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Grow or Die: The Good Guide to Survival Gardening
What if everything collapsed tomorrow? What if the shelves on the supermarket were empty? What if you couldn't get gas for your tiller? What if you didn't stockpile fertilizer... or water? What if you've never even planted a garden in your life... and your life depended on growing your own food? Don't panic! Grow or The Good Guide to Survival Gardening has the answers. From hand tools that will till the ground better than a tractor to plans for growing all the calories you need in a crisis to easy-to-follow crop rotations that will beat the pests, this book is the cheapest insurance you can own against the crash we all know is coming sooner or later. You'll discover how to scrounge for seeds in unlikely places. How to till without a tiller. How to preserve your harvest. How to beat pests without poison. How to convert a lawn into a food factory. How to garden to survive in emergencies and crises. Expert gardener David The Good, author of the bestselling Compost The Good Guide to Extreme Composting, has written the gardening book that could one day save your life. Easy to follow and entertaining, Grow Or Die doesn't bog down in the technical details, but focuses on how you can turn your garden into a tool for survival. It's perfect for those interested in preparedness, low-tech gardening and living with a lighter, more ecologically sustaining footprint.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2015
171 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 5, 2016
David does it again. If you liked his "Compost Everything" you'll like this one. If you didn't like it, what's wrong with you?
Although he's written this for the prepper looking to survive The End Of The World As We Know It, TEOTWAWKI, his advice applies to anyone wanting to get started gardening but isn't sure how to take the first baby steps.
David helpfully leads the reader to the top of the stairs of gardening knowledge, points out the wonderful vista of growing things, and then gleefully pushes him down as a "learning experience."
If you aren't making a list of tools to find/borrow/barter/purchase and a list of crops to plant/curse over/maybe grow at the end of the book, well, we can't be friends anymore. Harsh, I know, but not any more so than the blasted landscape of TEOTWAWKI as the survivors scramble to build a Thunderdome to settle disputes and for entertainment.
What helps set this book apart from all the other gardening books out there isn't just the fact that David is certifiable or that he's a great writer, but he breaks down what hand tools you'll need for TEOTWAKI and what you'll need to grow in which climates for you to feed yourself and your family when you aren't busy fending off the mutated hordes seeking to feast on your delicious, soft, brains. There's more than just that, he packs a lot in a fairly short book, but those two topics stood out the most for me.
Follow his advice you could be saying "Bon appétit!" and not the shambling mobs of zombies as they have you for dinner.
Although he's written this for the prepper looking to survive The End Of The World As We Know It, TEOTWAWKI, his advice applies to anyone wanting to get started gardening but isn't sure how to take the first baby steps.
David helpfully leads the reader to the top of the stairs of gardening knowledge, points out the wonderful vista of growing things, and then gleefully pushes him down as a "learning experience."
If you aren't making a list of tools to find/borrow/barter/purchase and a list of crops to plant/curse over/maybe grow at the end of the book, well, we can't be friends anymore. Harsh, I know, but not any more so than the blasted landscape of TEOTWAWKI as the survivors scramble to build a Thunderdome to settle disputes and for entertainment.
What helps set this book apart from all the other gardening books out there isn't just the fact that David is certifiable or that he's a great writer, but he breaks down what hand tools you'll need for TEOTWAKI and what you'll need to grow in which climates for you to feed yourself and your family when you aren't busy fending off the mutated hordes seeking to feast on your delicious, soft, brains. There's more than just that, he packs a lot in a fairly short book, but those two topics stood out the most for me.
Follow his advice you could be saying "Bon appétit!" and not the shambling mobs of zombies as they have you for dinner.
February 6, 2017
Informative and entertaining. I'm left wondering why other gardening books don't include plans for potato guns and stills. Would've benefited from illustrations of some of the stranger tools in the hardware chapter, though.
January 3, 2016
Speaking as somebody who has been gardening for food during the past four years, anybody starting out with a garden should start here. The most important thing to do as a beginning gardener is to get growing now and not get bogged down in "gardening theory" ... think about approaching the thick gardening books and advanced techniques later once you get the basics down. In order to get the basics down and not be overwhelmed, start with "Grow or Die" - it is a no-frills and simple reference that will help you get growing now. Did I mention that the most important thing to do for a beginning gardener is to get growing now? Start with this book. If you know somebody who wants to start gardening, get them this book. Then start growing.
