bad habits!).
Recommended by Marianne T
|
Lorene Edwards Forkner
[isbn]
Lorene Edwards starts each chapter with thoughts that make you feel like you are getting advice from your friendly neighbor. I was impressed with the additional tips that help gardeners navigate our Pacific Northwest weather. My favorite part was being able to focus on one month at a time so I didn't get overwhelmed. A must have!
Recommended by Erica B.
|
Brittany Ducham, Elana Gabrielle
[isbn]
This book offers a clear presentation and basic remedies to support digestion, mental clarity, sleep, emotions, and immunity, and to manage stress and pain. The "remedies" are widely accessible, sustainable, and really empowering. I'm learning so much!
Recommended by Marianne T
|
Devon Young
[isbn]
Learn about the wonderful healing qualities of 50 easily accessible plants and herbs. Make treatments ranging from colicky baby massage to pit paste and menopause management. And gain a real appreciation for those plants around us that often go unnoticed.
Recommended by Marianne T
|
Jenny Sansouci, Frank Lipman
[isbn]
Whether it’s to enhance our general health or deal with a serious illness, The Rebel’s Apothecary wants to help. It clearly explains how we can utilize the benefits of cannabis and mushrooms and why we should. I've learned so much reading this smart and timely book, and I look forward to implementing some of its advice right away!
Recommended by Marianne T
|
Sarah Farr
[isbn]
This wonderful book makes me feel like a master herbalist! Blending teas for daily well-being and specific concerns is easy and empowering. Release your inner tea diva!
Recommended by Marianne T
|
Kami McBride, Rosemary Gladstar
[isbn]
I love this book. It explains the healing properties and traditional uses for 50 herbs and then provides wonderful recipes for their use. Everything from honeys and smoothies to cordials and entire meals, even foot soaks!
Recommended by Marianne T
|
Olga Prinku
[isbn]
Gosh, this book is pretty. There are a lot of embroidery books out there, but this is the first one I’ve seen that incorporates dried flowers and tulle. What an ethereal and dreamy combination. If you’re an experienced embroiderer, trying these new materials is a fun way to switch things up, and if you’re a beginner, the projects are still within reach. They range from wall hangings to wearables, each more lovely than the last.
Recommended by Leah B.
|
Masanobu Fukuoka and Larry Korn
[isbn]
Out of print and highly sought after in the US for more than 25 years, Masanobu Fukuoka’s natural farming manifesto is no less revolutionary today than it was when it was first published in 1978, and arguably more necessary with time. A radical rethinking of agriculture, global food systems, and the relationship between humans and the earth we inhabit, The One-Straw Revolution contains both practical gardening advice and profound,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Peter Wohlleben and Jane Billinghurst
[isbn]
The Heartbeat of Trees is a love letter to the forest. Rejecting the credo that humankind has caused too much damage to ever restore our ties with nature, Wohlleben draws on recent scientific studies to show how intensely we are connected to the natural world even now — and how vital that connection will be for the battle ahead.
Recommended by Emily B.
|
Kevin Hobbs
[isbn]
A beautiful encyclopedia of the world's trees, informative and enchanting. It discusses special animal-tree relationships that have existed through time, such as between the giant ground sloth and the avocado tree, but also how human relations with trees have altered from the time of Neanderthals to today.
Recommended by Jennifer K.
|
Max Adams
[isbn]
I love this book! It's the perfect coffee table or display volume, with gorgeous illustrations, as well as photographs that really give you a sense of being in the presence of each tree. Each entry is the perfect blend of informative and charming, emphasizing traditional and current use by humans and animals. From trees that purify the soil or water (moringa, for an example of the latter), to those that provide food, medicine, cosmetic oils (sea... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer K.
|
Lucy Hutchings
[isbn]
Lucy Hutchings, innovative, trend-setting gardener shows us that gardening can be fun. Beginner and master gardener alike can find some exciting creative ideas in Get up and Grow. I’m most enticed by her container and wall growing ideas. I think a hanging garden filled with herbs is just what my kitchen garden needs this summer.
Recommended by Tracey T.
|
Nik Sharma
[isbn]
Nk Sharma’s stunning Flavor Equation deserves to be shelved next to your copy of Salt Fat Acid Heat. Sharma makes the science of cooking cool, fascinating, and completely relevant to growing your skills in the kitchen. Backed by over 100 recipes that exemplify the text and fill the belly.
