the garden tool handbook: for serious gardeners to small-scale farmers

Level up your growing with the right tool for every job

Searching for effective, economical ways to level up your growing? The Garden Tool Handbook is the essential guide to choosing the right hand tool for the right job at the right time, and maximizing quality, efficiency, and profitability on your farm, homestead, or market garden.

Carefully selected garden equipment is the first line of defense against pests, weeds, and drought; a helping hand at all stages of cultivation; and your greatest ally in crop management. Edible ecosystem expert Zach Loeks reveals the valuable information you need to optimize productivity including:

• How to ensure a smooth workflow and prevent labor bottlenecks by understanding the garden operation cycle from planting to harvest
• The advantages of tackling repetitive seasonal tasks with hand tools, such as ergonomic benefits, increased output, and more enjoyment
• Multifunctional equipment and professional tool systems for every operation from start-up to pro grower How smart, timely tool acquisitions can provide a high return on investment and improve your bottom line
• Case studies, farm use scenarios, maintenance and storage guidelines, pro tips, and more.

The future of food is small-scale agriculture, and innovative, affordable garden implements adapted to specific crops, environments, and production styles are the key to revolutionizing our food system. This richly illustrated, full-color resource is a must-read for serious gardeners, professional growers, edible landscapers, and anyone who wants to grow better.

Zach Loeks is an educator, speaker, grower, second-generation permaculture designer, and innovator of edible ecosystem design. He holds an honors degree in Human Environment and is director of the Ecosystem Solution Institute, where he consults widely with homes, farms, colleges, schools, and municipalities, helping people create more edible and diverse farms, gardens, and landscapes while enhancing food security, community well-being, and societal resilience. He is also the core instructor at EcosystemU.com where he delivers the Edible Property Design Master Course. Zach manages an award-winning farm featuring diversified food-forest products, heirloom garlic, and a hardy tree nursery. His innovations have earned him three provincial awards. He is the author of The Two-Wheel Tractor Handbook , The Edible Ecosystem Solution , and The Permaculture Market Garden . Zach lives in Cobden, Ontario.