Where to get started?
You might have heard about rainwater harvesting or regenerative agriculture and you want to learn more. Unfortunately, there is so much information out there that it is impossible to know where to start.
Luckily, I’ve been there and I can help you to get started.
Rainwater harvesting, water cycle restoration, regenerative agriculture and permaculture are four essential topics for your learning journey.
Below, I’ve put together a list of the best books and resources to get you started on each of these fascinating subjects.
The essential books to get started with water and soil
Water
“Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond” by Brad Lancaster
What’s it about? This illustrative guide by Brad Lancaster is a must-read for anyone interested in rainwater harvesting. It got everything started for me and I can’t recommend it enough.
The book covers a variety of techniques for capturing and storing rainwater, from simple rain barrels to more complex systems like cisterns and earthworks.
Why I love it: Lancaster’s book is super practical, offering step-by-step instructions and real-world examples that make it easy to implement rainwater harvesting solutions in any environment, especially in dry areas. Once you see the illustrative examples you’ll wonder how you didn’t think of it earlier and why it isn’t done everywhere.
“Water in Plain Sight: Hope for a Thirsty World” by Judith D. Schwartz
What’s it about? Judith D. Schwartz explores innovative water management practices that can help address global water challenges. The book features case studies and success stories from around the world. If you want to know why water matters and what we can do about it, you should read this book.
Why I love it: Schwartz’s optimistic approach and focus on solutions make this book an inspiring read. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to learn about effective water management strategies.
Soil
“Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web” by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis
What’s it about? This book introduces readers to the soil food web and the importance of microbial life in soil health. It provides practical advice for gardeners on how to nurture and maintain healthy soil ecosystems. Soil can seem boring but the stories written here are the opposite.
Why I love it: This book first opened my eyes to the incredible world below our feet. Lowenfels and Lewis make complex scientific concepts accessible and practical for everyday gardeners. It’s an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their soil health organically.
“For the Love of Soil: Strategies to Regenerate Our Food Production Systems” by Nicole Masters
What’s it about? Nicole Masters provides a detailed look at regenerative agriculture practices that focus on soil health. The book offers practical strategies for improving soil fertility and productivity. Once you start digging deeper into soil, it’s impossible to go back to looking at it as just dirt.
Why I love it: Nicole Masters’ expertise and passion for soil health shine through in this book. It’s an amazing resource for farmers, gardeners, and anyone interested in sustainable food production. We need more soil lovers!
Regenerative Agriculture
“Restoration Agriculture” by Mark Shepard
What’s it about? This book explores the concept of perennial agriculture, focusing on sustainable farming practices that restore ecosystems. Shepard provides a detailed look at how to create productive, resilient landscapes. It debunks the myth that permaculture approaches can’t be applied on larger scales.
Why I love it: Shepard’s approach is both innovative and grounded in practical experience. The book is a great guide for anyone interested in transforming conventional agriculture into a more sustainable practice.
“Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture” by Gabe Brown
What’s it about? Gabe Brown shares his personal journey from conventional farming to regenerative agriculture. The book details the principles and practices he adopted to transform degraded farmland into a thriving, sustainable ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of soil health and offers practical advice on how to implement regenerative techniques. It’s one of the first books I read about Regenerative Agriculture and it got me quite excited.
Why I love it: Brown’s firsthand experience and candid storytelling make this book both informative and inspiring. It’s a compelling read that highlights the potential of regenerative agriculture to restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and improve farm profitability. His practical insights and success stories provide great guidance for farmers, gardeners, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture. You will definitely want to read more after this one.
Permaculture
“Gaia’s Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture” by Toby Hemenway
What’s it about? Toby Hemenway’s book is a user-friendly guide to implementing permaculture principles in a home garden. It includes practical advice on plant selection, garden design, and soil management.
Why it’s cool: This book is perfect for beginners who want to start small. Hemenway’s approachable writing style and clear instructions make it easy to get started with permaculture in your own backyard. I haven’t found any other book that is written in such a user friendly way to get started and excited about the potentials of permaculture. That’s why it’s my main recommendation to get started with the topic.
Resources to dig deeper
Water
“The Reindeer Chronicles” by Judith D. Schwartz
What’s it about? Judith D. Schwartz takes readers on a journey to various parts of the world where people are implementing innovative solutions to restore degraded lands. The book features stories of hope and resilience.
Why I love it: Schwartz’s engaging storytelling and focus on positive change make this book both informative and uplifting. It’s a great reminder of the power of community and creativity in solving environmental problems.
“Essential Rainwater Harvesting: A Guide to Home-Scale System Design” by Michelle Avis and Rob Avis
What’s it about? This guide provides detailed instructions for designing and implementing home-scale rainwater harvesting systems. It covers everything from system components to maintenance.