Recommended by Tracey T.
|
Danae Horst
[isbn]
Nature has a way of clearing our mind, and taking us to a place that's a little less tense. While a lovely nature walk may not be feasible for all of us, we can certainly enjoy nature in our home... one houseplant at a time. Environmental profiles, plant descriptions, and all the basics required for thriving indoor greenery are included in this expansive title.
Recommended by Corie K-B.
|
Douglas W. Tallamy
[isbn]
Buying books for the climate change section can get a little depressing sometimes, so when a book with “hope” in the title comes along, I pay attention! This title is part of a growing area of climate literature that focuses on big picture changes individual folks can make — in this case, how to make your backyard part of a conservation corridor for wildlife in order to help boost biodiversity. Practical, inspirational, and full of scientific and... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
|
Lior Lev Sercarz, Genevieve Ko
[isbn]
This is one of the best spice books I’ve ever read. By mixing your own blended spices, you can make your own meals that much faster and that much tastier. Master spice blender Lior Lev Sercarz has developed tried-and-true blends for simplifying home cooking. Many of the recipes vary by simply changing the spice blend to get a different flavor. This would be a great cookbook to work through from the beginning. You could make root veggies a... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
|
John Wackman, Elizabeth Knight
[isbn]
Consumerism is such a tricky friend. I"ll be the first to admit that I'm attracted to something new and shiny, even when the item I'm replacing could be repaired easily. I'm convinced that there must be a happy medium in there somewhere, and the rise of the repair café culture definitely brings that point home. Repair Revolution: How Fixers Are Transforming Our Throwaway Culture reminds us that we don't always need to upgrade, and that... (read more)
Recommended by Corie K-B.
|
Robin Wall Kimmerer
[isbn]
In this luminous and wise book, botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer (Potawatomi Nation) makes a lyrical and convincing case for reimagining our relationship to nature as mutually beneficial. Taking the reader from her classroom to her lab to her (enviably abundant) garden to a rainforest in Oregon, Kimmerer demonstrates time and again how working with the land, as opposed to shaping it to one’s purpose, is a method rooted in Indigenous tradition and... (read more)
Recommended by Lucinda G.
|
Valerie Aikman Smith
[isbn]
Think you know how to cook with salt and pepper? Well, you probably do know how, but this cookbook will offer you some surprises and a lot of good recipes packed into a small package. Salt and Pepper is for when you want something just a little bit new, a departure from the same old meals.
Recommended by Tracey T.
|
Jonathan Kauffman
[isbn]
An interesting look at the politics and culture of common foods — granola, tofu, whole grains — that were once relatively unknown in postwar America. Kauffman trots out a cast of memorable characters, some altruistic and some self-serving, to chart the rise of brands, concepts, and foods that we know and love today.
Recommended by Eva F.
|
Erin Benzakein and Julie Chai
[isbn]
Widely anticipated by her fans, Washington state flower farmer Erin Benzakein invites us into the world of lavishly photographed flowers and floral arrangement techniques in stunning turns. Avid gardeners and designers alike will find inspiration in this expertly comprised tome.
Recommended by Aubrey W.
|
Leda Meredith
[isbn]
I’m not actually a forager myself, but The Skillful Forager makes me want to become one. It’s pretty much a perfect book — the author’s dedication to this practice is evident on every page, it’s so incredibly thoughtful and well put together. So much helpful information can be found here, whether you’re an established forager or just getting started. I can’t wait to give it a try!
Recommended by Leah C.
|
Fiona Heckels, Karen Lawton, Belle Benfield
[isbn]
The Sensory Herbal Handbook is the first book by the dynamic British herbal healing duo The Seed Sistas. They have created a practice wholly their own — drawing on many different cultural traditions and spiritualties yet grounded in science, managing to be creative, joyful, practical, and substantive, all at the same time… and surprisingly, all these disparate elements balance each other out, fit together, and just plain old make sense... (read more)
Recommended by Leah C.
|
Marie Kondo
[isbn]
An international sensation, Marie Kondo's technique of "sparking joy" has helped millions declutter and recenter their homes, and consequently their lives. The simplicity of Kondo's process makes it easy to understand and adopt her approach in your own life. Read and discover for yourself why The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is, well, life-changing!
