
An A to Z reference covering everything an organic gardener needs, from soil and compost to vegetables, trees and pests
This large reference book from Rodale, the publisher long associated with organic gardening in America, gathers advice on almost every gardening subject in alphabetical entries. It covers vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, trees, shrubs and lawns, along with soil care, composting, watering and natural ways to handle pests and diseases.
Home gardeners of every level who want a single, trusted reference for growing plants without synthetic chemicals.
A trusted, comprehensive reference that answers almost any gardening question, helping you grow healthy plants naturally and build fertile soil for years to come.
Nonfiction · Gardening · Organic · Reference
707 pages · ≈ 21 h
Rodale published its first encyclopedia of organic gardening decades ago, and this edition, revised and updated by a team of experienced garden editors, continues that tradition. The core principle is to feed the soil rather than the plant, using compost, mulches and natural fertilizers to build healthy, living soil that supports strong plants and reduces problems naturally.
Entries are arranged alphabetically, so readers can look up a specific crop, plant or topic quickly. Plant entries describe growing conditions, planting, care, harvesting and common problems, while longer articles cover broader subjects such as composting, crop rotation, companion planting, raised beds, seed starting, pruning, watering and attracting beneficial insects. There is practical guidance for gardens in different climates across North America and clear illustrations of key techniques. The pest and disease sections emphasize prevention and organic solutions. An extensive index and cross-references make it easy to move from a problem, such as yellowing leaves or a particular insect, to possible causes and solutions. It is a book to keep on the shelf and consult season after season rather than read straight through.
Thorough, dependable and practical, a lasting reference for any home garden. About 707 pages in the Rodale paperback.