Why I love it: The Avis’ practical and accessible approach makes this book a great resource for homeowners looking to reduce their water footprint and create sustainable water systems.
“The Permaculture Earthworks Handbook: How to Design and Build Swales, Dams, Ponds, and Other Water Harvesting Systems” by Douglas Barnes
What’s it about? This handbook provides detailed guidance on designing and constructing earthworks for water harvesting and management in permaculture systems.
Why I love it: Barnes’ expertise and practical advice make this book an invaluable resource for anyone looking to implement effective water harvesting systems on their land.
“The Last Drop” by Tim Smedley
What’s it about? Tim Smedley examines the global water crisis, exploring the causes and potential solutions. The book highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices and the urgent need for action.
Why I love it: Smedley’s investigative approach and compelling storytelling make this book an eye-opening read. It’s essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities in addressing water scarcity.
“Water for Every Farm” by P.A. Yeomans
What’s it about? P.A. Yeomans’ book focuses on the Keyline design, a system of water management that maximizes the beneficial use of rainfall. The book covers techniques for soil improvement, water storage, and landscape design. Yeoman also formulate the Keyline Scale of Permanence that that we always use for our design approaches.
Why it’s cool: This book is crucial for understanding how to manage water resources effectively on a larger scale. Yeomans’ methods are particularly useful for farmers and land managers looking to restore the natural water cycle on their properties.
A word of caution: The book is quite detailed and mostly focused on an Australian context, that doesn’t always fit for other types of land form. If you are looking for a simpler book that is based on Water for Every Farm but more applicable to other land forms, I would recommend “Water for Any Farm” by Mark Shepard.
“Water for Any Farm” by Mark Shepard
What’s it about? Mark Shepard’s book delves into water management techniques that can be applied to farms of any size. It covers a variety of methods to maximize water use efficiency and improve soil health. The approaches is based on Yeoman’s “Water for Every Farm” and applies it to other land forms and contexts.
Why I love it: Shepard’s practical advice and real-life examples make this book a great resource for farmers looking to enhance their water management practices. It’s straightforward and packed with actionable insights.
“Let the Water Do the Work: Induced Meandering, an Evolving Method for Restoring Incised Channels” by Bill Zeedyk and Van Clothier
What’s it about? This book introduces the concept of induced meandering, a method for restoring the natural flow of water in incised channels. It provides practical techniques for stabilizing stream banks and improving water quality.
Why it’s cool: Zeedyk and Clothier’s book is essential for those involved in stream restoration and water management. It offers innovative solutions for restoring the natural water cycle and improving ecosystem health.
“The Water-Wise Home: How to Conserve, Capture, and Reuse Water in Your Home and Landscape” by Laura Allen
What’s it about? Laura Allen’s book focuses on practical ways to make your home and garden more water-efficient. It includes chapters on greywater systems, composting toilets, and, of course, rainwater harvesting.
Why I love it: This book is particularly useful for homeowners looking to make immediate changes to their water usage. Allen provides detailed plans and diagrams that make it easy to understand and implement her suggestions.
Regenerative Agriculture
“Regenerative Agriculture: A Practical Whole Systems Guide to Making Small Farms Work” by Richard Perkins
What’s it about? Richard Perkins offers a comprehensive guide to regenerative agriculture, focusing on practical techniques and systems for creating sustainable and profitable small farms. His focus on practicality and profitability is incredible useful if you are interested in Regenerative Agriculture as more than a hobby.
Why I love it: Perkins’ detailed and practical approach makes this book an invaluable resource for anyone looking to implement regenerative practices on their farm. Pretty much all successful smaller-scale farmers apply at least some of the knowledge they get from Richard.
“The One-Straw Revolution” by Masanobu Fukuoka
What’s it about? Masanobu Fukuoka shares his philosophy and methods for natural farming, emphasizing minimal intervention and working with nature to grow food. The book is a great entry to learn about a different way of farming combined with philosophical insights.
Why I love it: Fukuoka’s revolutionary ideas and gentle wisdom make this book a timeless classic for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and working harmoniously with nature.
“A Soil Owner’s Manual: How to Restore and Maintain Soil Health” by Jon Stika
What’s it about? Jon Stika offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and improving soil health. The book covers soil biology, chemistry, and physics, providing practical tips for restoring degraded soils. It is likely the most condense yet complete overview of how we can treat our soils.
Why I love it: Stika’s clear explanations and practical advice make this book an essential resource for anyone looking to enhance their soil management practices. It’s both informative and easy to follow.