Recommended by Alex Y.
|
Raleigh Briggs
[isbn]
An awesome do-it-yourself guide for simple remedies, medicines, and cleaners! I say simple, but you will acquire a lot of skills if you put any of these methods in practice. If you're interested in relevant homesteading skills in a fast-paced world where there is hardly any time for that, this is totally for you!
Recommended by Rin S.
|
Paul Bonine
[isbn]
With a focus on perennials (for veggie growing, look elsewhere), this is the perfect option for a beginning gardener looking to take advantage of our region's wonderful climate. Pictures of and info on specific plants will ensure you make good choices to create and maintain a beautiful yard.
Recommended by Eva F.
|
Grackle & Pigeon
[isbn]
Brimming with colorful photos and sketches to get your creative juices flowing, this whimsical book is all about creating cozy spaces anywhere you happen to be. You’ll find a treasure trove of imaginative ideas — there’s even a book cave!
Recommended by Moses M.
|
Sonya Patel Ellis
[isbn]
Botanical Bible is an amazing book! A big fat book that could live on your coffee table for a couple of years and you’d still find interest in it. Filled with botanical history, art, recipes, and just a whole lot of beauty, this is a gardener’s dream book. I don’t often rave about books that are so cross-topic, but Botanical Bible really hits the sweet spot in being curated perfectly. My hat is off to author Sonya Patel Ellis... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
|
Eileen Stark
[isbn]
Support wildlife, conserve water, attract bees and other pollinators, and make your yard beautiful. Geared towards Pacific Northwest gardens, this book has great information to help you to replicate our wonderful and unique ecosystem at home.
Recommended by Eva F.
|
Camas Davis
[isbn]
I'm Blackfeet and come from a family of hunters and fishermen, so the first thing I learned — before actually using a gun or a fishing rod — was how to show respect for the animal by preserving every part of the animal. In Killing It, Camas Davis embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learning, too, about how to show great respect for the lives that sustain us. Davis learned the old-world craft of butchery in Gascony, France, and in... (read more)
Recommended by Kate L.
|
Andy Ricker, Jj Goode
[isbn]
The food in this fantastic cookbook is celebratory, designed to be paired with drinks and friends. The recipes range from basic (fried peanuts), to adventurous (Pork Ribs Grilled Underwater), to the really adventurous (Northern Thai Frog Soup). It's (almost) as good as a trip to Thailand.
Recommended by Matt K.
|
Bonnie Frumkin Morales
[isbn]
Get ready to cook like there's a babushka in your kitchen! Kachka combines Russian home cooking with PNW farm-fresh style. Chef Morales’s dumplings and pickles are much loved in Portland, and we are excited to make them at home.
Recommended by Tracey T.
|
Nichole Graf, Micah Sherman, David Stein, and Liz Crain
[isbn]
Grow Your Own provides a much needed DIY approach to cannabis cultivation, wrapped up in a modern, accessible, and pretty package. It provides all of the info you'll need to get started learning about, growing, and enjoying cannabis.
Recommended by Leah C.
|
Josef Centeno, Betty Hallock
[isbn]
Bäco is like a playground for your kitchen. Chef and author Josef Centeno of Los Angeles restaurant Bäco Mercat has an amazing way with flavor combinations. The first chapter, "Spicy Salty Pickled Preserved," has my mind reeling with pleasure from the surprising food combos. Cherries with horseradish? Honey with fennel? His unusual seasonings remind me of Yotam Ottolenghi’s similar skill in mixing ethnic flavors. Do expect to make trips... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
|
Danielle Centoni
[isbn]
Beautifully presented and wide-ranging, Portland Cooks provides an amazing introduction to the best restaurants our city has to offer. From staples like The Country Cat to newer ventures like the Bit House Saloon, there is something for everyone to try, no matter your experience in the Portland food scene.
