The Heirloom Life Gardener: The Baker Creek Way of Growing Your Own Food Easily and Naturally

by Jere Gettle, Meghan Sutherland

Tired of genetically modified food every day, Americans are moving more toward eating natural, locally grown food that is free of pesticides and preservatives-and there is no better way to ensure this than to grow it yourself. Anyone can start a garden, whether in a backyard or on a city rooftop; but what they need to truly succeed is The Heirloom Life Gardener , a comprehensive guide to cultivating heirloom vegetables.

In this invaluable resource, Jere and Emilee Gettle, cofounders of the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, offer a wealth of knowledge to every kind of gardener-experienced pros and novices alike. In his friendly voice, complemented by gorgeous photographs, Jere gives planting, growing, harvesting, and seed saving tips. In addition, an extensive A to Z Growing Guide includes amazing heirloom varieties that many people have never even seen. From seed collecting to the history of seed varieties and name origins, Jere takes you far beyond the heirloom tomato. This is the first book of its kind that is not only a guide to growing beautiful and delicious vegetables, but also a way to join the movement of people who long for real food and a truer way of living.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Food, Cooking, Cookbooks, Plants, Reference

227 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2011

Reviews

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have never gardened or farmed in your life, this book is a good introduction.

One thing is does need, and I hope is in future revisions, is the USDA Zone map. It will help aspiring growers know what will grow well in their area and when the last possible frosts could be. This information is very valuable, and could spare possible frustration if plans go awry.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read in 2016 since we live near Comstock Ferre and plan to use this company's seeds for the garden...

---------------------------------------

Each year I try to do something new in my garden. This is pretty difficult because my south facing backyard is so small and my dogs really do need room to do their business, eat large pieces of mulch that result in emergency surgery, etc.

We started growing vegetables from seed a few years ago. It is definitely more cost effective for us and we've experienced mostly positive results. It's usually our fault when seeds don't produce because we're lazy with working the soil, etc. We planted a couple of heirloom varieties last year and they did really well, so I decided to do a little more research when I saw this book featured in Sunset magazine.

The Heirloom Life Gardener is great for those sort-of beginner gardeners like me. I think the pictures of the interesting deliciousness you can grow anywhere with sun and soil are enough to lure in anybody interested in growing food. A large portion of the book is autobiographical, so if you're looking for a strict manual, this isn't for you. The last section of the book is an A-Z guide detailing the history, growing tips, pests and diseases (including safe ways to get rid of pests without chemicals), seed saving, and cooking guidelines for various fruits and vegetables. I didn't realize how many factors there are with seed saving and for me, if it doesn't self-pollinate, I won't mess with it.

This book really does put grocery store/GMOs to shame. I only wish I had more room to grow more veggies!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this book when I ordered seeds this year from The Baker Creek Seed Company. Baker Creek had been mentioned in a newspaper article I read, and I liked the idea that they only sold heirloom, non-hybrid, open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds. I decided to buy my gardening seeds from them, and while browsing their website I came across this book that they have also published.

The book is interesting, and full of wonderful color photographs. It tells a history of Jere and Emille Gettle, the founders of Baker Creek Seed Company, and how they came into the heirloom seed business. It tells of their travels to collect heirloom seeds from around the world, and then gives some basic information on organic gardening practices.

There are also tips on saving your own seeds from the plants you grow, as they say "One of the best reasons to grow heirlooms is so you can save the seeds and grow the crop again in the future.

The last half of the book contains 2-3 page descriptions, growing instructions, and seed saving instructions for many types of vegetables that they sell seeds for.

For a beginning gardener who is interested in going heirloom or organic, this would be an excellent primer. For the experienced gardener, it is a nice reference for specific vegetables, especially if you would like to try saving your own seeds for future years. Plus, it just feels good to support a small company like this, a company that is trying to make a difference in the gardening community.

