The Veganic Grower’s Handbook

“Back in 2014, when Jimmy helped promote Cowspiracy’s eastern Canadian tour, I learned of the veganic farm project, La Ferme de l’Aube. It was my hope that an eventual book would transpire. By the grace of their (Mélanie and Jimmy’s) efforts, they are spreading the message of veganic growing, and shining the light on the suffering of the old ways of farming and transforming the evolution of small-scale compassionate farming. The Veganic Grower’s Handbook is a step-by-step guidebook to a multitude of tools anyone can use to shift to a completely 100% plant-based system.”
—Kip Andersen, co-director of Cowspiracy and What the Health and founder of AUM Films
 
“Mindful gardening can save the world and the way we garden affects the healthfulness of our food. Jimmy Videle knows this! His book is a guide to feed ourselves in a gentle way that allows other organisms to simply live. It also helps us to be better humans, delve more deeply, and ask questions about even “natural” and “organic” gardening inputs and practices. He helps us understand that when looked at closely, many of the inputs and practices we take for granted actually have a huge impact on our planet. Jimmy shows us that we can eat well, connect with the natural world, and be kind to all living things. What a relief!”
—Helen Atthowe, Woodleaf Farm, and author of Farming as If Ecological Relationships Mattered
 
“I wish this book had been available back when I was studying organic farming! With his rich knowledge and experience acquired over 20 years of farming, Jimmy Videle shares everything you need to know about the importance of growing food without animal inputs and how to do it. The Veganic Grower’s Handbook covers all aspects of growing produce and gives a head start for anyone interested in growing their own food or starting a commercial farm. For us at the Veganic Agriculture Network, this book is particularly valuable, since it’s a new reference for gardeners and farmers in cold Northern climates. And proof that veganic growing is not only possible in our region, but more ethical, economical and ecological than other farming approaches. We’re grateful to Jimmy for writing this useful and comprehensive resource. His long-time commitment to animals and the planet will have far-reaching benefits for everyone.”
—Stéphane Groleau, Veganic Agriculture Network
 
“The Veganic Grower’s Handbook is a shining example of how we can grow our food while reestablishing biodiversity, treading lightly on the planet, and extending an ethos of kindness to all species. Beyond being a powerful how-to guide for new and experienced growers, it’s a reminder that we’re active participants in the wider ecosystem upon which we all depend.”
—Meghan Kelly, Learn Veganic
 
“In maintaining this fundamental status quo in agriculture–the exploitation of other animals–the food and small farming movements have reproduced some of the problems they have purported to solve. The value of this book goes beyond its practical teachings–it is a testament that we can move on from animal exploitation, that veganic methods can yield healthy and abundant food while allowing us to liberate land for rewilding, and that ultimately this world can be one of abundance. Jimmy Videle has written not only a clear and accessible guide for veganic growing, but for a revolution.”
—Nassim Nobari, co-founder of Seed the Commons and Veganic World “As we confront the thorny issue of climate change, we are obligated to look for means of reducing the impact humans have on the environment, especially through conventional, animal-based agriculture. Veganic cultivation emerges as the most planet-friendly solution to growing our food. Drawing upon his rich experiences of both conventional and organic cultivation in several climates, followed by years of veganic cultivation, Jimmy Videle writes persuasively and engagingly about the crucial importance of a whole-system approach that respects the natural world in all its diversity. His book offers a thorough practical guide to anyone wishing to embrace not only a wise but a compassionate lifestyle.”
—Catherine Perry, PhD, University of Notre Dame
 
“The Veganic Grower’s Handbook is an essential resource for independent cruelty-free gardening. Drawing on a quarter century of farming expertise, Jimmy Videle explains how to cultivate healthy ecosystems of edible plants and also clearly details the natural science that makes these methods work. A good choice for those looking to enrich their relationship to plants and the web of life that supports them.”
—Margaret Robinson, PhD; Coordinator, Indigenous Studies Program
 
“With CO2 emissions escalating, conventional and animal agriculture practices continue to be the dominant drivers. We are fast in need of solid solutions. The Veganic Grower’s Handbook paints a sustainable picture of eliminating exploitation, yet increasing productivity. The potential of small-scale gardening and farming revolutionizes the very way we feed ourselves and nourishes all floral and faunal life in the process. This is an exceptional resource at a critical moment in our history.”
—Dave Simon, author of Meatonomic$
 
“The way that modern day agriculture functions resemble an apocalyptic science-fiction novel. Billions of land animals exploited, lands desertified and waters turned toxic from chemicals and manures. It is past time for a renewal. Jimmy Videle’s, The Veganic Grower’s Handbook is the breath of life that provides the tools, techniques, insight and vision for human change through small-scale fruit, vegetable and herb growing, that the entirety of Earth’s floral and faunal collective deserves.”
—Casey Taft, PhD, Boston University School of Medicine, vegan author and publisher