Recommended by Natalie R.
|
John Gorham, Liz Crain
[isbn]
As a longtime Tasty n Sons (and Tasty n Alder) patron, I knew I had to get my hands on John Gorham's new cookbook and ode to global diner fare. Gorham and writer Liz Crain toured DC to Savannah for inspiration for this book — and for both restaurants' menus. These recipes will satisfy your cravings from morning to late night. I'm already planning my next brunch so that I can serve my favorite Tasty recipes: Shakshuka with Baked Eggs and Lemon... (read more)
Recommended by Kate L.
|
Kirsten K Shockey, Christopher Shockey
[isbn]
Kirsten and Christopher Shockey's first book, Fermented Vegetables, is one of my absolute favorite fermentation books. So, as soon as I heard last year that their next book would be all about hot sauces, salsas, and other spicy fermented yumminess from around the world, I couldn't wait. They have a way of providing an inspirational framework for experimenting with fermentation that means the sky is the limit. Fiery Ferments also... (read more)
Recommended by Robin F.
|
Steve Solomon and Marina McShane
[isbn]
Many gardening books lure you in with photos of succulent tomatoes and lush salad greens; this isn’t one of those. Instead, it’s packed full of expert advice for Pacific Northwest gardeners, from improving soil fertility to growing vegetables in our climate year-round. It's the kind of reference book you’ll come back to season after season.
Recommended by JC R.
|
Barbara Pleasant
[isbn]
Working in the world's largest independent new and used bookstore, I am constantly reminded of how little I actually know about gardening. There are literally thousands of books on the subject, so it stands to reason that those of us with neither a degree in horticulture nor free time enough to read everything on the shelf might find ourselves a little overwhelmed... and complete novices might give up before they even start! If all those... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
David George Haskell
[isbn]
A thorough investigation into a dozen trees and the biological communities they are a part of. Haskell beautifully details the complicated relationships these living organisms share. From a pear tree on a Manhattan sidewalk to a towering giant in the Amazon, we learn that wildness is everywhere.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
|
Michael Pollan
[isbn]
Michael Pollan may be incapable of uninteresting writing. Discerning and lucid, his works tend to provoke the reader to engage themselves (at least in thought, if not deed) well beyond the final page. Second Nature: A Gardener's Education is Pollan's first book yet reads like a timeless work by a seasoned writer. While lacking in the overall cohesive force of his later efforts, this book may encourage more reflection and greater... (read more)
Recommended by Jeremy G.
|
Alfred Lansing
[isbn]
In 1914, Ernest Shackleton left for the Antarctic. While World War I occupied Europe, the Endurance was destroyed by ice and the men aboard were left far from help in a barren land where the darkness got longer every day. Although written in the 1950s, Alfred Lansing's account of this incredible survival story is just as fresh and riveting as anything by Jon Krakauer, Timothy Egan, or Erik Larson.
Recommended by Eva F.
|
Sabrina Ghayour
[isbn]
No matter how many Middle Eastern cookbooks there are, there always seems to be room for one more. I suppose with a culture this ancient and covering so many ethnicities, there is bound to be a massive variety in recipes. Author Sabrina Ghayour takes some fairly common recipes and gives them a gentle tweaking to make them fresh. Her Mousse Cake has green cardamom pods, her Apple Salad has radishes and dried figs, and her Slow Roasted Cherry... (read more)
Recommended by Tracey T.
|
Peter Wohlleben
[isbn]
Have you ever imagined trees as having thoughts and feelings? The Hidden Life of Trees suggests you may not have been so far off. This book became a surprise sensation in Germany, and it completely surprised me too. I read it while camping and it made the experience so much richer.
Recommended by Moses M.
|
Thor Hanson
[isbn]
With playful and elegant prose, conservation biologist Hanson takes on something so small but so powerful: the mighty seed. What begins as an exasperated attempt to break open a seemingly impenetrable seed shell leads to an in-depth exploration of the origins, functions, and human exploitations of these incredible little vessels of life.
Recommended by Renee P.
|
Mimi Zeiger
[isbn]
I’m a big fan of tiny houses. I hope to live in one someday. Until then, I will keep the dream alive by looking at Zeiger’s fantastic book, which is full of cleverly small dwellings and the stories behind them.
Recommended by Britt A.
|
Richard Mabey
[isbn]
We tend to view plants as pretty but passive organisms. Mabey's passionate ode to the plant world combines history, science, and art to illuminate the resilience and importance of an underappreciated life form. This is nature writing at its finest: eloquent, revealing, and entertaining.
Recommended by Renee P.
|
Marie Kondo
[isbn]
Marie Kondo is back with detailed instructions on how to tidy up various categories of your belongings. Expanding on the principles outlined in her first book, she goes into much more detail, complete with charming illustrations.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
|
Colin Beavan
[isbn]
Whether you aim to change a habit or completely transform your life, use this book as a blueprint for inspiration. More a lifestyle guide than self-help book, How to Be Alive presents research, personal stories, and exercises so you can live the happy life you were meant to.
