Thinking about giving home canning a try—but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place.
Whether you’re dreaming of pantry shelves full of homemade jam or you just want to stop wasting garden tomatoes, canning is a beautiful way to slow down, save money, and feed your family well.
Here’s a gentle path to get you started, one simple step at a time.
First, get the big picture
Start here if you’re brand new to canning and want to know how it works (without getting overwhelmed).
- Canning for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Start Preserving at Home
- 20 Canning Tips for Beginners (That You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner!)
Next, choose your canning method
There are two main types of canning. The one you need depends on what you’re preserving.
- Water Bath Canning for Beginners: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Pressure Canning for Beginners: A Safe & Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Pressure Canner vs Water Bath Canner: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
Not all canning trends are safe—here’s one to avoid:
- Oven Canning – Why This is One Trend You Should AVOID!
What you’ll need to get started
Let’s keep it simple. You don’t need everything—just the basics.
- Canning Supplies Checklist for Beginners: What You Really Need to Get Started
Ready to start canning? Let’s do it safely
These are the beginner-friendly tips that will help you avoid the most common mistakes.
- Common Canning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Can I Can That? A Beginner’s Guide to What Can’t Be Canned at Home
- How to Care for Your Pressure Canner
Storing your homemade goodness
Once you’ve canned it—here’s how to store it properly so it lasts.
- How to Store Home Canned Food – Shelf Life, Temperature & Labeling Tips
Need a little local help?
There’s more help out there than you might think—especially through your local extension office.
- What Is a Local Extension Office? – And How It Can Help You With Canning and More
Remember to start small
You’re learning something your grandmother probably knew by heart—and that’s something to be proud of. Bookmark this page and come back as often as you need. You’re doing great.