I received a review copy of The Preserver’s Garden: How to Grow a Garden for Fermenting, Canning, Pickling, Dehydrating, Freeze Drying and More in October, 2025. I was interested to see how the authors, Staci and Jeremy Hill approached the subject.

I’ve read a lot of books about preserving, and books about gardening, but to see these two subjects covered in one book together made me curious. Read on for my review.

Why I Like This Book

I was prepared for yet another gardening book with basic growing instructions for a selection of crops. Instead, the Hills present concrete advice for how many plants to grow per person with preservation in mind. They have 6 children, so it’s safe to say they have figured out how much kids and adults eat in a year.

They focus on the techniques they use at Goosberry Bridge Farm, where the family of 8 grow most of their food. They also share plenty of advice on the best preservation method for each crop.

Reality Check

I also appreciated their honesty about what they buy to supplement their farm yield. There is no shame in buying in bulk, and I like that they support locals in their area for items they either can’t or don’t have room to grow. With a special nod to bartering and trading, the Hill’s present a realistic picture of what it’s like to live off the land, with the benefits of community and grocery stores.

So many folks start out gardening with the intention of growing all of their food in a 4×6 square-foot bed. The Preserver’s Garden beautifully illustrates what it really takes to do that. It shares the highs and lows, and what the Hills have learned along the way. That’s worth reading in and of itself.

Storage Envy & Freeze Dryers

I’ve said it before that I’d kill for a root cellar. After reading this book, I want a freeze-dryer more than just about anything. They are pricey, but if you have room for a mini-fridge, they fit in about the same space. If it eliminates food waste due to lack of freezer or fridge space, it’s worth the investment, IMHO.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed reading this book and found it to be a useful addition to any gardener’s bookshelf. Grab a copy and plan your garden based on the Hill’s recommendations, and you will have a more abundant pantry in the years to come.