Recommended by Jen C.
|
Sean Brock
[isbn]
Chef Brock is a storyteller. His tales take the form of recipes deeply steeped in the American South. The Southern cuisine in Heritage is honest and proud, based in history and a back-to-the-roots approach. Whether diner fare, Sunday supper, or neighborhood seafood boil, these thoughtfully conceived recipes have a glorious stick-to-your-ribs goodness.
Recommended by Tracey T.
|
Claudia Lucero
[isbn]
This fantastic cheese-making cookbook from Portland's own indie crafter is so easy to use it's almost hard to believe. Almost. I've made yummy cheese from the step-by-step photo recipes in it several times now, thanks to Claudia's simple, encouraging instructions. This book boasts 16 varieties of fun cheese recipes to try, all in one hour or under. There's an assortment of cheese accompanying recipes in the back as well. I recommend this... (read more)
Recommended by Aubrey W.
|
Regan, Lara Jo
[isbn]
What's better during a long and boring commute than seeing a canine with his head out the window, the breeze in his floppy ears, squinting against the wind with a big, goofy smile on his face? Lara Jo Regan documents the pure and simple joy of riding in cars with furry companions. It will make you want to stick your head out of a moving vehicle yourself (not advised)!
Recommended by Kim T.
|
Joe Fisher, Dennis MBA Fisher
[isbn]
A marriage of two of my all-time favorite things (beer and gardening), Joe and Dennis Fisher's The Homebrewer's Garden is an essential reference for any homebrewer looking to adopt a more holistic approach. With information on growing, preparing, and using your own hops, malts, grains, and brewing herbs, and an emphasis on organic methods, The Homebrewer's Garden isn't just the best book of its kind... it's also the only one.
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Lloyd Kahn
[isbn]
As the founding editor-in-chief of Shelter Publications, Inc. and the former editor of the Whole Earth Catalog, Lloyd Kahn boasts a long history of stellar publications, and his latest is no exception. Builders of the Pacific Coast showcases some of the most creative owner-built homes on the West coast, among them: working homesteads, driftwood abodes, gypsy-type caravans, houseboats, homes that are at once beautiful and... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Rhonda Massingham Hart
[isbn]
Don't let the title fool you; The Dirt-Cheap Green Thumb is not only about saving money. It's also about simplifying your gardening life. Master gardener Rhonda Massingham Hart dispels the myth that gardening need be labor intensive or expensive to be effective. With information on the top performing plant varieties, tips for increasing the efficiency and disease resistance of your garden, and advice on what not to buy at the... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Mary Appelhof
[isbn]
Composting is a dirty job, but if you've ever tried growing something without the aid of all that nutrient-rich organic matter, you know it's a necessary one. Thankfully, there exists in nature a creature who actually enjoys wading through your kitchen scraps... and makes a mean compost in the process! In Worms Eat My Garbage, Mary Appelhof demystifies the vermicomposting process, equipping readers with all the tools they need... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Debra Prinzing, David Perry, Amy Stewart
[isbn]
Every February, supermarket floral departments overflow with a seemingly endless supply of nondescript red roses... but have you ever stopped to wonder where they all come from? Chances are, not from anywhere near where you live. Most "factory flowers," favored for their uniformity and durability, are grown overseas (often under lax environmental and labor laws) and treated with preservatives to survive the long journey to your neighborhood... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Tracey Ryder
[isbn]
From the creators of the award-winning Edible magazine series comes this stunning survey of North America's local food movement. Combining inspiring profiles of gastronomic movers and shakers with seasonal recipes and the kind of food-photography that makes you want to lick the page, Edible is a coffee-table-worthy resource for any locavore.
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Kelly Coyne, Erik Knutzen
[isbn]
From the creators of the urban homestead blog HomeGrownEvolution.com comes this thorough and accessible manual to self-sufficient city living. Whatever your desired skill — beekeeping, dumpster diving, greywater, vermiculture, lacto-fermentation, etc. — you're almost certain to find it here, along with countless others you probably hadn't even considered!
