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

Hithala Suthalu book cover

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 book cover

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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Grow A Garden book cover

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

Grow A Garden book cover

Banana Bonanza 2011 (Kannada)

Malnad recipes celebrating local varieties of banana.

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Grow A Garden book cover

Bamboo Shoot 2020 (Kannada)

Heirloom bamboo shoot recipes from the Malnad.

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Grow A Garden book cover

Ladoos and Pickles 2020 (Kannada)

Heirloom recipes from the Malnad.

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Grow A Garden book cover

Mango 2020 (Kannada)

Heirloom mango recipes from the Malnad.

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Grow A Garden book cover

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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Grow A Garden book cover

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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Grow A Garden book cover

Oryza 2011 (Kannada with English recipe list)

Heirloom rice recipes from the Malnad.

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Grow A Garden book cover

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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Grow A Garden book cover

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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Grow A Garden book cover

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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Grow A Garden book cover

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.

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RESEARCH 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.