Here are 100 books that Restoration Agriculture fans have personally recommended if you like Restoration Agriculture. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture

Louis S. Bernier Jr. Author Of Permaculture Ecovillages

From my list on sustainable permaculture design.

Why am I passionate about this?

I find these books most compelling because over the years I have become increasingly motivated to study and share the value of appreciating mankind’s responsibility to nature as God’s gift to us! And in doing so, have embraced our obligation as stewards to ensure future generations a “future Earth” cleaner than we found it. The current trend is faulty to the utmost degree, but can be reversed with intelligent design and appropriate education beginning in grade school. This should be everyone’s objective!

Louis' book list on sustainable permaculture design

Louis S. Bernier Jr. Why Louis loves this book

I am so completely dependent upon the simple ingenuity of this book in providing practical advice for symbiotic ecological design integration that I frequently refer to it for my own planning.

Progressing through soil fertility, water conservation, rewilding for beneficial insects and wildlife, and concluding with designing edible food forests, he doesn’t miss a step in efficient biodiversity.

By Toby Hemenway ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Gaia's Garden as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The evergreen classic on ecological gardening, whatever size your garden!

Over a quarter of a million copies sold worldwide!

Working with Nature, not against her, results in more beautiful, abundant and resilient gardens.

In the revised, second edition of Gaia's Garden, Toby Hemenway extends his expert knowledge of permaculture to urban and suburban landscapes. A perfect beginner's guide to ecological gardening, Gaia's Garden dispels the notion that meaningful gardening can only take place on a large piece of land with lots of space to grow.

Readers can expect step-by-step instructions on:

Building and maintaining soil fertility and structure Catching and…


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Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Book cover of The Practical Permaculture Project

Louis S. Bernier Jr. Author Of Permaculture Ecovillages

From my list on sustainable permaculture design.

Why am I passionate about this?

I find these books most compelling because over the years I have become increasingly motivated to study and share the value of appreciating mankind’s responsibility to nature as God’s gift to us! And in doing so, have embraced our obligation as stewards to ensure future generations a “future Earth” cleaner than we found it. The current trend is faulty to the utmost degree, but can be reversed with intelligent design and appropriate education beginning in grade school. This should be everyone’s objective!

Louis' book list on sustainable permaculture design

Louis S. Bernier Jr. Why Louis loves this book

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book because it is perfectly aligned with not just self-sufficiency but also considerate of neighbor-embracing outreach and acknowledgement of appreciation of Mother NatureGod’s creation.

I also appreciated that the author recognizes this as a solution to the global world's problems, which is ultimately realized as "climate change" acceleration.

By Sophie McKay ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Practical Permaculture Project as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Need help to start with permaculture and become self-sufficient as soon as possible? Start with Sophie Today!


The freshest and most delicious food possible is waiting for you... and you don't have to have any experience to get started.

Are you becoming more and more concerned about the global economy and have a burning desire to return to the land in a meaningful way?

What if you could restore your health and vitality in a way that brought you safety and assurance? What if you could work with nature efficiently to grow your own food?

How would it feel to…


Book cover of Sepp Holzer's Permaculture

Louis S. Bernier Jr. Author Of Permaculture Ecovillages

From my list on sustainable permaculture design.

Why am I passionate about this?

I find these books most compelling because over the years I have become increasingly motivated to study and share the value of appreciating mankind’s responsibility to nature as God’s gift to us! And in doing so, have embraced our obligation as stewards to ensure future generations a “future Earth” cleaner than we found it. The current trend is faulty to the utmost degree, but can be reversed with intelligent design and appropriate education beginning in grade school. This should be everyone’s objective!

Louis' book list on sustainable permaculture design

Louis S. Bernier Jr. Why Louis loves this book

I loved this book because Sepp Holzer is proficient in sharing precisely how to take each step of permaculture design with clear descriptions of why they become a cumulative abundant foundation for further development of your permaculture system.

From concepts to practical details, he demonstrates the thinking processes based on principles found in nature that can be applied anywhere.