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Quinn, Lisa
[isbn]
I am neither a mom nor an author nor an Emmy Award-winning TV host... nonetheless, I feel like Lisa Quinn and I have a lot in common. We are both recovering perfectionist control freaks, looking for ways to clean, decorate, and entertain like Martha Stewart without breaking the bank or tearing our hair out. In Life's Too Short to Fold Fitted Sheets, Quinn helps like-minded domestic overachievers lower the bar and regain their sanity... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
John Jeavons
[isbn]
If last year's vegetable garden left something to be desired, John Jeavons's How to Grow More Vegetables is the book for you. This thorough and accessible overview of the Grow Biointensive gardening method will show you how to get the most out of your garden (on average, four times the yield of a conventionally tended plot), while preserving and enriching the earth's nutrients, and nourishing the soil for future crops. The best part? The... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Amy Bryant Aiello
[isbn]
If there's one thing I've learned through my wayward attempts at gardening, it's the importance of starting small, and it doesn't get much smaller than this. In Terrarium Craft, Amy Bryant Aiello and Kate Bryant not only cover the basics of terrarium building (from container, soil, and plant selection to decorative elements and care), but also guide the reader through 50 imaginative and easy-to-follow projects, such as "Rock... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Leslie Williamson
[isbn]
If you had the skills and the means to build your dream home, what would it look like? As someone who's always been a bit infatuated with mid-century design, I can tell you mine would draw more than a little inspiration from the homes in this book. Handcrafted Modern showcases homes created by some of the most celebrated mid-century architects and designers — homes created for themselves. Williamson's stunning photographs capture not... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Art Ludwig
[isbn]
In recent years, you may have noticed bright blue rain barrels cropping up in your neighborhood, as more and more people discover the ease and practicality of using harvested rainwater to quench their gardens' thirst during the summer months. But those looking to store water for more than just landscaping purposes (be it for fire safety, disaster preparedness, or to cover long dry seasons) will need either a lot of rain barrels or a more... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Alice Waters
[isbn]
Join bestselling author and Chez Panisse co-owner Alice Waters as she chronicles the transformation of a neglected urban schoolyard into a thriving organic garden and kitchen classroom, where students participate in all aspects of growing, harvesting, and preparing nutritious, seasonal produce. This is education at its best!
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Robyn Jasko, Jennifer Biggs
[isbn]
Just as a small plot of land can yield a bountiful harvest, this unassuming little book packs quite a punch. Jasko's friendly, informative, and unfussy instructions cover all the basics of growing, preparing, and preserving your own food, while Biggs's charming line drawings challenge you not to crack a smile in the process. You don't need a green thumb or a culinary degree to enjoy farm-to-table goodness — this book should do the trick.
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Jennifer Kujawski
[isbn]
Much of what I've learned about vegetable gardening I've learned through trial and error, and while I'm certainly a better gardener now than when I started out, my stubborn refusal to keep a garden journal has made the learning process a slow-going and often frustrating one. Thankfully, Ron and Jennifer Kujawski have come to the rescue with a vegetable gardening guide so user-friendly it's absurd: all you need is your region's last frost date... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Greg Green
[isbn]
My coworkers and I often joke about how most marijuana horticulture books look like they were published in someone's garage. Poor print quality, black-and-white photos, and countless typos can turn an otherwise useful and informative guide into a white elephant gift. Imagine my surprise when I first laid eyes on the latest edition of Greg Green's Cannabis Grow Bible. Not only is it absolutely packed with information (on seed selection,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Seattle Tilth
[isbn]
No Pacific Northwest gardener's library is complete without a copy of Seattle Tilth's Maritime Northwest Garden Guide. This bestselling manual takes the guesswork out of PNW gardening, offering month-by-month gardening recommendations, tips for extending the growing season, details on the vegetable, herb, and flower varieties best suited to the region, a directory of local resources, and much, much more... Are you kicking yourself for... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Wendell Berry
[isbn]
One of the most prolific and celebrated authors on the subjects of sustainable agriculture and mindful eating, Wendell Berry has influenced the likes of Wes Jackson, Barbara Kingsolver, Gene Logsdon, Barry Lopez, and Michael Pollan, to name a few. Fans of any of the aforementioned authors who've yet to delve into Berry's work will find the perfect introduction in Bringing It to the Table, a sampling of the author's essays on farming and... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Louise Riotte
[isbn]
Originally published in 1975, this comprehensive and user-friendly guide to companion planting has since become a classic... and with good reason. In Carrots Love Tomatoes, lifelong gardener and prolific author Louise Riotte reveals how plant relationships — be they mutually beneficial, one-sided, or downright dysfunctional — can have a tremendous impact on your garden's outcome. A valuable reference for anyone looking to maximize their... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Rosalind Creasy
[isbn]
Originally published in 1982 as The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping, Rosalind Creasy's revolutionary book went on to win several awards before its out-of-print status transformed it into a highly sought-after collectible. With five chapters devoted to design, an up-to-date source and resource directory, and an "Encyclopedia of Edibles" that could easily constitute a book in itself, this thoroughly researched and lavishly illustrated... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Debra Lee Baldwin
[isbn]
Striking geometric beauty and a forgiving nature make succulents the perfect addition to any garden. In Succulent Container Gardens, award-winning writer Debra Lee Baldwin offers hundreds of suggestions for stunning potted arrangements featuring these otherworldly plants. I dare you to make it to the end of this book without gasping at least once.