April 3, 2022
Oh this was a weird one. The info in it is ok. Some things are not explained well enough for a book that is about something as complex and important as survival gardening. The author grows in Florida but includes other climes so that’s well done. Some things are USA exclusive and not relevant for other countries, but it’s interesting to read how other communities do it so ok. However, also expect some talk about guns and “terrorism in the Middle East” etc, which is tiresome at times.
There was an interesting plant list so that’s ok. But there was also a long list of tools that you apparently need to have, which I’m doubtful about because I don’t have room for 30 tools and also there were no drawings, so you were forced to google 10 types of hoe (who needs 10 types of hoe??).
It's written with a lot of humour , which I found weird for a survival book but I guess it could work. The problem is that sometimes it goes too far, like literally leaving the part about growing zucchinis empty because the author finds them “gross.”
The absolute worst part about this book however is the rampant sexism in the ‘jokes.’ To mention just a few:
- “And what if I was kidnapped by the Brazilian women’s beach volleyball team and couldn’t buy gas because they made me their slave?”
- “Tomatoes are called a vegetable, but they’re actually a fruit. This is really profound and will get you extra sexy points when you casually mention it to young women in the grocery store.”
- “When you get a couple of lusty maidens stomping them in a winepress,…” (when talking about grapes’ properties that help them turn into wine or vinegar.)
Way to go to exclude female readers, out yourself as the supermarket and internet creep, and firmly add a disturbing tone to an otherwise okay and sometimes outright funny book. I’m interested to read his hardcore composting book but also hesitant to potentially have to read through more creepy jokes and half-explained info.
There was an interesting plant list so that’s ok. But there was also a long list of tools that you apparently need to have, which I’m doubtful about because I don’t have room for 30 tools and also there were no drawings, so you were forced to google 10 types of hoe (who needs 10 types of hoe??).
It's written with a lot of humour , which I found weird for a survival book but I guess it could work. The problem is that sometimes it goes too far, like literally leaving the part about growing zucchinis empty because the author finds them “gross.”
The absolute worst part about this book however is the rampant sexism in the ‘jokes.’ To mention just a few:
- “And what if I was kidnapped by the Brazilian women’s beach volleyball team and couldn’t buy gas because they made me their slave?”
- “Tomatoes are called a vegetable, but they’re actually a fruit. This is really profound and will get you extra sexy points when you casually mention it to young women in the grocery store.”
- “When you get a couple of lusty maidens stomping them in a winepress,…” (when talking about grapes’ properties that help them turn into wine or vinegar.)
Way to go to exclude female readers, out yourself as the supermarket and internet creep, and firmly add a disturbing tone to an otherwise okay and sometimes outright funny book. I’m interested to read his hardcore composting book but also hesitant to potentially have to read through more creepy jokes and half-explained info.
April 8, 2023
I love me some David the Good. From a garden perspective, one of the things I love the most is how non-dogmatic he is about all the sexy garden trends. You need a trellis? Get some sticks! You don't have money to rent a tiller? Hey here's how to double dig for same or better effect. You wish you had ways to extend your growing season without a $5k greenhouse? Oh, let's play with garden-grown microclimates! And his biggest encouragement is to just flippin' do it.
This book is more specific for plants that you will want to grow if you want to depend heavily on your garden to feed you. Prepper concept? How about an old-fashioned self-sufficiency concept? I've seen some of the reviews complaining about the amount of equipment he recommends. They aren't required. You can make do otherwise. But these will make your life easier, especially if you are getting your toes wet and can't make a huge investment. Can't afford implements? Thrift stores, Craigslist, FB Marketplace for the ones you feel would help you most.
As with many things, take what you like and leave the rest, but this book is a solid introduction to the process of taking responsibility for your food supply, and encouragement to just do it. Thanks David!
This book is more specific for plants that you will want to grow if you want to depend heavily on your garden to feed you. Prepper concept? How about an old-fashioned self-sufficiency concept? I've seen some of the reviews complaining about the amount of equipment he recommends. They aren't required. You can make do otherwise. But these will make your life easier, especially if you are getting your toes wet and can't make a huge investment. Can't afford implements? Thrift stores, Craigslist, FB Marketplace for the ones you feel would help you most.
As with many things, take what you like and leave the rest, but this book is a solid introduction to the process of taking responsibility for your food supply, and encouragement to just do it. Thanks David!
