Easiest way to can your own food

[gabbyraja]

I want to can this year. I haven't the slightest idea what I'm doing. Any tips from the pros? Best places/time to get canning jars/supplies cheaply? Etc.

[Denvergirlie]

Most of my canning jars came from the thrift store or yard sales, or I got them free from sources like craigslist, freecycle even had friends show up in my backyard from finding them stacked in the alley next to the dumpster.
I of course buy new lids, but don't think I've paid retail price ever for jars and bands.
You can pick them up in grocery stores, hardware stores (True value, ace hardware, etc) or at places like Wal-mart for about $8 a dozen. There were coupons recently in Sunday paper as well for Ball brand.

My water bath canner came from the thrift store, purchased a presto presure canner at Ace Hardware, but would love to upgrade to an All American canner as it doesn't have any moving parts to break down over the years.

As for knowledge, pick up a Ball canning book, basically the bible of canning. Ball does a great job, I taught myself with no outside help using the Ball book.

best of luck!