By Sepp Holzer , Anna Sapsford-Francis (translator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sepp Holzer's Permaculture as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sepp Holzer farms steep mountainsides in Austria 1,500 meters above sea level. His farm is an intricate network of terraces, raised beds, ponds, waterways and tracks, well covered with productive fruit trees and other vegetation, with the farmhouse neatly nestling amongst them. This is in dramatic contrast to his neighbors' spruce monocultures.In this book, Holzer shares the skill and knowledge acquired over his lifetime. He covers every aspect of his farming methods, not just how to create a holistic system on the farm itself, but how to make a living from it. Holzer writes about everything from the overall concepts,…


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Book cover of Trusting Her Duke

Trusting Her Duke by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke with rigid opinions, a Lady whose beliefs conflict with his, a long disputed parcel of land, a conniving neighbour, a desperate collaboration, a failure of trust, a love found despite it all.

Alexander Cavendish, Duke of Ravensworth, returned from war to find that his father and brother had…

Book cover of The Elegant and Edible Garden

Louis S. Bernier Jr. Author Of Permaculture Ecovillages

From my list on sustainable permaculture design.

Why am I passionate about this?

I find these books most compelling because over the years I have become increasingly motivated to study and share the value of appreciating mankind’s responsibility to nature as God’s gift to us! And in doing so, have embraced our obligation as stewards to ensure future generations a “future Earth” cleaner than we found it. The current trend is faulty to the utmost degree, but can be reversed with intelligent design and appropriate education beginning in grade school. This should be everyone’s objective!

Louis' book list on sustainable permaculture design

Louis S. Bernier Jr. Why Louis loves this book

I loved this book as essential to all gardeners who would appreciate their "Zone-1" area closest to their home and kitchen to be as beautiful and productive as possible!

This book is the best that I have found for designing kitchen gardens, herb spirals, keyhole gardens, and general outdoor living areas. I also found it compelling that while symmetry and visual harmony were addressed liberally, the functionality of practical symbiosis for chosen fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers was not lost.

By Linda Vater ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Elegant and Edible Garden as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover how to partner ornamental plants with edible ones for a garden that offers both storybook appeal and a plethora of culinary delights.

*Winner of the GardenComm 2023 Laurel Media Awards Silver Award in the Book Publisher/Producer General Readership Category*

Stylish and celebratory, The Elegant and Edible Garden takes food growing to a higher plane. Host of The Potager Blog (@potagerblog), author and garden stylist Linda Vater, shares her vision for creating a garden space where food and flowers grow side by side. Known as a potager, these gardens are formal in their framework yet flexible and personal in their…


Book cover of The Regenerative Garden: 80 Practical Projects for Creating a Self-Sustaining Garden Ecosystem

Maria Colletti Author Of Terrariums - Gardens Under Glass: Designing, Creating, and Planting Modern Indoor Gardens

From my list on indoor gardening houseplant.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have spent 25 years working at the New York Botanical Garden! My life’s pursuit of the green has been my greatest achievement. I'm a self-made terrarium designer. I developed my style and skills at NYBG and knew that I had to share this with the world. My books have sold over 14,000 copies worldwide. This is amazing to me and has taught me that my though-ness and step-by-step lessons were worth every word! Horticulture is a subject that comes naturally to me. I happily know the names of dozens and dozens of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, tropical, desert, you name plants from all over the world and I’m learning new ones every season. 

Maria's book list on indoor gardening houseplant

Maria Colletti Why Maria loves this book

Stephanie has taught me so much about gardening that I didn't even know I needed to know. Her beautiful lessons about permaculture, a word that I didn't understand what it meant until Stephanie took the time to teach me! This is a must-need book in your gardening library.

She has created a beautiful garden of her own where she time-tests all her teachings. The climate in Vancouver Canada makes this a great environment. Stephanie and I became friends years ago when she started her blog and she has promoted my work on several occasions.

I trust her judgment and know she knows her subject and then some!

By Stephanie Rose ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Regenerative Garden as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover how to work with nature, instead of against it, by employing permaculture techniques to create a garden that is not just more beautiful and productive, but also more resilient.

While the word permaculture might sound intimidating, the principals behind it are not. The main goal of permaculture is to turn your space into a functioning ecosystem that’s less reliant on external resources and better able to sustain itself through many seasons of growth and change as it resists pests, diseases, and climate extremes. Whatever the size of your space, from a tiny patio garden to a big backyard, and…


Book cover of The Politics of Permaculture

Anitra Nelson Author Of Beyond Money: A Postcapitalist Strategy

From my list on anti-capitalist struggles for a postcapitalism.

Why am I passionate about this?

