
We frequently get questions from people who are curious to learn more about permaculture. Until we create more online CPR-based resources, we can at least share some of the books, videos and other resources we have found to be helpful in learning various aspects of permaculture. Obviously there are a huge amount of great resources out there on permaculture, most of which we have never encountered, so this list really just scratches the surface. I try to provide only one or two works by a particular creator but if you like that person’s work, explore other things they have written/made. Check back every now and again as this list will be updated regularly as we discover new content! If you have any good ideas for this list, drop us a message and we will check them out when we have time. Also feel free to send us books and videos you would like us to read and watch!
DISCLAIMER: The worldview represented in a number of these resources are secular and do not reflect the worldview or philosophy of the St. Spyridon Center. For more on our perspective, see the above link to CPR. However, just because something doesn’t mention God explicitly doesn’t mean He isn’t present in some way implicitly (true stewardship and permaculture always points back to God somehow), and we can use secular resources to learn and help us develop content that gives Him the glory! It is also worth noting that we may not agree with every single idea presented in every one of these resources so take this list with a grain of salt!
Updated 8/28/2025
Books
~ General ~
- Apostolic Farming by Catherine Dougherty
- The Independent Farmstead by Shawn and Beth Dougherty
- You Can Farm by Joel Salatin
- The Liturgy of the Land: Cultivating a Catholic Homestead by Jason Craig and Thomas Van Horn
- Better Off: Flipping The Switch On Technology by Eric Brende
- Building a Better World in Your Backyard Instead of Being Angry at Bad Guys by Paul Wheaton
~How-To~
- Principles of Ecological Design by Art Ludwig
- The Hand-Sculpted House by Ianto Evans, Michael Smith, and Linda Smiley
- The Rocket Mass Heater Builder’s Guide by Ernie and Erica Wisner
- Create An Oasis With Greywater by Art Ludwig
- Water Storage by Art Ludwig
- How to Build a Solar CITIES IBC Tank Biodigester by Thomas Culhane and Janice Kelsey
- The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone
- Polyface Designs by Joel Salatin and Chris Slattery
- Polyface Micro by Joel Salatin
- The Humanure Handbook by Joseph Jenkins
Videos/Movies
- Folks This Ain’t Normal by Joel Salatin
- The Lunatic Farmer by Angel Studios
- On The Anatomy of Thrift by Brandon Sheard
- The Biggest Little Farm is available to rent online (Google, Amazon, etc.)
- Any of the permaculture content from Possible Media
- Back to Eden Gardening by Paul Gautschi. Website here.
- Permaculture in the Alpine Region by Sepp Holzer
- Mark Shepherd’s tour of New Forest Farms by Justin Rhodes
- We love so many of Kirsten Dirksen‘s videos but this one about the priest is our favorite
- The Great American Farm Tour by Justin Rhodes
- Geoff Lawton’s permaculture techniques in the desert
- More permaculture techniques in the desert
