The USDA Farmers' Bulletins represent one of the most ambitious public education projects in American history. Beginning in 1889, the government published free bulletins on every conceivable agricultural topic, from "How to Grow Tomatoes" to "The Home Vegetable Garden" to "Canning Fruits and Vegetables at Home."
Practical, Research-Based Advice
Each bulletin was written by experts at agricultural experiment stations, drawing on the latest research. But they were written for ordinary farmers and gardeners, not scientists. The goal was to make scientific agriculture accessible to everyone.
What You'll Find
The bulletins cover:
- Vegetable and fruit cultivation
- Food preservation (canning, drying, storage)
- Pest and disease control
- Soil preparation and fertilization
- Poultry and livestock care
- Home improvement and rural life
Using the Collection
The sheer number of bulletins can be overwhelming. Browse by topic on Archive.org to find bulletins on specific subjects. Many bulletins have been digitized and are freely available for reading and download.
