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Les Jardins de la Grelinette is a micro-farm located in eastern Quebec, just north of the American border. Growing on just 1.5 acres, owners Jean-Martin and Maude-Helene feed more than two hundred families through their thriving CSA and seasonal market stands and supply their signature mesclun salad mix to dozens of local establishments. The secret of their success is the low-tech, high-yield production methods they've developed by focusing on growing better rather than growing bigger, making their operation more lucrative and viable in the process. The Market Gardener is a compendium of la Grelinette's proven horticultural techniques and innovative growing methods.This complete guide is packed with practical information on: * Setting-up a micro-farm by designing biologically intensive cropping systems, all with negligible capital outlay * Farming without a tractor and minimizing fossil fuel inputs through the use of the best hand tools, appropriate machinery, and minimum tillage practices * Growing mixed vegetables systematically with attention to weed and pest management, crop yields, harvest periods, and pricing approaches Inspired by the French intensive tradition of maraichage and by iconic American vegetable grower Eliot Coleman, author and farmer Jean-Martin shows by example how to start a market garden and make it both very productive and profitable. Making a living wage farming without big capital outlay or acreages may be closer than you think. Jean-Martin Fortier is a passionate advocate of strong local food systems and founder of Les Jardins de la Grelinette, an internationally recognized model for successful biointensive micro-farming.

Deepening global crises surround us. We are beset by climate change, fracking, tar sands extraction, GMOs, and mass extinctions of species, to say nothing of nuclear weapons proliferation and Fukushima, the worst nuclear disaster in history. Many of us fall prey to despair even as we feel called to respond to these threats to life on our planet. Authors Joanna Macy and Molly Brown address the anguish experienced by those who would confront the harsh realities of our time. In this fully updated edition of Coming Back to Life, they show how grief, anger, and fear are healthy responses to threats to life, and when honored can free us from paralysis or panic, through the revolutionary practice of the Work that Reconnects. New chapters address working within the corporate world, and engaging communities of color as well as youth in the Work. The Work that Reconnects has spread around the world, inspiring hundreds of thousands to work toward a life-sustaining human culture. Coming Back to Life introduces the Work's theoretical foundations, illuminating the angst of our era with extraordinary insight.Pointing the way forward out of apathy, it offers personal counsel as well as easy-to-use methods for group work that profoundly affect peoples' outlook and ability to act in the world. Joanna Macy is a scholar, eco-philosopher, teacher, activist, and author of twelve previous books including Coming Back to Life. Molly Young Brown is a teacher, trainer, counselor, and author of four previous books on psychology and Earth-based spirituality.

Transform how you see the economy—and what’s possible. Discover a science-based, hopeful path beyond crisis thinking with a regenerative model that works like a living system, helping leaders, communities, and citizens navigate climate chaos, inequality, and ecological breakdown with clarity and purpose.This groundbreaking book reveals why today's economic model is failing—and how a regenerative approach can unlock resilience, justice, and health for people and the planet. Instead of reacting to crisis after crisis, a regenerative economy creates the conditions for systems to thrive, adapt, and evolve.This bold rethinking of economics for a world in crisis:Identifies the hidden fatal flaw driving today’s polycrisisExplains regenerative design principles rooted in living systemsOffers actionable steps and transformative policies for real changeMoves beyond sustainability, circularity, and degrowth toward whole-system healthIlluminates a path forward that aligns economic activity with ecological limits.Why this book matters nowAs climate disruption, biodiversity loss, and inequality accelerate, this work provides a hopeful, rigorous framework for redesigning our economic future—one grounded in science, values, and the deep wisdom of natural systems.About the AuthorJohn Fullerton is an unconventional economist, impact investor, and founder of the Capital Institute. After a 20-year career as a Managing Director at “the old JPMorgan,” he left Wall Street in search of deeper answers. His pioneering work, Regenerative Capitalism, launched a global movement, and his online course, Introduction to Regenerative Economics, has reached audiences worldwide. A member of the Club of Rome and featured in the award-winning documentary Going Circular, Fullerton is widely regarded as the leading voice on regenerative economic thinking.Redefine what the economy can be—and help build a future where both people and the planet can thrive.

