There’s something deeply Canadian about planning a garden while snow piles up outside the window. As we hibernate through long winter months, seed catalogues become bedtime reading and dreams of fresh greens offer comfort against the cold. First published years ago, The Zero-Mile Diet: A Year-Around Guide to Growing Organic Food by Vancouver Island gardener Carolyn Herriot remains one of those rare books that feels just as relevant today—perhaps even more so. https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.herriot/
At its heart, The Zero-Mile Diet is about reclaiming the connection between plate and place. Herriot’s premise is simple but powerful: the most sustainable, flavourful food is grown as close to home as possible—ideally within a “zero-mile” radius of your own backyard. In an era of global supply chains and climate anxiety, this message resonates strongly with Canadian readers who understand both the fragility and resilience of local food systems.
What sets this book apart from standard gardening manuals is its year-round perspective. Herriot doesn’t just focus on the exuberance of summer harvests; she walks readers through all four seasons, offering practical advice on soil building, crop rotation, seed saving, and extending the growing season. For Canadians, this is invaluable. Short growing seasons and unpredictable weather can intimidate novice gardeners, but Herriot’s calm, encouraging tone makes the process feel achievable—even joyful.
The book is also refreshingly realistic. Herriot acknowledges that not everyone has acres of land or perfect soil. She includes guidance for small plots, urban gardens, and backyard experiments, making it accessible whether you’re gardening in rural Nova Scotia or a suburban lot outside Calgary. Her emphasis on organic methods—composting, nurturing soil health, and working with nature rather than against it—aligns beautifully with Canada’s growing interest in sustainable living.
From a foodie perspective, The Zero-Mile Diet shines in its celebration of flavour. Herriot writes with obvious love for food, reminding readers that freshly harvested vegetables don’t just reduce food miles; they taste better. There’s a quiet pleasure in her descriptions of homegrown salads, root vegetables pulled from the ground, and meals shaped by what’s in season. While this isn’t a traditional cookbook, it will absolutely change the way you think about cooking—encouraging you to let the garden, not the grocery store, dictate the menu. Check out Carolyn’s video on the winter food garden:
Scattered throughout the book are snippets of recipes that brings your garden yield into the kitchen. Take the winter squash. Carolyn tells us: “I consider winter squash a vital part of our diet. When left to mature on the vine before they are brought inside, they will store through the winter. All squash are an excellent source of fibre and low in calories.” She also provides her Squash Rings with Honey Glaze in our Recipe section. An older recipe but you can update it by playing with the glaze ingredients, especially the spices.
Another strength is the book’s gentle philosophy. Herriot avoids preachiness, instead inviting readers into a mindset of curiosity and care. Growing food becomes not a moral obligation, but a meaningful act—one that builds resilience, reduces environmental impact, and deepens our relationship with the land. For Canadians reflecting on food security and sustainability, this feels especially timely. Get your guide now and start planning the garden of your dreams at https://harbourpublishing.com/products/9781550174816 or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
Ultimately, The Zero-Mile Diet is more than a gardening guide; it’s a companion for anyone dreaming of a more grounded, seasonal way of eating. As winter lingers and garden plans take shape, this “oldie” deserves a spot on every Canadian foodie’s reading list—proof that some ideas don’t age, they ripen.
Contents and images used with permission from The Zero-Mile Diet: A Year-Round Guide to Growing Organic Food, Carolyn Herriot, 2010, Harbour Publishing. https://harbourpublishing.com/products/9781550174816