December 13, 2018
After watching and enjoying David the Good's YouTube channel for a few months, I decided to show my support for his work by purchasing kindle editions of several of his books. Whilst I did consider reading one of his books on composting first, I figured that I should give his guide to survival gardening a run.
In the weeks leading up to starting this book, I also discovered that he also collaborates on another channel on the subject of becoming self-sufficient in the event of a disaster. The book covers some of the same material. However, it goes into more detail about the pros and cons of growing certain plants.
If you are looking for an overview of survival gardening, then I highly recommend this book. The material is easy to follow, logical and coupled with his witty dialogue. Whilst it isn't a step-by-step guide, it begins by posing important questions that you need to consider when starting out. These are necessary due to regional conditions such as climate. It then expands upon this by going over pros and cons of certain tools, equipment and plants. All in all, an enjoyable and informative book.
In the weeks leading up to starting this book, I also discovered that he also collaborates on another channel on the subject of becoming self-sufficient in the event of a disaster. The book covers some of the same material. However, it goes into more detail about the pros and cons of growing certain plants.
If you are looking for an overview of survival gardening, then I highly recommend this book. The material is easy to follow, logical and coupled with his witty dialogue. Whilst it isn't a step-by-step guide, it begins by posing important questions that you need to consider when starting out. These are necessary due to regional conditions such as climate. It then expands upon this by going over pros and cons of certain tools, equipment and plants. All in all, an enjoyable and informative book.
May 17, 2021
In his typical, ultra-casual style, he gives us a basic overview of the real bare minimums you need for your victory garden. In this case, victory over societal collapse, with humor! I enjoyed it but I think I’m not expecting societal collapse to be my motivation. I just want to know how to grow things in a garden without having to be fancy, expensive, academic, or commercial. He seems to have shaken off, or perhaps never had to shake off, the disease of expert advice-givers that know so well how to make something work in their bubble of safety. The core of gardening at home economics-scale should be like this book. I don’t want to hear from Julia Child or Gordon Ramsay, I want to hear from the guy up the street who is trying to feed 5 people for cheap.
February 16, 2019
I have done a little gardening in the past, but got tired of all my vegetables getting eaten by squirrels, groundhogs, rabbits or raccoons. In this book, that's not a problem, because it's TEOTWAWKI, and all of those critters will already have become someone's dinner. Now what's for dinner is whatever you can grow in your own yard, and this book will get you started.
I am now inspired to (a) start composting, and (b) get a broadfork. (I had never heard of it before; what an awesome tool!)
A fun read, with lots to think about.
I am now inspired to (a) start composting, and (b) get a broadfork. (I had never heard of it before; what an awesome tool!)
A fun read, with lots to think about.
July 18, 2017
This is a useful book for anyone interested in growing things without a bunch of store bought chemicals and products. Basically it's super useful for anyone that wants to practically grow food. He touches on some of the most important things to do if you're trying to build a garden to survive, and how to do it without tools from Home Depot.
A must have for any prepper.
A must have for any prepper.
January 15, 2018
Very good and entertaining back to basics gardening book. The section on tools was the most useful. He also has good advice on growing plants from the grocery store, feed store, pantry, etc. The author is in FL and some of the recommendations will not work above Zone 8 or 9 but he always discloses this.
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August 2, 2022Sexy title & solid info
The topic is survival gardening but there is solid information here for any gardener. Gardening should not be expensive, and with a few well chosen hand tools, it need not be. The author recommends tools, books, plant varieties, water sourcing, fertilizers, and seed sourcing for survival in bad times. Its just good sound advice. A short and fun read.
The topic is survival gardening but there is solid information here for any gardener. Gardening should not be expensive, and with a few well chosen hand tools, it need not be. The author recommends tools, books, plant varieties, water sourcing, fertilizers, and seed sourcing for survival in bad times. Its just good sound advice. A short and fun read.
June 15, 2019
David the Good's "Good Guide" series is outstanding. With a view to growing food and supplying calories to people, this books opens up for us techniques and ideas that may be lost in the hum of gardening hobby culture. This is an excellent book for beginners as well. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2020
Helpful in hard times
Thanks for writing about gardening for surviving. This helps for us to be more independent. I'm near retirement and will be on a budget. This book gives me confidence in a pandemic. Thanks linda
Thanks for writing about gardening for surviving. This helps for us to be more independent. I'm near retirement and will be on a budget. This book gives me confidence in a pandemic. Thanks linda
January 8, 2023
funny informative easy read loaded with info
This was an easy read. Great info that can be easily comprehended. Made many highlights and will be coming back to as the season changes
This was an easy read. Great info that can be easily comprehended. Made many highlights and will be coming back to as the season changes
June 15, 2023
It was good. I bookmarked a few pertinent pages for interesting info that I will make note of to share with veggie-growing hubby. I learned a few new things and I appreciate his humor. Surprised he did not mention the organic nutrient value of growing and composting Mexican sunflowers though...