What if the future of food grew on trees—and had been with us all along? From acorns to chestnuts, hazelnuts, and beyond, discover the ancient staple crops that could nourish people and heal the planet.What You'll Learn in Feed Us with Trees In this groundbreaking and hopeful book, food writer Elspeth Hay reveals how nut trees can transform our diets, landscapes, and future. Drawing from Indigenous knowledge, cutting-edge science, and conversations with farmers and foragers, Hay shows how we can reclaim our role as a keystone species by tending perennial food systems that regenerate rather than deplete the Earth.Inside, you'll discover:Ancient wisdom, modern solutions — how cultures across the Northern Hemisphere once relied on nut trees as staple foods, and why this matters today.Nutrient-dense, climate-smart foods — nuts are packed with protein, healthy fats, and resilience for a warming world.Practical pathways forward — from agroforestry and permaculture to backyard food forests, learn how you can be part of the shift.New stories for a thriving future — how rethinking what we eat can help us reimagine our place in Earth's ecosystems.Why This Book Matters Agriculture as we know it is one of the largest drivers of climate change, water depletion, and biodiversity loss. Yet Hay uncovers a forgotten truth: we don't need to choose between feeding ourselves and sustaining the planet. By restoring perennial food systems centered on nut trees, we can build a future that is abundant, equitable, and resilient.Whether you're an environmentalist, regenerative farmer, permaculture enthusiast, agroforester, locavore, or simply hungry for change, this book will inspire you to imagine food differently—and give you the tools to start.Whatever are we going to eat on this cramped, ever-hotter planet of ours? …The trees just might have our backs.—Paul Greenberg, author, Four Fish and A Third TermIf you care about food security, climate change, or the health of future generations, this book belongs on your shelf. Buy Feed Us with Trees today and discover how nut trees can help us rewrite the future of food.AWARDSGOLD | 2026 Nautilus Book Award: Restorative Earth Practices SILVER | 2025 Living Now Book Awards: Green Living – Alternative Energy, Conservation, Gardening

The comprehensive grower’s guide to seed productionThe Seed Farmer is required reading for any grower who cares about being part of a truly sustainable local food system.Whether you’re interested in growing your own seeds for on-farm use, or scaling up for retail or commercial sales, this comprehensive manual will help you ensure reliable access to quality seed stock adapted to your own climate and bioregion. Coverage includes:The journey to self-sufficiency—how to extricate yourself from the modern seed distribution industry and develop varieties adapted to your location and climateWhen to worry about cross-pollination, crop timing, and poor seed genetics and when to ignore these issues on your small farm or market gardenDetailed profiles and practical, hands-on growing and harvesting techniques for dozens of vegetable and flower cropsThe economics of seed production, and the business case for scaling up and selling seeds into local, retail, or wholesale channelsFarm planning, sowing schedules, projected crop yields, and other considerations.With everything you need to help integrate seed production into your small-scale farm or market garden simply, profitably, and successfully, this unique and exciting guide proves that going to seed is easier than you think!

The right tools don't just save time—they shape how you grow Choosing garden tools can feel overwhelming, especially when marketing hype obscures what actually works in the field. Vegetable Garden Tools: A Grower's Guide cuts through the noise to help you build a tool set that supports efficiency, ergonomics, and long-term success—whether you're gardening at home or farming professionally.Drawing on The Market Gardener Method, Jean-Martin Fortier shows how thoughtful tool selection can dramatically improve productivity while reducing strain and unnecessary complexity. This is not about owning more equipment—it's about choosing tools that match your scale, values, and growing system.What this Book Offers Clear recommendations for essential tools at every stage of cultivation, from soil preparation to harvestA strong focus on low-tech, durable hand tools that support soil health and biodiversityPractical explanations of how each tool functions, when to use it, and why it mattersGuidance for adapting tools to both home gardens and diversified market farmsOver 100 detailed illustrations that make tool use and setup easy to understandRather than promoting expensive or overly mechanized solutions, this guide emphasizes tools that increase efficiency while keeping growers closely connected to their soil and crops.Who this Book is For Gardeners looking to work more efficiently with less effortMarket gardeners refining their production systemsGrowers transitioning to small-scale, regenerative practicesReaders seeking practical alternatives to high-input farmingAnyone unsure which tools are truly worth investing inJean-Martin Fortier is a farmer, author, and educator whose work has helped redefine what's possible in small-scale agriculture. Through decades of hands-on experience and teaching, he has demonstrated how the right tools—used thoughtfully—can support both productivity and sustainability.A keystone title in the Grower's Guides from the Market Gardener series, Vegetable Garden Tools provides clear, grounded guidance for growers who want to make informed choices and build systems that last.If you want to spend less time fighting your tools and more time growing well, this guide is an essential place to start.

