Expanding your knowledge through books is one of the best ways to deepen your understanding of permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable living. Below is a curated list of essential readings to guide and inspire you on your journey.
Foundational Permaculture Books
Permaculture: A Designers' Manual – Bill Mollison
The definitive textbook on permaculture design, covering principles, ethics, and applied techniques.Introduction to Permaculture – Bill Mollison
A beginner-friendly overview of permaculture concepts and their practical applications.Permaculture: Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability – David Holmgren
Explores the core principles of permaculture and how they can be applied in diverse settings.
Regenerative Agriculture & Soil Health
Dirt to Soil – Gabe Brown
A firsthand account of transitioning from conventional to regenerative farming practices.The Soil Will Save Us – Kristin Ohlson
Examines the role of soil in carbon sequestration and climate resilience.Teaming with Microbes – Jeff Lowenfels & Wayne Lewis
A deep dive into soil biology and how to cultivate a thriving underground ecosystem.
Agroforestry & Perennial Systems
Edible Forest Gardens (Vol. 1 & 2) – Dave Jacke & Eric Toensmeier
A comprehensive guide to designing productive, resilient food forests.Restoration Agriculture – Mark Shepard
Discusses large-scale permaculture farming and its economic viability.The Resilient Farm and Homestead – Ben Falk
Lessons from a permaculture farm designed for self-sufficiency and resilience.
Sustainable Living & Homesteading
The Art of Fermentation – Sandor Katz
A deep exploration of fermentation techniques and their role in food preservation.Gaia’s Garden – Toby Hemenway
Practical guidance on creating backyard ecosystems that support food production and biodiversity.Build Your Own Earth Oven – Kiko Denzer
A hands-on manual for constructing an affordable, wood-fired earthen oven.
Community & Social Permaculture
People & Permaculture – Looby Macnamara
Explores how permaculture principles apply to social structures and community resilience.The Empowerment Manual – Starhawk
A guide for organizing and sustaining collaborative, community-driven projects.Sacred Economics – Charles Eisenstein
Examines alternative economic models based on sharing, mutual aid, and sustainability.
Sustainable Future Visions
Ecotopia – Ernest Callenbach
The One-Straw Revolution – Masanobu Fukuoka
Designing Regenerative Cultures – Daniel Christian Wahl
This reading list will continue to grow! If you have book recommendations that have inspired you, let us know, and we may add them to the list. Happy reading!
