Start Here: Canning for Beginners

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).

Next, choose your canning method

There are two main types of canning. The one you need depends on what you’re preserving.

Not all canning trends are safe—here’s one to avoid:

What you’ll need to get started

Let’s keep it simple. You don’t need everything—just the basics.

Ready to start canning? Let’s do it safely

These are the beginner-friendly tips that will help you avoid the most common mistakes.

Storing your homemade goodness

Once you’ve canned it—here’s how to store it properly so it lasts.

Need a little local help?

There’s more help out there than you might think—especially through your local extension office.

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.

Browse all of our canning guides and tips