Permaculture tends to be very much in the domain of home gardeners and property owners. But what if we could take it all a step further, and merge the fields of permaculture and market gardening? In The Permaculture Market Garden, author Zach Loeks brings together his passion for sustainable permaculture food production systems and beautiful, vibrant illustrations to provide a highly visual guide to the smooth integration of permaculture into the market garden, in ways that are scalable to specific situations. Profiling crops and ecosystem-based techniques, Loeks demonstrates a profitable, sustainable and approachable model for the future of market gardening. Along the way, Loeks introduces his own system of PermaBeds, season extension techniques, intensive and rotational interplanting, in-depth discussions on soil health, and more, bringing activities, designs and prospects of farming to life through illustrations, so the reader can be immersed within the world of permaculture farming.Playful, informative and curious, inspiring and beautiful and packed with accessible practical information, The Permaculture Market Garden will inspire both the seasoned market gardener as well as anyone aspiring to start a business. Zach Loeks is a market gardener, farm consultant and educator living in the Ottawa Valley. Winner of two regional awards for sustainability and innovation in agriculture, he shares his expertise in farming, design and business through a successful series of on-farm workshops, conferences and schools, as well as a successful year-round CSA.

Reconnect with nature and nourish your family year-round. Foraging as a Way of Life helps you to safely identify, harvest, and prepare wild edible plants every season, turning everyday walks into meals from the land.What You'll Learn Year-round foraging made easy — Discover five edible plants each month, from roots and nuts to berries and mushrooms, for a full year of seasonal, local eating.Confidence in plant and mushroom identification — Vibrant photos and detailed descriptions help you safely distinguish edible species and avoid lookalikes.Practical, delicious recipes — Make rosehip soup, pan-fried dandelion flowers, birch-bark cookies, chicory chocolate bars, and more.Sustainable and ethical harvesting — Learn to forage responsibly, protect habitats, and honor Indigenous and ecological knowledge.Hands-on connection to nature — Ideal for gardeners, hikers, families, and anyone wanting to live lightly on the land while increasing food security.With a foreword by ethnobotanist Nancy Turner, this beautifully illustrated guide blends herbal wisdom, practical foraging skills, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.Shortlisted for the 2025 Taste Canada Awards: Culinary Narratives. Start your foraging journey today and transform local fields and forests into a nourishing, sustainable pantry for your family and community.

"A profound personal meditation on human existence and a tour-de-force weaving together of historic and contemporary thought on the deepest question of all: why are we here?"— Gabor Maté M.D., author, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts As our civilization careens toward climate breakdown, ecological destruction, and gaping inequality, people are losing their existential moorings. The dominant worldview of disconnection, which tells us we are split between mind and body, separate from each other, and at odds with the natural world, has been invalidated by modern science.Award-winning author, Jeremy Lent, investigates humanity's age-old questions – Who am I? Why am I? How should I live? – from a fresh perspective, weaving together findings from modern systems thinking, evolutionary biology, and cognitive neuroscience with insights from Buddhism, Taoism, and Indigenous wisdom.The result is a breathtaking accomplishment: a rich, coherent worldview based on a deep recognition of connectedness within ourselves, between each other, and with the entire natural world. It offers a compelling foundation for a new philosophical framework that could enable humanity to thrive sustainably on a flourishing Earth.The Web of Meaning is for everyone looking for deep and coherent answers to the crisis of civilization.AWARDSGOLD | 2022 Nautilus Book Awards - World Cultures' Transformational Growth & DevelopmentSILVER | 2022 Nautilus Book Awards - Science & CosmologyNOMINATED | 2021 Foreword INDIES - Ecology & Environment

Heating with wood is often considered a natural and economical alternative to electricity or fossil fuels. However, even with a fairly new and efficient woodstove, many cords of wood are required for burning over the course of a single winter, and incomplete combustion can contribute to poor air quality. A rocket mass heater is an earthen masonry heating system which provides clean, safe, and efficient warmth for your home, all while using 70 to 90 percent less fuel than a traditional woodstove. These unique and beautiful installations provide luxurious comfort year round. In cold weather a few hours of clean, hot burning can provide twenty or more hours of steady warmth, while the unit's large thermal mass acts as a heat sink, cooling your home on sizzling summer days.Packed with hard-to-find information, The Rocket Mass Heater Builder's Guide includes: Comprehensive design, construction, and installation instructions combined with detailed maintenance and troubleshooting advice Brick-by-brick layouts, diagrams, and architectural plans augmented with detailed parts drawings and photographs for clarity Relevant and up-to-date code information and standards to help you navigate the approval process with local building departments Earthen masonry heating systems are well-suited for natural and conventional builders alike. A super-efficient, wood-burning, rocket mass heater can help you dramatically reduce your energy costs while enhancing the beauty, value, and comfort of your home. Erica Wisner and Ernie Wisner have built over seven hundred super-efficient, clean-burning masonry stoves. They are dedicated to the search for sustainable solutions and the hands-on teaching of creative, ecological, and practical skills.

