Backyard Farming: Homesteading: The Complete Guide to Self-Sufficiency - Kim Pezza (2015)

RESOURCES

USDA.gov

A helpful resource on a wide array of topics, as well as a great source for the most up-to-date information put out by the Department of Agriculture. It also contains information necessary to those looking to become certified as organic growers. Containing both general information for those who are looking to start and specific information for states and counties, any gardener interested in a chemical-free garden, either now or in the future, should take the time to read this site.

USDA Extension Offices

www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension

This convenient website will allow you to quickly and easily locate the extension offices in your area.

Extension offices serve as an invaluable resource to new gardeners, as they keep track of local weather, soil composition, gardening regulations and restrictions, and so much more.

John Scheepers Kitchen Seeds

www.kitchenseeds.com

In business since 1908, this beautifully laid-out and illustrated catalog is a joy to look through, even for the non-gardener. For the novice gardener, the catalog contains simple, easy-to-care-for plants, as well as new varieties and hybrids for the more adventurous types.

The Cook’s Garden

www.cooksgarden.com

A newer company, this catalog’s niche is seeds for the gourmet gardener. Containing tried-and-tested new varieties of old breeds, these seeds produce some of the most flavorful produce around. For slightly more experienced gardeners looking to expand their variety and their palate, this catalog is an excellent choice.

Burpee

www.burpee.com

A great resource for both old favorites and brand-new experimental hybrids, the curiously named Burpee provides a great resource for a third- or fourth-year gardener who is looking to increase the breadth of his garden’s variety or who is starting to think about trying to make their own hybrids.

Baker Creek

www.rareseeds.com

A must for anyone interested in growing heirlooms in their gardens. Chock-full of familiar and unusual vegetables (and fruits) to grow, as well as excellent photographs of the vegetables (or fruits), this is one of the best resources out there.

Seeds of Change

www.seedsofchange.com

This is a purveyor of certified organic seeds. Although they may now be found in various brick-and-mortar market venues, in order to really see the depth of their offerings, those serious in organics need to take a look at the entire catalog.

Seed Savers Exchange

www.seedsavers.org

Dedicated to saving and sharing heirloom seeds, this is another excellent resource for the usual and the unusual for the food garden. Customers may also become members of this organization and become stewards in the movement to save and spread heirlooms.

Garden.org

An excellent resource for any gardener, the website of the National Gardening Association provides up-to-date information on gardening, including tips and tricks for beginners, as well as a variety of other resources, including an easy-to-navigate “Gardening Dictionary” to aid in your planning and planting.

Several resources are available for the home canner to gather helpful tips:

Ball Canning Products

www.freshpreserving.com

HomeCanning.com

www.homecanning.com

Home Canner’s Help Line

(800) 240-3340

Mrs. Wages Home Canning

www.mrswages.com

New York States Department of Agriculture (NYSDA)

www.agriculture.ny.gov

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)