[Hannah Hethmon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful design and fun stories about the company, but I put it down because of the irresponsible use of history and science, such as describing our early American era as a golden age of agriculture when without acknowledging the author’s great farmers were able to do what they did in part because of enslaved labor or claiming that monoculture farming has led to an obesity epidemic. He could easily make his point about heirlooms seeds and agricultural diversity without making up his own version of history or science. Had to put the book down so I can still enjoy buying from the company.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is anyone else very turned off by this company after reading this book? A white man traveled the world, to small off and off the grid or sometimes poor towns and brought the farmers rare seeds for probably an extremely low price. And then came back to America and sold the seeds and expanded his business to a million dollar company? What did those small town farmers get? And Jere makes it seem like he was revolutionary about preserving seeds. Something tells me he is wrong. And the cultural context of this book is alarming and makes me question doing business with the company ever again. Jere makes it seem like he and his white counterparts were the only ones to use or develop these gardening/farming techniques. Again very concerning to me.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to organic gardening. It starts with a history of the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, then continues with a couple of sections on how to garden and especially how to garden in a city space. The bulk of the book consists of instructions for growing and saving seeds for almost fifty different fruits and vegetables, from amaranth to watermelon.

[Tonia · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the book contained lovely sentiments, anti-GMO, seed preservation, etc., it wasn't that well written and it didn't really contain that much useful info. It is worth a look and a quick read for all the photos. I only read it because I love their seed selection and what they represent.

[Brian Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read of those serious about growing heirloom vegetables. This book isn't just a reference book but an adventure through the eyes of Jere Gettles. I loved reading about his adventures in his search for heirloom seeds.

[Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying this book. the photos are amazing, and the text is very pleasant to read. it definitely reflects the spirit of enjoyable and meaningful natural gardening.

[Shelby *trains flying monkeys* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this seed company. I enjoyed a more in depth look at the
Varieties of veggies

[Karie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has good general information about growing different vegetables. Bit heavy on the "all hybrids are bad" for my tastes.

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, it offers valuable and practical advice, especially on seed saving different varieties of plants. I also share some, if not many, of the sentiments regarding organic growing, heirloom seeds, biodiversity, and food independence.

However, this book is borderline colonization porn. It’s cool to want to share and preserve varietals. Seed saving is fucking amazing. But everything from the “mysticism” language to describe his travels through Asia, to the frequent worship-referencing of American historical figures (completely disregarding slavery and its role in agricultural development) to his repeated use and application of “European” really rubbed me the wrong way. I do think this was unintentional and misguided, but it made me wonder about the author’s white, capitalist privilege as he roams around making money literally from the fruits of labor of people who will likely not see a return on their sharing of seed. It’s cool to think of Gettle as the “Indiana Jones of seeds”, but Dr. Jones never profited from his work — “it belongs in a museum!”

Anyway, those criticisms aside, this was a decent read that I’m glad to have purchased second-hand. I will absolutely continue to support Baker Creek and their seed business, because biodiversity is critical and honestly, I just really like the idea of growing uncommon plants to eat on.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. More than I expected. The veggies and people are well photographed and while they could have a shallow 'lifestyle' vibe about them,they don't actually. Definitely garden envy worthy, but quite sincere and they do sell the Heirloom seed for them so it comes across as authentic enough and sometimes rather fabulous. Who can't admire a nice turnip? Practically speaking, each vegetable is discussed with informative sections and always how and if to accomplish the desired seed saving at the end of the season. A fun book for browsing but also useful to have around during those long winter months when plans are being made for next years crop...Which variety will you order? A good guide to tempt you to broaden your horizons. After all, if Michele Obama believes in heirloom varieties enough to grow them for her family, who are we to doubt their deliciousness?
A lovely book by a young American farm family who walks the walk. Nicely done.

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've ordered unique seeds from Baker Creek for years now so when I saw this in the library I thought it would be a good, quick flip-through but I ended up reading it cover-to-cover. I learned that I probably don't have enough patience to get seed from non-self-pollinating plants, AND I learned that many plants don't self-pollinate! Many veggies featured aren't ones I'd plant, but I may now. Plentiful photos, specific tips on planting, I should have taken notes... Great resource if you like planting from seed.