This book of readings, meditations, rituals and workshop notes prepared on three continents helps us remember that environmental defense is nothing less than "Self" defense. Including magnificent illustrations of Australia's rainforests, Thinking Like a Mountain provides a context for ritual identification with the natural environment, inviting us to begin a process of "community therapy" in defense of Mother Earth. It helps us experience our place in the web of life, rather than on the apex of some human-centred pyramid. An important deep ecology educational tool for activist, school and religious groups, Thinking Like a Mountain can also be used for personal reflection.Thinking Like a Mountain has been made available through New Catalyst Books. New Catalyst Books is an imprint of New Society Publishers, aimed at providing readers with access to a wider range of books dealing with sustainability issues by bringing books back into print that have enduring value in the field. For more information on New Catalyst Books click here.

An excellent primer on key insights and questions in ecological economics from a celebrated pioneer of the field. —Jason Hickel, author, Less is MoreEarth is in overshoot. The juggernaut of economic growth rolls on, consuming the biosphere, breaking planetary boundaries, and stretching inequality and injustice to the breaking point. But does it really need to be this way? And if not, what are the options?In Escape from Overshoot, celebrated ecological economist Peter A. Victor takes us on a grand tour of the overshoot crisis. From the history of economic thought through energy and material blindness, we learn how we got here and why collapse is inevitable unless we change course. But as the clock ticks, what pathways are possible and plausible? Victor surveys the alternatives — from green growth and doughnut economics to well-being, steady-state, and post-growth economics — and their limits. He then dives into what the latest and most sophisticated economic modelling tells us about whether we can intentionally shrink our economy and avoid collapse, all while enhancing human thriving and justice for all. The results are both surprising and profound.Ambitious, measured, and accessible, Escape from Overshoot is a vividly illustrated guide to the past, present, and future of the human economic project and our place on planet earth.

Keep healthy, productive bees without chemicals, stress, or constant intervention. Master beekeeper reveals natural methods that work with bee biology instead of against it, producing more honey with less work while building stronger, disease-resistant colonies.Why Chemical-Free Beekeeping Works Better:Conventional beekeeping relies on treatments that weaken bee immunity and create dependency. This natural approach strengthens hives from within, resulting in healthier bees, better honey yields, and dramatically reduced colony losses.What You'll MasterNatural hive management - work with bee instincts rather than fighting them Chemical-free disease prevention - build immunity through nutrition and environmentStress-free seasonal care - minimal intervention techniques that bees prefer Honey harvesting ethics - take surplus while ensuring winter survivalProblem diagnosis - read bee behavior to prevent issues before they startResults You Can Expect:Beekeepers using these methods report 90% lower colony losses, 40% higher honey yields, and 75% less time spent on hive maintenance compared to conventional chemical-dependent approaches.Transform beekeeping from constant worry to joyful partnership with nature. Your bees (and your harvest) will thank you.

John Taylor Gatto's Weapons of Mass Instruction, now available in paperback, focuses on mechanisms of traditional education that cripple imagination, discourage critical thinking, and create a false view of learning as a byproduct of rote-memorization drills. Gatto's earlier book, Dumbing Us Down, introduced the now-famous expression of the title into the common vernacular. Weapons of Mass Instruction adds another chilling metaphor to the brief against conventional schooling. Gatto demonstrates that the harm school inflicts is rational and deliberate. The real function of pedagogy, he argues, is to render the common population manageable. To that end, young people must be conditioned to rely upon experts, to remain divided from natural alliances, and to accept disconnections from their own lived experiences. They must at all costs be discouraged from developing self-reliance and independence. Escaping this trap requires strategy Gatto calls "open source learning" which imposes no artificial divisions between learning and life. Through this alternative approach, our children can avoid being indoctrinated-only then that can they achieve self-knowledge, judgment, and courage.John Taylor Gatto is an internationally renowned speaker who lectures widely on school reform. He taught for thirty years in public schools before resigning on the op-ed pages of The Wall Street Journal during the year he was named New York's official "Teacher of the Year." On April 3, 2008, the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard credited Gatto with adding the expression "dumbing us down" to the school debate worldwide.

In a time of climate change and mass extinction, how we garden matters more than ever: "An outstanding and deeply passionate book." —Marc Bekoff, author of The Emotional Lives of Animals Plenty of books tell home gardeners and professional landscape designers how to garden sustainably, what plants to use, and what resources to explore. Yet few examine why our urban wildlife gardens matter so much—not just for ourselves, but for the larger human and animal communities.Our landscapes push aside wildlife and in turn diminish our genetically programmed love for wildness. How can we get ourselves back into balance through gardens, to speak life's language and learn from other species?Benjamin Vogt addresses why we need a new garden ethic, and why we urgently need wildness in our daily lives—lives sequestered in buildings surrounded by monocultures of lawn and concrete that significantly harm our physical and mental health. He examines the psychological issues around climate change and mass extinction as a way to understand how we are short-circuiting our response to global crises, especially by not growing native plants in our gardens. Simply put, environmentalism is not political; it's social justice for all species marginalized today and for those facing extinction tomorrow. By thinking deeply and honestly about our built landscapes, we can create a compassionate activism that connects us more profoundly to nature and to one another.

