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Resources

Learn, Grow, and Dig Deeper

At Dog Drum Seed Supply, we believe growing food should be rooted in wisdom, observation, and respect for the land. Whether you’re just starting out or continuing a lifelong journey with plants, these resources reflect the voices that inspire our work—pioneers of natural farming, no-till gardening, soil biology, and food sovereignty.

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We’ve gathered books, films, videos, and educators who challenge the status quo and offer practical, time-tested ways to grow in harmony with nature. Explore at your own pace and remember: your attention is your most powerful tool.

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Natural Farming

Masanobu Fukuoka

Masanobu Fukuoka (1913–2008) was a Japanese farmer, microbiologist, and philosopher best known for pioneering the concept of natural farming, also referred to as "do-nothing farming". His revolutionary methods emerged as a radical alternative to both industrial agriculture and conventional organic farming.

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Fukuoka began his career as a scientist working in agricultural research, but a profound personal awakening led him to question modern assumptions about food production. He returned to his family farm in Shikoku, Japan, where he spent decades refining a holistic, low-intervention method of growing food that aligns with the natural processes of the land.

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Core Principles of Natural Farming

Fukuoka’s method rests on four core principles, which challenge many deeply entrenched agricultural practices:

  • No Tilling: Soil is not plowed or disturbed, allowing natural soil structure, microbial life, and mycorrhizal networks to thrive.

  • No Chemical Fertilizers or Prepared Compost: Soil fertility is maintained through cover crops, natural decomposition, and returning organic matter to the field.

  • No Weeding by Tillage or Herbicides: Weeds are suppressed using ground cover plants, straw mulch, and natural competition—rather than eradicated.

  • No Dependence on Pesticides: A balanced ecosystem is fostered to minimize pest outbreaks; biodiversity is seen as essential to resilience.

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Philosophy and Practice

Natural farming is not merely a technique but a way of seeing and interacting with the world. Fukuoka emphasized the importance of observation, humility, and trust in nature's wisdom, arguing that much of humanity's intervention stems from arrogance or fear. His fields were richly diverse, with rice and barley rotated and interplanted with white clover and vegetables, creating a self-sustaining, regenerative system.

Rather than aiming for control or maximum output, Fukuoka sought to cooperate with natural cycles—reducing labor, inputs, and ecological harm while improving long-term soil health and nutrition.

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Influence and Legacy

Fukuoka’s approach has had a profound influence on movements such as permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and agroecology. His teachings continue to inspire farmers, gardeners, and activists worldwide who seek to cultivate food systems based on ecological harmony, simplicity, and resilience.

His seminal book, The One-Straw Revolution (1975), blends practical insights with poetic reflections on life, nature, and society. It remains a cornerstone text in sustainable agriculture.

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Suggested Resources​

Book: The One-Straw Revolution

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Videos & Documentaries

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No Work Gardening

Ruth Stout

Ruth Stout (1884–1980) was an American gardener, author, and outspoken advocate of a simple, hands-off approach to food production that she called the “no-work” method, now widely known as the deep mulch method. Her approach emerged not from theory or tradition, but from a moment of pure frustration: one year, when her plowman failed to show up, she began spreading hay directly over her garden soil—and never looked back.

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Core Practices of the No-Work Method

At its heart, Stout’s method is refreshingly simple and ruthlessly practical. It relies on continuous, heavy mulching to handle the majority of gardening tasks:

  • 8+ Inches of Mulch: A thick layer of hay, straw, or other organic material is kept on the soil year-round to smother weeds, preserve moisture, and feed the soil.

  • No Tilling: The soil is never turned. Instead, mulch protects and supports the life within it, from earthworms to microbes.

  • No Weeding: Persistent mulch prevents most weed growth, and what does appear can be easily pulled due to the loose soil underneath.

  • No Fertilizers: As the mulch breaks down, it enriches the soil naturally with organic matter and nutrients.

  • No Watering (in many cases): The thick mulch acts like a sponge, dramatically reducing the need for irrigation in most climates.

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Philosophy and Voice

Stout’s gardening philosophy was grounded in trusting nature and refusing unnecessary labor. She believed many gardening chores were simply habits passed down without question—and she questioned all of them. Her method was not only efficient but empowering, especially for those with physical limitations, limited time, or a desire to reconnect with gardening in a more intuitive, joyful way.

Beyond her technique, Ruth Stout was beloved for her sharp wit, humor, and common-sense tone. She wrote with the voice of a seasoned friend, offering advice with clarity and charm, often challenging readers to stop overthinking and start observing.