“Holistic Management: A Commonsense Revolution to Restore Our Environment” by Allan Savory and Jody Butterfield
What’s it about? Allan Savory and Jody Butterfield present a holistic approach to land management that emphasizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems. The book covers principles and practices for sustainable land use. If you’ve heard anything about planned grazing or using animals to regenerate land, this book is the source.
Why I love it: Savory and Butterfield’s holistic perspective and practical advice make this book a groundbreaking resource for anyone involved in land management. It’s a must-read for those looking to create sustainable and resilient landscapes with the help of animals.
“Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations” by David R. Montgomery
What’s it about? David R. Montgomery explores the history of soil degradation and its impact on civilizations. The book highlights the importance of soil health for the sustainability of human societies.
Why I love it: Montgomery’s historical perspective and thorough research provide a deep understanding of the critical role soil plays in our world. It’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in the intersection of history and ecology.
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
What’s it about? Robin Wall Kimmerer blends indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants in this beautifully written book. It covers themes of reciprocity, stewardship, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Why I love it: Kimmerer’s poetic writing and profound insights make this book a must-read for anyone interested in deepening their relationship with nature. It’s both inspiring and thought-provoking.
“Call of the Reed Warbler: A New Agriculture, A New Earth” by Charles Massy
What’s it about? Charles Massy’s book is a deep dive into regenerative agriculture, exploring how this approach can heal the land and produce healthier food. Massy shares stories from farmers who have transformed their practices and landscapes.
Why it’s cool: Massy’s book is both informative and inspiring, offering a hopeful vision for the future of farming. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of agriculture and environmental restoration.
Permaculture
“Permaculture” by Sepp Holzer
What’s it about? This book got me started on my permaculture journey 10 years ago. Sepp Holzer shares his experiences and techniques for creating productive and sustainable landscapes using permaculture principles. The book covers a wide range of topics, from soil management to water harvesting.
Why I love it: Holzer’s practical insights and innovative approaches make this book an inspiring read for anyone looking to apply permaculture principles on their land.
“Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual” by Bill Mollison
What’s it about? Written by one of the founders of the permaculture movement, Bill Mollison, this manual is often considered the bible of permaculture. It covers everything from soil health to sustainable building practices. The book is also used as the backbone and structure for all PDCs (Permaculture Design Certificate Course).
Why I love it: Mollison’s book is an in-depth resource that provides a solid foundation for anyone serious about permaculture. It’s comprehensive and offers a wealth of information that can be applied to various climates and landscapes.
A word of caution: It can be a bit long and technical to get started. I would recommend it as a follow up resource.
“Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability” by David Holmgren
What’s it about? David Holmgren, co-originator of the permaculture concept, outlines the principles and ethics that underpin permaculture design. The book explores how these principles can be applied to create sustainable living systems.
Why I love it: Holmgren’s deep insights and thorough exploration of permaculture principles make this book a foundational text for anyone serious about permaculture. The principles are a great guide for everyday life and permaculture projects.
“The Resilient Farm and Homestead: An Innovative Permaculture and Whole Systems Design Approach” by Ben Falk
What’s it about? Ben Falk shares his experiences and techniques for creating resilient and productive homesteads using permaculture principles. The book covers a wide range of topics, from water management to food production.
Why I love it: Falk’s holistic and practical approach makes this book a great resource for anyone looking to create a self-sufficient and resilient homestead.
“The Permaculture Handbook: Garden Farming for Town and Country” by Peter Bane
What’s it about? Peter Bane provides a comprehensive guide to permaculture design and implementation, focusing on small-scale farming and gardening in both urban and rural settings. The book is packed with practical examples for all kinds of situations.
Why I love it: Bane’s thorough and accessible approach makes this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in applying permaculture principles to their garden or small farm.
“Permaculture Design: A Step-by-Step Guide” by Aranya
What’s it about? This book provides a comprehensive guide to permaculture design, offering step-by-step instructions for creating sustainable and productive landscapes.
Why I love it: Aranya’s clear and practical approach makes permaculture design accessible to beginners and experienced practitioners alike. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in applying permaculture principles.
“Desert or Paradise: Restoring Endangered Landscapes Using Water Management, Including Lake and Pond Construction” by Sepp Holzer
What’s it about? Sepp Holzer presents methods for transforming degraded landscapes into productive ecosystems through effective water management and permaculture techniques.
Why I love it: Holzer’s success stories and practical guidance provide hope and inspiration for restoring degraded lands and creating sustainable environments.
Conclusion
I hope you find some great resources for your regenerative journey. It is a deep rabbit hole and you need to decide which entrance you take first.
Happy reading and learning! If you have any questions or want to chat more about these topics, feel free to reach out.