Publications
The forest home gardens of the Malnad hold rich traditions of food, seeds and ecological knowledge passed down across generations. Through books, reports and digital publications in Kannada and English, Vanastree has documented and shared these traditions, while also creating practical resources on home gardening, biodiversity and ecological living for a wider audience.
BOOKS IN PRINT
ಹಿತ್ತಲ ಸುತ್ತಲೂ ( Hithalu Suthalu ) 2026
ಮಲೆನಾಡ ಕೃಷೋಟ ಕೃಷಿಡಿ (Malnad Home Garden Handbook)
This 248 page richly illustrated handbook brings together forest home gardening wisdom from the women seed savers and gardeners of Malnad — soil to seed, water to wellbeing, medicinal plants, food traditions, and step-by-step guidance for growing food at home in most areas of the Indian sub-continent and beyond. 2026.
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Grow A Garden (4th Edition ) 2026
sowing , growing and harvesting tips
A handy little graphic guide for the amateur and professional gardener in rural and urban areas. Fourth edition. 2026.
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Rooted in Mysuru 2026
A Garden Resource Directory
A practical guide to gardening in and around Mysuru, featuring local resources, trusted suppliers and seasonal tips for creating healthy, thriving gardens.
(coming soon)
E-BOOKS
Nelli 2011 (Kannada)
A collection of Indian gooseberry (amla) recipes, folklore and traditional knowledge from the Malnad and other regions of India.
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Nelli 2011 (English)
A collection of Indian gooseberry (amla) recipes, folklore and traditional knowledge from the Malnad and other regions of India.
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Gardens of Growth 2015 (English)
A guide to organic, open-pollinated seeds, produce and value-added products grown by gardeners, farmers and craftspeople around Sirsi.
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Seed Savers' Guide 2015
A practical guide to saving open-pollinated seeds, helping gardeners conserve and share seed diversity for future generations.
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Tuber Report 2017
A brief introduction to traditional edible tubers, exploring their cultural significance, nutritional value and potential for revival as resilient food crops.
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Voices for Green Choices 2015
A guide to the toxic effects of common household products and safe alternatives. Covers home cleaning, cosmetics and personal care, garden, children and pet care. Contains several DIY recipes.
Read BookRESEARCH PAPERS & REPORTS
Deforestation in Uttara Kannada District – Karnataka, India 2006
A report examining the causes of forest loss in Uttara Kannada, drawing on the advocacy work of Parisara Samrakshana Kendra.
A Spatial Analysis of Plant Diversity in Forest Home Gardens of the Western Ghats, India 2013(English)
A baseline study of plant diversity, species richness and composition in forest home gardens across the Western Ghats.
A Spatial Analysis of Plant Diversity in Forest Home Gardens of the Western Ghats, India (French)
A baseline study of plant diversity, species richness and composition in forest home gardens across the Western Ghats.
Faunal Diversity in Forest Home Gardens of the Malnad, India 2006 (French)
A baseline survey of butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals in forest home gardens around Sirsi.