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Corwin, Lena
[isbn]
Textile designer Lena Corwin has mastered the "so cute it makes you want to squeal" aesthetic, and thanks to the detailed instructions and full-color, step-by-step photographs in her debut book, Printing by Hand, you can too. This helpful guide covers the basics of printing, as well as the nuts and bolts of the author's three favorite methods: stamping, stenciling, and screen printing. In true Corwin style, the accompanying projects are,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Sunset
[isbn]
The Sunset Western Garden Book has been a stand-by for gardeners in the Western states since its debut in 1954, so Sunset's Western Garden Book of Edibles had me at "hello." But if Sunset's reputation as the authority on Western-state gardening isn't enough to sway you, 300+ pages of full-color photos with updated, expanded, and user-friendly information on growing more than 190 varieties of edible berries, fruits, vegetables,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Lloyd Kahn
[isbn]
The house I grew up in (with my sister, my two parents, a constant but ever-changing assortment of critters, and all the associated clutter one might expect) was 800 sq. ft. In a word: tiny.
But the homes in Lloyd Kahn's Tiny Homes: Simple Shelter give my childhood home a run for its money. Tiny Homes showcases a fantastic assortment of structures under 500 sq. ft. What these buildings lack in square footage,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Tovah Martin
[isbn]
The ultimate rainy day activity for garden enthusiasts, terrarium building is enjoying a resurgence, and Tovah Martin's The New Terrarium is a great introduction to this charming and versatile craft. Martin's step-by-step and easy-to-follow instructions, paired with inspiring photographs of containers, tools, plants, embellishments, and completed projects, will have you gardening under glass in no time!
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Tom Fischer
[isbn]
There is never a dull moment in a well-stocked perennial garden, but with so many varieties to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. In Perennial Companions, Timber Press editor-in-chief Tom Fischer takes the guesswork (but not the fun) out of perennial gardening, offering up 100 different perennial combinations that span the gardening year. Ranging from classic to unexpected, the pairings in this book are sure to attract... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Cotler, Amy
[isbn]
There's more to mindful eating than the "natural foods" aisle of the grocery store, but if that's the farthest you've ever ventured, you may not know where to begin. Not to worry. In The Locavore Way, Amy Cotler demystifies the steadily growing locavore movement, schooling readers in the sourcing and preparation of local fare. Complete with a glossary, resource directory, and recommended reading list (and for the ambitious locavore,... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Charles Heying
[isbn]
Whether you're a local looking to confirm what you've always suspected about your hometown (that it's awesome) or an outsider looking to understand (and perhaps emulate) Portland's unique artisan economy, Brew to Bikes is a delightful and inspirational ode to all that Portland has to offer.
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Maggie Stuckey
[isbn]
Whether you're looking to expand your traditional garden, gussy up a patio, or put your apartment balcony (however tiny) to work, McGee and Stuckey's The Bountiful Container has all the tools you need to create an edible container garden that is both bountiful and beautiful. Ten out of 10 Powell's employees agree (well, three out of three, but I'm sure if I asked around...) that this is the be-all, end-all resource for edible container... (read more)
Recommended by Tove H.
|
Zach Klein
[isbn]
What’s surprised me about this book is how moving it is. It’s sweet to look at beautiful photos of woodsy cabins; it’s calming and the pictures are lovely. But the stories about the work behind the cabins — that’s the magic.
Recommended by Britt A.
|