Synonymous with organic farming and gardening since the 1940s, Rodale joins forces with Deborah Martin, a veteran writer at Organic Gardening, to bring novice gardeners a hands-on "green" guide to growing flowers, vegetables and herbs. Like many other endeavors, organic gardening has its own language, adeptly defined throughout the text, and requires many skills, which Martin explores in detail.
From preparing a garden site based on sun and drainage to making raised beds to choosing the best tools, Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening walks newbies through each step of the process. Confused as to which type of seeds to buy, how much water to use or how to tend to new transplants? Martin answers these and other questions with practical solutions, allowing new green gardeners to go forward with ease and confidence. A large section covers specific vegetables, with pertinent information on the best soil to use, the best temperature at which to plant and the best times and methods for harvesting.
For those accustomed to using chemicals to combat insects and weeds, Martin's tips on beneficial insects, mulch, pheromone traps and dormant oils will ensure productive results while switching to a healthier and safer method of gardening. A monthly checklist of gardening chores helps ensure growers are ready to start their new gardens as soon as weather and temperatures permit; suggestions on what to record in gardening notebooks or Excel files round out the useful advice. --Lee E. Cart, freelance writer and book reviewer