Best Agronomy Books of 2026

If you're a beginner in gardening or raised bed gardening, Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners is the perfect guide for you. This book provides step-by-step instructions on how to plan, build, and grow your own raised-bed garden in any available space. With detailed suggestions for crop rotation, seed starting, and growing zones, this book makes it easy for inexperienced gardeners to grow their own vegetables and herbs in no time. The book also includes full profiles of 30 easy-to-grow plants with growing and harvesting tips. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to start and sustain a thriving garden.

Polyface Designs is a comprehensive guide for building scalable farming infrastructure, featuring tips and tricks from Polyface Farm's half-century of trial and error. Written by Joel Salatin and illustrated by former Polyface apprentice Chris Slattery, this book offers detailed diagrams and building specifications for constructing everything from broiler shelters to corral gates. The 568-page book is in full color and is a beautiful addition to any coffee table. Despite its cover price, the cost is easily justified by the many money-saving building tips included. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable farming practices.

Regrow Your Veggies by CompanionHouse Books is an insightful guide that teaches readers how to grow over 20 popular vegetables, herbs, and fruits right at home using scraps. With step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting advice, including tips on dealing with pests and pathogens, this book helps reduce waste, save money, and provide a source of fresh and healthy produce. From scallions and lettuce to galangal, Jerusalem artichoke, and mango, readers can learn how to regrow their favorite foods and produce them sustainably. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to take sustainability to the next level and produce their own food with ease.

The book "Polyface Micro" by Joel Salatin is a guide for homesteaders who want to succeed in animal-friendly and ecologically authentic livestock production. In this book, Salatin adapts his ideas and protocols from his renowned Polyface Farm to small holdings, including apartments. The book offers practical tips and inspiration for homesteaders to increase production, have healthy animals, and create aesthetically pleasing livestock systems. The author's experience and expertise in land healing and local food systems make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture. Overall, "Polyface Micro" is an excellent read for homesteaders looking to implement successful livestock production on a small scale.

Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture by Gabe Brown is a must-read for anyone interested in sustainable farming. Brown shares his family's journey towards regenerative agriculture, providing innovative solutions to restore soil health. The book offers a detailed explanation of the "five principles of soil health," which have been developed over twenty years of experimentation and refinement. The Brown's Ranch model focuses on regenerating resources by continuously enhancing the living biology in the soil. Dirt to Soil is a fascinating and informative read that will inspire farmers and non-farmers alike to rethink their relationship with the land.

The Living Soil Handbook is a comprehensive guide for no-till market gardening that focuses on the three principles of disturbing the soil as little as possible, keeping it covered, and planting as much as possible. Farmer Jesse Frost shares his experience and knowledge on turning over beds, using compost and mulch, path management, maintaining fertility, and more. The book emphasizes practical information on tools and practices for growers to maximize the health of their soil. This book is a must-read for market gardeners who want to build their livelihood around soil health and sustainability.

The Independent Farmstead is an essential resource for those seeking to produce their food sustainably. The book covers everything from selecting the appropriate ruminant to integrating grass, gardens, and livestock. The authors, Shawn and Beth Dougherty, offer practical advice on pasture management, fencing, and watering for ruminants, poultry, and pigs. They also provide insights on food processing, including cheese-making and animal butchering. The book is written in a witty and welcoming style, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in regenerating the land and growing nutrient-dense food. Overall, The Independent Farmstead is an excellent guide for those who wish to embrace self-sufficiency and sustainability in their food production.

Backyard Homesteading All-in-One For Dummies is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle. This book covers everything from gardening and preserving the harvest to raising animals and building your own structures. The step-by-step guidance, expert tips, and detailed building plans make it easy for beginners to get started on their homesteading journey. The book is unique in its all-in-one approach, making it a valuable resource for those looking to become more self-sufficient.

Practical Permaculture by Jessi Bloom and Dave Boehnlein is a comprehensive guide for those who are new to permaculture and interested in learning more. The book covers the basics of permaculture, shares the design process, and explores various permaculture systems including soil, water, waste, energy, shelter, food and plants, and animals and wildlife. The authors also profile the fifty most useful plants for permaculture landscapes. With inspiring examples and impeccable advice for analysis, design, implementation, and plant selection, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable living and garden design.

This book, titled "The FOOLPROOF Way To Grow Psilocybin Mushrooms At Home", is an all-inclusive beginner's guide to growing psychedelic magic mushrooms in the comfort of your own home. The book provides detailed descriptions of the step-by-step process of growing mushrooms, from spore to fruiting mushrooms, with a focus on sanitation, sterilization, and humidity. It also explores the potential benefits of consuming psilocybin mushrooms, including their ability to treat mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and OCD. Overall, this book is a comprehensive guide that is perfect for anyone interested in growing their own psilocybin mushrooms.