February 1, 2017
This is a fantastic book on various gardening techniques! I definitely recommend it for anyone who is interested in growing their own food.
January 20, 2018
This book does not contain as many new ideas as I was expecting. He reaped many things found in other gardening books.
March 2, 2019
This book gets you back in the garden. Nothing to prove, just try stuff out and enjoy yourself. And it's funny.
May 28, 2020
Good read like his other books but
This was a fun read but lacked a lot of detail. I was definitely entertained by his writing style and will look into some of the other materials he references.
This was a fun read but lacked a lot of detail. I was definitely entertained by his writing style and will look into some of the other materials he references.
June 10, 2020
I didn’t expect to laugh while reading a gardening book, but I did. This was great for getting me thinking long term and increasing my harvest each year.
July 22, 2020
Great Survival Handbook
Humorous yet full of information, it has everything you need to survive off the land unless you live in a literal desert.
Humorous yet full of information, it has everything you need to survive off the land unless you live in a literal desert.
August 26, 2020
Basic but informative, a sprinkling of good humor, and a great start to set you on a solid path. I'd recommend this one!
January 18, 2021
David the Good does it again. Only as difficult as you make it. I can not read his books without hearing his voice. Check out his Vlog on YouTube.
August 10, 2021
Didn’t really like the humor, but it was a quick read with a lot of useful information about growing your own food.
June 2, 2022
Funny and practical! Would benefit from copy editing and additional illustrations.
June 15, 2022
Only wish it had been longer!
May 18, 2023
Foods For Survival
Not only is this book informative about survival foods, but it is also entertaining. David's sense of humor makes it enjoyable.
Not only is this book informative about survival foods, but it is also entertaining. David's sense of humor makes it enjoyable.
July 17, 2023
Fun and quick read, very informative on gardening methods and has a plethora of resources.
February 7, 2022
Great book, entertaining and truthful
I enjoyed reading this book for the same reasons I enjoy David The Good’s YouTube channel and site - he tells you the truth, in a humorous way, and makes it seem like you, too, can grow your own food and survive.
Really. He’s believable, too.
So many garden writers take these amazing pictures of beautiful plants and scenery that look like nothing I would ever have in my yard but more like something Julia Child once described a very pretty plate from some very fancy restaurant (paraphrased) “It’s very pretty, but you know someone’s fingers have been all over it.”
Like the fancy restaurant dish, I will never have as pretty a plate of food, and like the designer garden, I will never have as pretty a garden. Mine food, like my plate, will be more like this - something easy to grow, edible, tasty, and very fresh.
Guaranteed to be better for you during a zombie apocalypse than any foo-foo fancy cooking.
I enjoyed reading this book for the same reasons I enjoy David The Good’s YouTube channel and site - he tells you the truth, in a humorous way, and makes it seem like you, too, can grow your own food and survive.
Really. He’s believable, too.
So many garden writers take these amazing pictures of beautiful plants and scenery that look like nothing I would ever have in my yard but more like something Julia Child once described a very pretty plate from some very fancy restaurant (paraphrased) “It’s very pretty, but you know someone’s fingers have been all over it.”
Like the fancy restaurant dish, I will never have as pretty a plate of food, and like the designer garden, I will never have as pretty a garden. Mine food, like my plate, will be more like this - something easy to grow, edible, tasty, and very fresh.
Guaranteed to be better for you during a zombie apocalypse than any foo-foo fancy cooking.
November 30, 2015
Growing up I remember pulling weeds, picking tomatoes, and hating every moment in my family's garden that wasn't eating strawberries. Yet, as I read "Grow or Die: Te Guide to Survival Gardening," I had this growing desire to garden. In fact, I am thinking about making a compost pile right now! David the Good not only has a way with words that is refreshing and fun but also a true love of gardening. This book was a joy to read, and I highly recommend that everyone read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews