So many of us dream of one day becoming self-sufficient, at least in terms of our garden produce. And while one could argue it’s hardly the time of year to be thinking about it, there are far worse ways of whiling away the long winter nights than dreaming of the possibilities for self-sufficiency in the coming year. There’s no better time to start planning, and this book makes the ideal gift for anyone interested in producing and storing their own garden produce.

How to Store Your Garden Produce: The Key to Self-sufficiency by experienced smallholder Piers Warren, is the modern guide to storing and preserving your garden produce, enabling you to eat home-grown goodness all year round. The easy-to-use reference section provides storage and preservation techniques for the majority of plant produce commonly grown in gardens and allotments.

Why is storing your garden produce the key to self-sufficiency? Because with less than an acre of garden you can grow enough produce to feed a family of four for a year. But as much of the produce will ripen simultaneously in the summer, without proper storage most of it will go to waste and you’ll be off to the supermarket again. Learn simple and enjoyable techniques for storing your produce and embrace the wonderful world of self-sufficiency!

In the A-Z list of produce, each entry includes recommended varieties, suggested methods of storage and a number of recipes: everything from how to make your own cider and pickled gherkins to how to string onions and dry your own apple rings. You’ll know where your food has come from, you’ll save money, there won’t be any packaging, and you’ll be eating tasty local food whilst feeling very, very good about it!

Editor, Third Age.