I don’t think of myself as a dreamer but, rather, a hard-headed activist scholar. Globally, most of us live under the domination of production for trade. We have ceded co-governance of production—collectively deciding what we produce, how we produce it, and for whom—to the abstract logic of markets operated via money. We face two great challenges reproduced by capitalism—growing socio-political inequities and ecological unsustainability. So, I argue that we must replace monetary values and operating systems with ‘real’, social and ecological, values and production for demand, for the basic needs of humans and the planet. Postcapitalism means moving beyond money to realize our self-value and emancipation. 

Anitra's book list on anti-capitalist struggles for a postcapitalism

Anitra Nelson Why Anitra loves this book

Terry Leahy has been a permaculture practitioner, advocate, and critic since the 1970s when permaculture was founded in his (and my) home country Australia, by co-originators David Holmgren and Bill Mollison.

In this pithy tome, Leahy draws as much on lively quotes from interviewees as delivering on all the basic principles, periods, strategies, visions, and permutations of permaculture across the world. The Politics of Permaculture delves into the deep rifts and rips within this socio-environmental movement to show how and why the short history of its eco-material approach to sustainable futures has so much to teach any anti-capitalist seeking postcapitalist paths and paradises.

By Terry Leahy ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Politics of Permaculture as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Inspiring. [...] Crammed with lively interviews and grounded examples' Ashish Kothari, founder of Kalpavriksh

Permaculture is an environmental movement that makes us reevaluate what it means to be sustainable. Through innovative agriculture and settlement design, the movement creates new communities that are harmonious with nature. It has grown from humble origins on a farm in 1970s Australia and flourished into a worldwide movement that confronts industrial capitalism.

The Politics of Permaculture is one of the first books to unpack the theory and practice of this social movement that looks to challenge the status quo. Drawing upon the rich seam of…


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Book cover of The Duke's Christmas Redemption

The Duke's Christmas Redemption by Arietta Richmond,

A Duke who has rejected love, a Lady who dreams of a love match, an arranged marriage, a house full of secrets, a most unneighborly neighbor, a plot to destroy reputations, an unexpected love that redeems it all.

Lady Charlotte Wyndham, given in an arranged marriage to a man she…

Book cover of Edible Paradise: How to Grow Herbs, Flowers, and Vegetables in Any Space

Aranya Austin Author Of Permaculture Design: A Step-By-Step Guide

From my list on if you'd like to grow your own vegetables.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved nature and the idea of being more self-reliant, so growing some of my own food seemed like an obvious place to start. This led me to permaculture and the treasure box of goodies it provides for each of us to make a positive difference in the world. Almost by accident, I found myself teaching and I loved it so much it became my main vocation. I write to make sense of things for myself and this is how my Design Guide came about. Books are a gift so few of our ancestors had access to. I hope you enjoy my recommendations as much as I have. 

Aranya's book list on if you'd like to grow your own vegetables

Aranya Austin Why Aranya loves this book

I first came across an original Dutch copy of Vera’s book in a charity shop and I bought it despite not understanding the words because it looked so beautiful. In 2019 I finally got the chance to buy an English version and I was not disappointed. Vera is another no-dig, organic grower and this book demonstrates how attractive and abundant such gardens can be. I especially like her sections on her favourite edible flowers and how she groups plants together based on their shape and size but also how they can benefit each other. It’s an all-round beautiful and inspiring book that lives on my easy-access bookshelf!

By Vera Greutink ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Edible Paradise as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Learn how to create your own no dig, organic garden with permaculture design and techniques. Vera's 15 years of experience as a no dig gardener provides a vast amount of knowledge on growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. The book is divided into two sections, container gardening and permaculture kitchen gardening. Part One shares knowledge especially useful to urban gardeners and those with little space. Part Two advises on starting and maintaining a garden. Vera's speciality is creating beautiful and delicious polycultures and she offers a range of examples to get you started and the knowledge to experiment. She also…


Book cover of Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally

Aranya Austin Author Of Permaculture Design: A Step-By-Step Guide

From my list on if you'd like to grow your own vegetables.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved nature and the idea of being more self-reliant, so growing some of my own food seemed like an obvious place to start. This led me to permaculture and the treasure box of goodies it provides for each of us to make a positive difference in the world. Almost by accident, I found myself teaching and I loved it so much it became my main vocation. I write to make sense of things for myself and this is how my Design Guide came about. Books are a gift so few of our ancestors had access to. I hope you enjoy my recommendations as much as I have. 

Aranya's book list on if you'd like to grow your own vegetables

Aranya Austin Why Aranya loves this book

Its faded spine and tatty pages show just how well-used my copy of Robert’s book has been. While the most fascinating drawings to leap from its pages are of the different root systems of vegetables, there’s plenty more to be found inside. Robert’s ‘Golden Rules of Edible landscaping’ look remarkably similar to many of our modern permaculture principles. He compares different methods of cultivation, reviews companion planting, and provides many lists and tables of useful information such as green manures, soil indicators, and mineral accumulator plants—unusual information when it was published in 1986. It’s the most substantial book on my list for good reason, but waiting for you when you want to learn more.

By Robert Kourik ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally is a classic US bestseller. It is the authoritative text on edible landscaping, featuring a step-by-step guide to designing your own aesthetic yet productive environment using vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs for a combination of ornamental and culinary purposes. It includes descriptions of plants for all temperate habitats; methods for improving soil; tree pruning styles that suit you and your trees; and even gourmet recipes using low-maintenance plants. There are sections on attracting beneficial insects with companion plants, and using planting to shelter your home from erosion, heat, wind and cold. Presenting such…


Book cover of The Resilient Gardener: Food Production and Self-Reliance in Uncertain Times

Anna Hess Author Of The Ultimate Guide to Soil

From my list on for beyond-organic gardeners.

Why am I passionate about this?

If I'm honest, I became a gardener because I like getting dirty. Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Tom Kitten is the story of my childhood (and my adulthood too, only now I don't have to pretend I'm going to stay clean). Of course, high-quality soil leads to high-quality produce, and I deeply adore the flavors of strawberries growing in deep, dark soil. Biting into a juicy, homegrown tomato still warm from the summer sun is bliss.

Anna's book list on for beyond-organic gardeners

Anna Hess Why Anna loves this book

I have a love/hate relationship with permaculture. I adore the concept...and when I put most authors' assertions into practice, I find that I get a much lower yield than doing things the old way. That's why I enjoy books like this one from gardeners who walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Warning: You will be sorely tempted to buy ducks. Resist, resist!

By Carol Deppe ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Resilient Gardener as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Scientist/gardener Carol Deppe combines her passion for organic gardening with newly emerging scientific information from many fields - resilience science, climatology, climate change, ecology, anthropology, paleontology, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, health, and medicine. In the last half of The Resilient Gardener, Deppe extends and illustrates these principles with detailed information about growing and using five key crops: potatoes, corn, beans, squash, and eggs.

In this book you'll learn how to:

*Garden in an era of unpredictable weather and climate change

*Grow, store, and use more of your own staple crops

*Garden efficiently and comfortably (even if you have a bad back)…


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Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of The No Dig Organic Home & Garden: Grow, Cook, Use, and Store Your Harvest

Bill Laws Author Of Fifty Plants That Changed the Course of History

From my list on backyard veg.

Why am I passionate about this?

Veg. I grow it; I nurture it; I shield it from cold winds, protect it from voracious pigeons, warm it against sudden frosts. And then I share it with friends, family, and neighbours… and we eat it. In between times I might write something gardeny or historical, but you’ll usually find me back on my veg plot, a little urban allotment in the west of England. I do a lot of reading there too! 

Bill's book list on backyard veg

Bill Laws Why Bill loves this book

Organics, raised beds, permaculture, vertical gardening: there are plenty of exciting new ideas coming out of the veg patch. One of the most persuasive is Charles Dowding’s no-dig brigade. Many of my ‘can’t dig’ friends are joining up too, prevented from wielding a spade by sore backs, arthritis, and other such ailments. This regime of hand weeding and hoeing, and freshening the soil with generous helpings of homemade mulching composts is so much kinder to the planet than plastering it with artificial fertilisers.

By Charles Dowding , Stephanie Hafferty ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The No Dig Organic Home & Garden as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

No dig organic gardening saves time and work. It requires an annual dressing of compost to help accelerate the improvement in soil structure and leads to higher fertility and less weeds. No dig experts, Charles Dowding and Stephanie Hafferty, explain how to set up a no dig garden. They describe how to: Make compost, enrich soil, harvest and prepare food and make natural beauty and clean ing products and garden preparations. These approaches work as well in small spaces as in large gardens. The Authors' combined experience gives you ways of growing, preparing and storing the plants you grow for…


Book cover of Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture
Book cover of The Practical Permaculture Project
Book cover of Sepp Holzer's Permaculture

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5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in permaculture, global warming, and climate fiction?

Permaculture 15 books
Global Warming 100 books
Climate Fiction 58 books