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Influence and Legacy

Stout’s ideas predated and influenced modern no-till, regenerative, and natural gardening movements. Her work emphasized soil health, low-impact methods, and the benefits of letting nature do the heavy lifting. Many gardeners who later encountered permaculture or Fukuoka’s natural farming found Ruth’s method to be an accessible and relatable gateway.

She also advocated for autonomy in gardening—encouraging people to trust their own experiences and avoid blindly following experts or tradition.

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Suggested Resources
  • Book: Gardening Without Work: For the Aging, the Busy, and the Indolent – a classic that blends practical advice with personal stories and humor.

  • Video: Ruth Stout’s Garden (YouTube) – a short documentary where she shares her philosophy and shows her thriving garden in action.

Natural Farming

John Kaisner

John Kaisner is an American-born permaculture designer, educator, and practitioner who has become a prominent figure in the global natural farming movement. Known as “The Natural Farmer,” Kaisner blends the philosophies of Masanobu Fukuoka with hands-on, practical guidance tailored to diverse climates and landscapes.

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Background & Philosophy

Kaisner began his career as an architect, holding a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He completed projects in cities like Paris, New York, Los Angeles, and India. However, seeking a deeper connection with nature, he transitioned into permaculture and natural farming. His journey led him to India, where he learned natural farming techniques from tribal villagers—teachers who also influenced renowned Indian natural farmers Bhaskar Save and Subhash Palekar.

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Kaisner emphasizes that nature is the ultimate teacher, advocating for observation and imitation of natural processes in farming practices.

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Global Projects & Teaching

In India, Kaisner worked on various community-based projects, including groundwater recharge, constructing clay stoves, and teaching villagers how to grow food using zero-budget natural farming techniques. He also developed a food forest in a floodplain, demonstrating how to cultivate productive land in challenging environments. 

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Since 2017, Kaisner has been based in Sicily, Italy, where he and his wife transformed a 27,000 m² plot of abandoned land into a thriving permaculture farm. The site features six small ponds, over 150 fruit and nut trees of more than 90 species, and operates entirely on harvested rainwater without any connection to municipal water sources. 

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Kaisner offers various educational programs, including fully accredited Permaculture Design Courses (PDCs), both onsite in Sicily and online. He also provides specialized courses for architects and engineers, integrating permaculture principles into design practices.

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Educational Content

Kaisner shares his knowledge through his YouTube channel, The Natural Farmer, which features a wide array of instructional videos on topics such as drought-resistant planting, rainwater harvesting, and permaculture design strategies. His videos have been viewed in over 80 countries, accumulating more than 10 million minutes of watch time .

 

YouTubeJohn Kaisner

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Notable videos include:

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Further Resources

Kaisner's work exemplifies the integration of natural farming principles with practical, sustainable solutions tailored to various environmental contexts.

Soil Food Web

Dr. Elaine Ingham

Dr. Elaine Ingham is a pioneering soil microbiologist and educator renowned for her groundbreaking work on the Soil Food Web: a concept that revolutionized our understanding of soil ecosystems. Her research emphasizes the intricate relationships among soil organisms and their critical role in maintaining soil health and fertility.

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Background & Contributions

Dr. Ingham earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology from Colorado State University in 1981, focusing on soil biology. Throughout her career, she has held academic positions at institutions such as Oregon State University and has served as the Chief Scientist at the Rodale Institute.

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Her seminal work introduced the concept of the Soil Food Web, detailing the complex network of microorganisms including: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and others that interact within the soil to support plant growth and ecosystem resilience. This holistic perspective has shifted agricultural practices towards more sustainable and regenerative methods.

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The Soil Food Web Approach

Dr. Ingham's Soil Food Web Approach advocates for restoring and maintaining a balanced soil ecosystem to enhance plant health and productivity. Key principles include:

  • Eliminating Chemical Inputs: Reducing or removing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to prevent disruption of soil microbial communities.

  • Utilizing Compost and Liquids: Applying composts rich in diverse microorganisms to replenish and support the soil food web.

  • Monitoring Soil Biology: Regularly assessing soil microbial populations to guide management decisions and ensure a thriving soil ecosystem.

Implementing these practices can lead to increased crop yields, improved soil structure, enhanced nutrient cycling, and greater resilience against pests and diseases.