The economic operating system keeps crashing. It’s time to upgrade to a new one.Five decades ago, The Limits to Growth shocked the world by showing that population and industrial growth were pushing humanity towards a cliff. Today the world recognizes that we are now at the cliff edge: Earth has crossed multiple planetary boundaries while widespread inequality is causing deep instabilities in societies. There seems to be no way out.Earth For All is both an antidote to despair and a road map to a better future. Using powerful state-of-the-art computer modeling to explore policies likely to deliver the most good for the majority of people, a leading group of scientists and economists from around the world present five extraordinary turnarounds to achieve prosperity for all within planetary limits in a single generation. Coverage includes:Results of new global modeling that indicates falling well-being and rising social tensions heighten risk of regional societal collapsesTwo alternative scenarios – Too-Little-Too-Late vs The Giant Leap – and what they mean for our collective futureFive system-shifting steps that can upend poverty and inequality, lift up marginalized people, and transform our food and energy systems by 2050A clear pathway to reboot our global economic system so it works for all people and the planet.Written in an open, accessible, and inspirational style using clear language and high impact visuals, Earth For All is a profound vision for uncertain times and a map to a better future.This survival guide for humanity is required reading for everyone concerned about living well on a fragile planet.BOOK AWARDSFINALIST | 2022 Foreword INDIES - Ecology & Environment

The popular "Mediator's Handbook" presents a time-tested, adaptable model for helping people work through conflict. Extensively revised to incorporate recent practice and thinking, the accessible manual format lays out a clear structure for new and occasional mediators, while offering a detailed, nuanced resource for professionals. Starting with a new chapter on assessing conflict and bringing people to the table, the first section explains the process step-by-step, from opening conversations and exploring the situation, through the phases of finding resolution deciding on topics, reviewing options, and testing agreements. The "Toolbox" section details the concepts and skills a mediator needs in order to: Understand the conflict; Support the people; Facilitate the process; Guide decision-making. Throughout the book, the emphasis is on what the mediator can do or say NOW, and on the underlying principles and core methods that can help the mediator make wise choices.Long a popular course textbook for high schools, universities, and training programs, this Handbook is also a valued desk reference for professional mediators, and a practical guide for managers, organisers, teachers and anyone working with clients, customers, volunteers, committees or teams.

Grow Fresh Vegetables Year-Round Using Only the Sun Produce abundant fruits and vegetables through fall, winter, and early spring without paying for heat. Chinese solar greenhouses—earth-sheltered, east-west oriented, well-insulated, and intelligently glazed—allow you to grow warm-weather crops in cold climates using passive solar energy alone.What You'll Gain and Learn Design and Build your Greenhouse: Step-by-step guidance for creating a self-sufficient, solar-powered structure.Maximize Heat Efficiency: Techniques to store solar energy and keep crops warm on cold nights.Extend your Growing Season: Grow tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-weather vegetables, even in freezing temperatures.Summer Cooling Solutions: Maintain optimal growing conditions without losing energy.Flexible Growing Methods: Harvest year-round using soil beds or aquaponic systems.Written by Dan Chiras, PhD, author of 38 books on solar energy, sustainability, and self-sufficiency, this guide blends practical instruction with proven strategies. His methods have been featured in Mother Earth News, Solar Today, and Home Power, and he has taught workshops for the American Solar Energy Society and University of Colorado.Transform your backyard into a productive, solar-powered garden and enjoy fresh produce year-round. With clear illustrations, actionable tips, and step-by-step guidance, building and operating your own Chinese greenhouse has never been easier.

Cut and come again forestry – reviving the ancient practice of resprout silviculture to power local woodland-based economies.Coppice Agroforestry is a richly illustrated, comprehensive guide to resprout silviculture – managing trees and shrubs by coppicing, pollarding, shredding, and pleaching – for a continuous supply of small diameter polewood for products from firewood to fine furniture.Contextualizing resprout silviculture historically, ecologically, and economically, Coppice Agroforestry explores the potential of this ancient practice for modern times. Coverage includes:The cultural history of coppicing in Europe and North AmericaTree and shrub anatomy, biology, and woodland ecologyA suite of woodland management systemsDozens of handcrafted wood products on a continuum of value, offering a wide range of business opportunitiesCase studies of diverse coppice-based enterprisesAssessing existing forests for coppice potentialDesigning new resprout silviculture systemsTables highlighting diverse species for various usesA vision of a modern resprout silviculture renaissance.A decade in the making, encyclopedic in scope, and written by the hand of a woodsman, Coppice Agroforestry is a deep dive into this ancient practice, blending it with modern science, systems thinking, and tools to land it firmly into the 21st century.Whether you have a few trees or an entire forest, Coppice Agroforestry is the must-have practical guide for homesteaders, farmers, foresters, land managers, and educators who ally themselves with the remarkable resilience of woody plants.

Small but mighty — a comprehensive guide to the use of two-wheel tractors for highly productive gardens, landscapes, and farms TWO-WHEEL TRACTORS are multifunctional, economical, practical, maneuverable, portable, and low impact. Yet choosing the equipment is only half of it; the other half is integrating the right machine and implements into your land-based enterprise and coupling it with innovative high-efficiency techniques. Coverage includes:Why you need a two-wheel tractorTwo-wheel tractor essentials including tractor implement options and functionsEquipment decision-making to suit your scale, context, enterprises, and budgetSafety equipment, operation, and basic maintenanceInnovative use strategies including micro-plowing, making "Permabeds," in situ mulching, the "Compost-a-path Method," crop guilds, scaling up, and diversified crop managementHow to start from scratch, clearing new land, scaling up your enterprises, and moreCase studies and rich examples from suburban landscaping to commercial market gardens from Europe and North America"Pro tips," "design boxes," and other sidebars for rapidly elevating your skills.The Two-Wheel Tractor Handbook shows small-scale growers how to leverage walk-behind tractors to maximize the productivity and profitability of their enterprises. This full-color, highly illustrated guide is a must-have tool for urban farmers, suburban gardeners, rural homesteaders, orchardists, landscapers, and market gardeners looking to boost production.

From the bestselling author of The Market Gardener – key principles for biointensive market gardening and powerful stories of successful growers who are farming profitably on a human-scaleMicrofarms is a guide to setting up and running profitable small-scale vegetable farms using organic, low-tech, and highly intensive production methods grounded in ecological principles.This full-color, richly illustrated resource brings to life the core principles of Jean-Martin Fortier's time-tested approach and includes eight detailed case studies showcasing a diverse range of market gardeners who have started successful farms using Jean-Martin's biointensive techniques. Key features of the book include:A distillation of Jean-Martin's methods, rooted in agroecology, permaculture, and humanscale business principlesAn exploration of the four essential pillars: proper crop planning, low-tech/low-investment farm tools, organic fertility management, and sound business practicesStrategies for enhancing farm profitability through direct marketing channels including farm stands, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes, and farmers marketsProven techniques to boost crop yields while preserving biodiversity and improving the livelihoods of those working on the farmEngaging stories of successful new market gardeners, detailing their varied journeys, from initial setup and land procurement to crop planning, team coordination, and sales and revenue.Microfarms champions local agriculture on a human-scale, advocating for a food system that honors the environment, nurtures communities, and supports farmers. This book is an essential read for new and aspiring small-scale farmers, market gardeners, homesteaders, proponents of local food systems, and food lovers everywhere.

Create a crystal-clear, algae-free pond without pumps, filters, or chemicals using natural ecosystem principles. Complete guide to building self-sustaining water features that support wildlife, require minimal maintenance, and stay beautiful year-round through biological balance.Why Natural Ponds Outperform Artificial Systems:Conventional ponds require constant mechanical intervention and chemical treatments. Natural ponds use beneficial bacteria, aquatic plants, and ecological balance to maintain themselves with minimal human intervention.What You'll Create:Balanced ecosystem design that prevents algae naturally through plant and bacteria managementWildlife habitat features that attract beneficial birds, frogs, and beneficial insectsSeasonal maintenance schedules requiring just 2-4 hours annually rather than weekly upkeepProblem prevention through understanding natural pond ecology and water chemistryCost-effective construction using natural materials and simple techniquesLong-term Results:Natural pond owners report 90% less maintenance than artificial ponds, zero ongoing chemical costs, and increased property values of $5,000-15,000 for professionally designed features.Build a beautiful pond that maintains itself. Perfect for homeowners wanting water features without ongoing maintenance headaches.

Build Beautiful, Durable, and Low-impact Homes with Cordwood Construction Part of the Sustainable Building Essentials series, Essential Cordwood Building is the complete guide to using log-ends set in insulating mortar for versatile, economical, and environmentally friendly construction. Learn how to create structurally sound, aesthetically unique homes with minimal environmental impact.What You'll Learn Durable and Low-maintenance Walls: Proven longevity, fire and pest resistance, and excellent thermal mass for naturally regulated indoor temperatures.Material Selection and Preparation: Choose wood species, log lengths, seasoning, and mortar types for optimal performance.Step-by-step Building Techniques: Detailed, illustrated guidance for wall construction, window and door installation, chinking, pointing, plastering, and finishing.Design Flexibility: Decorative features, special designs, and integration into modern or traditional building projects.Budgeting and Planning: Estimates, code compliance, and building science guidance for safe, high-performance construction.Rigorous yet Accessible: Ideal for homeowners, builders, designers, and natural building enthusiasts.Written by Rob Roy, a world-renowned expert in cordwood construction, this guide combines decades of hands-on experience, workshops, and best practices for both DIYers and professional builders.Explore the full Sustainable Building Essentials series for highly illustrated, step-by-step guidance on natural and sustainable building techniques that deliver durable, high-performance results.

Build Strong, Sustainable, and Beautiful Rammed Earth Homes Part of the Sustainable Building Essentials series, Essential Rammed Earth Construction is the complete step-by-step guide to designing and building durable, high-performance rammed earth structures. Learn how this ancient method creates homes that are naturally comfortable, resilient, and environmentally friendly.What You'll Learn Structurally Strong Walls: Rammed earth walls provide exceptional strength, stability, and longevity with minimal maintenance.Sustainable and Low-carbon: Use locally sourced materials and reduce your environmental footprint compared to fired-brick or concrete construction.Natural Thermal Regulation: Rammed earth walls store and release heat to naturally stabilize indoor temperatures year-round.Durable and Low-maintenance: Fire and pest resistant with a long lifespan, rammed earth offers a practical and aesthetically striking building solution.Design and Construction Mastery: Step-by-step guidance on formwork, mix design, compacting, finishing, and cold-climate adaptations.Plan, Budget, and Build Confidently: Tools, labor estimates, and code references make projects safer and more efficient for builders, designers, and DIYers.Written by Tim J. Krahn, P. Eng., a registered professional engineer with decades of experience in natural building, Tim has engineered over twenty rammed-earth projects in Canada, including the first net-zero municipal building in Ontario. His expertise ensures that this guide blends practical construction methods with rigorous building science.Transform your approach to sustainable construction with practical, science-based strategies that create strong, resilient, energy-efficient, and beautiful homes. With step-by-step visuals, actionable insights, and real-world examples, Essential Rammed Earth Construction equips builders, architects, and DIYers to confidently achieve high-performance results.Explore the full Sustainable Building Essentials series for comprehensive guidance on foundations, walls, insulation, mechanical systems, finishes, and more—everything you need to create durable, efficient, and sustainable homes.

The Complete Guide to Safe, Durable, and Beautiful Cob BuildingsPart of the Sustainable Building Essentials series, Essential Cob Construction delivers the most up-to-date design, engineering, and building guidance for one of the world's most enduring and expressive natural materials: cob. Learn how to build structurally sound, comfortable, low-carbon homes using clay, sand, and straw—with full support for permitting and modern building science.What You'll Learn Strong, Code-informed Cob Walls: Modern engineering and extensive testing ensure resilient structures with reliable fire and seismic performance.Healthy, Low-carbon Construction: Cob uses natural, minimally processed materials for a dramatically reduced environmental footprint.Thermal Comfort and Moisture Management: Properly designed cob walls regulate humidity, buffer temperature swings, and support healthy indoor air.Beautiful Sculptural Design Possibilities: Create curved forms, niches, and expressive details unique to hand-shaped, site-made architecture.Hands-on Building Mastery: Mix design, testing, manual/mechanical mixing, wall building, foundations, connections, finishes, and more.Permits, Codes and Budgeting: Navigate the new Cob Construction Appendix, plan projects efficiently, and ensure smooth approval processes.Written by leading experts Anthony Dente, PE, Michael G. Smith, and Massey Burke, this book combines rigorous engineering, building science, and decades of hands-on natural building experience. Whether you're a designer, engineer, contractor, or owner-builder, this guide provides the essential knowledge needed to build safe, durable, and climate-positive cob structures.Explore the full Sustainable Building Essentials series for practical, illustrated guidance on natural materials, high-performance envelopes, and sustainable building systems.

Make your own fuel, for a fraction of what you would pay at the pump.

Small-scale home biodiesel production holds a singular attraction for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. While perhaps it can''t save the world, this unique renewable fuel is economical, fun to make, better for the environment, and will help you reduce your dependence on Big Oil. And getting started is easier than you think.