[AngelaC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a Baker Creek Seed Catalog fan since the oughties, when we moved to a house with more sun and enough land to have a front yard suburban garden. This book was more of the same - a Gettle family/Baker Creek history, some basic gardening and seed saving advice, and an A-Z plant guide.

Someday I’ll get there in person for the festival, and will visit the nearby Laura Ingalls Wilder museum as well.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who wants to learn about natural, organic, sustainable gardening and heirloom vegetables, this is the book to read! So much information! I discovered this book shortly after I discovered the heirloom vegetables and have ordered many different seeds from his company. Wonderful read for anyone into gardening.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains a wealth of information about various kinds of fruits and vegetables and advice on how to grow them, save seeds, and avoid pests and diseases. It was a fascinating read, as it also gave the history of the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, from which I recently bought seeds for my garden. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in gardening.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

a truly beautiful gardening book and more! I loved Jere's stories and info on different varieties of vegetables and growing tips....Jere and his wife started Baker Creek seeds and are passionate about organic gardening and it comes through in this book...highly recommended for gardeners!

[Shannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this book for the beginning stories of how Baker Street evolved and currently operating. Not relevant to me was the last 75% of the book which discusses how to grow vegetables. But I would recommend to budding backyard gardeners as a comprehensive guide. Stunning photographs.

[Hilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just bought seeds from the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company and was interested in the company’s history and philosophy. I got what I was looking for and as a bonus detailed planting, seed saving and cooking ideas for 50 fruits and vegetables.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of good information about raising different kinds of plants. Occasionally it was repetitive, but that probably helps retain the information

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information from one of the leading heirloom seed experts. The book begins with a narrative by Jere Gettle himself. Pull up a chair by the fire and listen to his story. An excellent read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful and informative book that should be in your library if you want to garden.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful photography

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting information for those interested in growing heirlooms in their gardens

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

a book for a seed lover.
a great one to go back to to review different varieties of common vegetables
i am definitely looking up baker creeks seed catelogue

[Kaylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the beginning of the book in which the author explains the why behind starting the seed company and needing heirloom seeds.

[Cheryl Gatling]

I picked up this book at the libary. As soon as I opened it, I knew I needed to take it home because of the gorgeous photographs. This book is like vegetable porn. Oh, my! Just look at those tomatoes, melons, and squash! I also enjoyed the text, but it was less remarkable than the pictures. Jere Gettle starts by describing how he grew up with a home-schooling, homesteading family, gardening as soon as he could walk, and starting a seed company while still in his teens. Then he traveled the world seeking rare varieties, growing his business, and getting married. He writes simply and straightforwardly, but his enthusiasm and joy shows through. There follows a section on the basics of gardening, and a section on growing each kind of vegetable. Much of that information can be read in other books, but the information on how to save seeds is the other thing (beside the photos) that makes this book special. The Gettles want to get more people growing their own vegetables however they can, but especially enjoying the intense flavors and rare colors of heirloom varieties, saving them from extinction, and preserving the genetic inheritance that is being destroyed by corporate monoculture agriculture. When I say it, it sounds stuffy. When he says it, it sounds fun.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author begins with his upbringing and his life was somewhat similar to "little house on the prairie". How he got involved in saving seeds began when he noticed his favorite seeds disappearing from catalogs.
He shares his experience in Mexico, Guadalajara, and Bangkok for the purpose of buying/saving seeds.
At the end of the book he lists foods; their history, saving seeds, how to grow the food and what to do with it in the kitchen.
Resources are also given.
I found the book to be fascinating including his trip to Bangkok which is a location I will never visit, so I was able to do so vicariously in this book. The author is also inspirational in trying other types of foods we're familiar with, but have become accustomed to one specimen i.e. try a purple potato instead of the familiar white or a yellow carrot instead of orange, etc. I know my garden will be increasing this year.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for beginners and advanced gardeners alike. Really great "How to Garden" section that isn't full of a lot of extraneous info that makes it seem overwhelming. Great A-Z section for individual vegetables. Inspirational background about how Jere Gettle got Baker Creek Seed Company started. To be honest, I didn't expect much from this book but it turned out to be a very nice surprise that it is so well done.