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Understanding Plant Succession and Soil Biology Succession

One of the most important concepts Dr. Ingham emphasizes is the relationship between soil biological succession and plant succession.

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In natural ecosystems, plants appear in a predictable sequence over time—from pioneer species like weeds and grasses, to shrubs, then to long-lived trees in mature forests. What many don’t realize is that each stage of plant succession is matched by changes in the microbial life of the soil.

  • Early successional plants (like weeds and annual vegetables) thrive in bacteria-dominated soils.

  • Mid- to late-successional plants (like perennials, bushes, and trees) prefer fungal-dominated soils.

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Dr. Ingham teaches that by managing the soil food web, growers can steer the ecosystem toward the type of vegetation they want to support. This understanding is foundational to designing resilient agricultural systems without synthetic inputs.

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“You get the plants you want when you have the biology those plants require.” – Dr. Elaine Ingham

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Educational Resources

Dr. Ingham shares her expertise through various platforms:

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These resources provide in-depth insights into soil ecology and practical guidance for implementing soil food web practices.

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Dr. Ingham's work has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agriculture by highlighting the importance of nurturing the soil's living ecosystem. Her teachings continue to inspire a global movement towards regenerative farming practices that prioritize soil health and environmental stewardship.​

No Dig Gardening

Charles Dowding

Charles Dowding is a British horticulturist, author, and educator renowned for pioneering the modern no-dig gardening method. Since the early 1980s, he has championed this approach, which emphasizes minimal soil disturbance and the use of organic mulches to enhance soil health and plant productivity.

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The No-Dig Gardening Method

Dowding's no-dig technique involves layering organic matter, such as compost, directly onto the soil surface without turning or tilling. This method preserves soil structure, promotes beneficial microbial activity, and reduces weed growth. By mimicking natural processes, no-dig gardening fosters a thriving ecosystem beneath the soil, leading to healthier plants and more abundant harvests.

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Publications

Charles Dowding has authored numerous books that delve into the principles and practices of no-dig gardening. Some of his notable works include:

  • Organic Gardening: The Natural No-Dig Way

  • No Dig Organic Home & Garden

  • Charles Dowding's Veg Journal

  • Skills for Growing: All About The Garden

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These publications offer practical guidance for gardeners of all levels, emphasizing sustainable techniques and year-round cultivation.

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Online Presence

Dowding actively shares his expertise through his YouTube channel, where he provides tutorials, garden tours, and insights into no-dig practices. His videos cover topics such as composting, bed preparation, and seasonal planting strategies.

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Homeacres Garden

Based in Somerset, England, Dowding's Homeacres garden serves as a living demonstration of no-dig principles. On this site, he conducts experiments, hosts workshops, and showcases the productivity achievable through his methods. The garden exemplifies how no-dig practices can lead to efficient, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing vegetable production.

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For more information, resources, and to explore his range of books and courses, visit Charles Dowding's official website.

Permaculture Design

Geoff Lawton

Geoff Lawton (b. December 10, 1954) is a British-born Australian permaculture consultant, educator, and designer renowned for his extensive work in ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture. A protégé of Bill Mollison, the co-founder of permaculture, Lawton has played a pivotal role in advancing permaculture principles globally.

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Career and Contributions

Since 1985, Lawton has undertaken numerous projects in over 30 countries, focusing on permaculture education, design, and implementation. His clients range from private individuals to governments and NGOs. In 1997, at Mollison's request, he established and directed the Permaculture Research Institute (PRI) on Tagari Farm, later relocating it to Zaytuna Farm in The Channon, New South Wales.

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Lawton's aim is to establish self-replicating educational demonstration sites. He has educated over 15,000 students worldwide through Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) courses and other training programs. 

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Notable Projects

  • Greening the Desert: In Jordan's Dead Sea Valley, Lawton transformed arid land into productive agricultural terrain using permaculture techniques. 

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  • Zaytuna Farm: Serving as PRI's home, this 66-acre property functions as a permaculture demonstration site and education center. 

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Educational Initiatives

Lawton offers comprehensive permaculture education through various platforms:

  • Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC): A foundational course covering sustainable design principles.

  • Online Courses: Accessible training programs for global audiences.

  • Workshops and Seminars: Hands-on learning experiences at Zaytuna Farm and other locations.

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His educational efforts aim to empower individuals and communities to implement sustainable practices.

