Essential Bookshelf for the Self-Sufficient Life

I am just getting started with my Essential Bookshelf for the Self-Sufficient Life, but the few books that I have are really good ones (IMHO).  These books represent the basics for all of the things that I am interested in learning: gardening, baking bread, canning and cheese making.  I am always on the lookout for new books to add to my tiny collection.  If you have the time, please let me know what books you consider "essential".  Or better still, post a picture of your essential bookshelf (with readable titles, if possible) on your blog. 

Here are some pictures of what's happening on our little piece of land.  Finally, a little less chores and a little more "smelling the roses".

 Day Lilies going crazy.

New Hydrangea "Cityline - Venice"

 Front flower bed filling out.

This week's farmer's market purchase #1

Farmer's market purchase #2

Hope your weather has cooled off as much as ours.  Those 90 degree days came on a little too quickly for my taste.  Next time: Independence Day Challenge update.

Garden Status- Early June 2010

The deck container garden is coming along nicely with tomatoes, green peppers and herbs.

The garden is fully planted now and we are looking forward to eating some squash and onions later this week.

We have had a fair amount of rain over the last month, so my only concern now is staying ahead of the critters and bugs.  Last year, I lost the squash and cantaloupe to squash vine borers.  This year, I am spraying the soil and stem around each plant with insecticidal soap and I have put a small tinfoil shield on the soil around each plant.  The insecticidal soap is supposed to kill any eggs that may have been laid by the adult moth and the tin foil is supposed to confuse the moth so that it won't lay eggs in the first place.  Not sure if either idea will work, but I am giving them a shot.  I try my best to stay organic, but if pushed hard enough, I have been known to run for the nearest chemical.  If you have any additional ideas for prevention, I'd love to hear them.  Please leave a comment.