GP, Gardener, Radical Progressive
I read the first book and I think it is the first time in decades that I have encountered actual sci-fi concepts that weren’t a reworking of ideas that have been around for decades.
It’s not a character driven novel but the characters are fine, mostly they’re not that likeable - which in my opinion is not a reason to dislike a story - and I think they probably lose something in translation. When I was a teenager I devoured Asimov, Phillip K Dick, Heinlein etc for the concepts, compared to them the characters in 3 Body are masterfully written.
I haven’t yet read the second book as I found the first few chapters a bit of a slog but I plan to pick it up again once I’ve finished rereading some Ursula K LeGuin
For myself, we’ve just acquired 100 acres and so I have quite elaborate plans both for ourselves and to sell which I won’t bore everyone with.
I agree with @GooseGang, people tend to grow veg and neglect staples, you can live on potatoes, you can’t live on lettuce.
Previously we have grown chickpeas which are versatile and easy to grow and also nitrogen fixing. 4 bed rotation systems and square foot gardening have worked for us in the past at being quite productive in smaller spaces.
Also potato bags, I love potato bags!