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Media and Publications

Lawton has produced several influential films and publications:

  • Films:

    • Harvesting Water the Permaculture Way (2007)

    • Establishing a Food Forest (2008)

    • Greening the Desert II (2009)

    • Permaculture Soils (2010)

    • Urban Permaculture (2011)

  • Publications:

    • Brick and Tile Permaculture

    • Permaculture Aid in the Balkans

    • Future Food Security

These works serve as educational resources for those interested in sustainable living.

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Online Presence

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Through these platforms, Lawton shares insights, tutorials, and updates on permaculture practices.

Geoff Lawton's dedication to permaculture has significantly influenced sustainable agriculture and ecological restoration practices worldwide.

Food Sovereignty

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Self Reliance

Wilma Mankiller
Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation 1985–1995

Wilma Mankiller was a visionary leader, activist, and community organizer who made history as the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Her tenure (1985–1995) marked a transformative era focused on Indigenous sovereignty, community empowerment, and cultural revitalization including the restoration of traditional Cherokee agricultural practices.

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Core Contributions

Mankiller’s leadership was deeply rooted in the belief that strong communities grow from within. Her projects and philosophies emphasized:

  • Empowering Communities: She launched dozens of self-help initiatives, enabling Cherokee citizens to build their own homes, schools, and infrastructure.

  • Revitalizing Traditional Foodways: Mankiller championed the return to traditional Cherokee agriculture and food systems as a path to both physical and cultural health.

  • Advocating for Indigenous Rights: As a national figure, she worked tirelessly for the rights of Native nations, particularly regarding self-determination and tribal governance.

  • Elevating Women's Leadership: Her election inspired a new generation of Indigenous women leaders, helping to break long-standing gender barriers in tribal politics.

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Legacy and Recognition

Mankiller received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., and remains a symbol of Indigenous resilience and leadership. Her name and work continue to inspire both policy reform and grassroots movements aimed at restoring land, health, and sovereignty.

 

Media & Key Resources

  • Wikipedia – Wilma Mankiller
    A comprehensive biography detailing her early life, activism, and time as Principal Chief.

  • Great Tribal Leaders of Modern Times – University of Arizona
    Focuses on her leadership style and her pivotal role in advancing tribal governance and self-reliance.

  • The Cherokee Word for Water (2013)
    A dramatized film chronicling Mankiller’s work bringing clean water to rural Bell, Oklahoma. The project became a symbol of what Indigenous-led community development can achieve.
     

Back to Eden Gardening

Paul Gautschi

Paul Gautschi is the founder of the Back to Eden Gardening method, a regenerative, no-till approach to growing food that mimics the self-sustaining conditions of a forest floor. Based in Washington State, Gautschi developed his method after years of struggling with poor, compacted soil. His breakthrough came from observing how forest ecosystems thrive without human intervention, irrigation, or chemical inputs.

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Core Principles of Back to Eden Gardening

Back to Eden Gardening centers on building soil health by covering and protecting it, rather than disturbing or feeding it directly. The key principles include:

  • Deep Organic Mulch: A thick layer of wood chips (or other organic matter) is applied over the soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and feed the soil as it decomposes.

  • No Tilling: Soil is never turned or disrupted, allowing natural structure, fungal networks, and soil life to thrive.

  • Water Conservation: The mulch mimics the forest floor’s natural sponge effect, drastically reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation.

  • Soil Regeneration: As mulch breaks down, it creates nutrient-rich, aerated soil that continues to improve year after year.

  • Faith-Based Philosophy: Gautschi credits divine inspiration for his methods, often describing the garden as a reflection of spiritual design and natural harmony.

This method produces nutrient-dense crops with little effort and no synthetic fertilizers, working with nature instead of against it.

 

Philosophy and Impact

Gautschi's approach aligns with core regenerative principles: observe, mimic, trust, and nourish. He emphasizes feeding the soil, not the plant, and trusting natural systems to create balance. His work resonates especially with home gardeners, homesteaders, and small-scale growers looking for a low-maintenance, spiritually grounded system that yields results.

Back to Eden gardening has influenced the broader movement of no-till, permaculture-aligned food production, offering a simple, accessible entry point for beginners and a powerful reminder of nature’s abundance for experienced growers.

 

Resources & Learning

  • Website: Back to Eden Film - Free full-length documentary and instructional materials

  • YouTube Channel: Paul Gautschi – Back to Eden Interview - A direct walkthrough of his method and garden

  • Film: Back to Eden (2011) - An award-winning documentary showcasing Gautschi’s garden and philosophy, available to stream or download from the official site.

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