Backyard Biodiesel is written by two recognized experts in the field of small-scale biofuels. This comprehensive hands-on, practical, DIY guide includes:

The basics of small-scale brewing-recipes, strategies, and technologies Advanced backyard analytics and troubleshooting Safety considerations and regulatory issues Topping up the tank-how to put your biodiesel to work for you.

Making your own fuel is not only possible, it is rewarding. Designed to be accessible to everyone from readers with no prior technical expertise to alternative energy buffs, Backyard Biodiesel is a must-read for any aspiring brewer, packed with everything you need to get up and running quickly and safely.

Raise a gaggle of geese, the unsung heroes of the small farm

While chickens preen in the spotlight, geese are the historic unsung heroes of small farms and homesteads. Providing weed control, large eggs, and entertainment, and acting as "security" over other animals, geese are the ultimate modern homesteading companion.

The Modern Homesteader''s Guide to Keeping Geese covers everything you need to know to raise geese, including:

Profiles of breeds and how to select the best one for your needs How to "imprint" goslings on a person Feeding, housing, animal health, and cold weather care Using geese for weed control, soil improvement, and as "watch-geese" Cooking with goose eggs and meat

Additional coverage includes a look at the rich history of geese on farms in North America and Europe that will enhance any goose keeper''s enjoyment of these intelligent and unique birds.

This practical guide is a must-have essential for the kitchen table of homesteaders, small farmers, permaculturists, and professional farmers looking to add the power of geese to their land.

“Explor[es] the underlying history and psychology of public discourse . . . should be required reading for politicians and public advocates.” —Real Change The most pressing problem we face today is not climate change. It is pollution in the public square, where a toxic smog of adversarial rhetoric, propaganda, and polarization stifles discussion and debate, creating resistance to change and thwarting our ability to solve our collective problems.In this second edition of I’m Right and You’re an Idiot, James Hoggan grapples with this critical issue, through interviews with outstanding thinkers and drawing on wisdom from highly regarded public figures. Featuring a new, radically revised prologue, afterword, and a new chapter addressing the changes in the public discourse since the 2016 US election, his comprehensive analysis explores:How political will is manipulatedHow tribalism shuts down open-minded thinking, undermines trust, and helps misinformation thriveWhy facts alone fail and how language is manipulated and dissent silencedThe importance of dialogue, empathy, and pluralistic narrative reframing arguments to create compelling narratives and spur action.Our species’ greatest survival strategy has always been foresight and the ability to leverage intelligence to overcome adversity. For too long now this capacity has been threatened by the sorry state of public discourse. Focusing on proven techniques to foster more powerful and effective communication, I’m Right and You’re an Idiot will appeal to readers looking for deep insights and practical advice in these troubling times.“This is a must-read for anyone tired of the bullying, the propagandizing, the screaming, and the bullsh*t.” —Dr. Samantha Nutt, author of Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies and Aid

Grow better tomatoes—more reliably, more profitably, and with less guesswork Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding crops to grow—and one of the easiest to get wrong. Whether you're tending a backyard plot or managing a diversified market garden, Tomatoes: A Grower's Guide gives you the practical knowledge and confidence to produce healthy plants and abundant harvests from seed to storage.Grounded in The Market Gardener Method, this beautifully illustrated guide distills Jean-Martin Fortier's decades of hands-on experience into clear, actionable strategies that work at a human scale. Instead of chasing trends or folklore, you'll learn what actually delivers consistent results in real growing conditions.What this Book Offers A practical overview of tomato biology and growth habits, so you understand why techniques workThoughtful guidance on selecting productive heirloom and hybrid varieties for different climates and goalsStep-by-step cultivation methods, from propagation and transplanting to pruning, trellising, irrigation, and fertilizationProven organic approaches to disease prevention and pest managementHarvest timing, season extension, and storage strategies to maximize yield and qualityRather than overwhelming you with theory, this guide focuses on decisions that matter most—helping you avoid common mistakes and build a system that supports strong plants, flavorful fruit, and steady harvests.Who this Book is For Home gardeners who want healthier plants and better yieldsMarket gardeners seeking reliable, efficient tomato productionGrowers transitioning to biointensive, regenerative practicesReaders of The Market Gardener looking for crop-specific informationAnyone who wants clear, practical guidance—not vague adviceJean-Martin Fortier is a farmer, educator, and internationally recognized leader in regenerative, small-scale agriculture. Through decades of work at his own microfarm and as a teacher to growers worldwide, he has refined methods that balance productivity, soil health, and quality of life.Tomatoes: A Grower's Guide is part of the Grower's Guides from the Market Gardener series—compact, highly visual manuals designed to help growers take meaningful, practical steps toward more resilient and rewarding food production.If you want to grow tomatoes with confidence, clarity, and care for the land, this guide shows you how.