Knowledge is power–I think we all agree on this, right? Power, however, may not necessarily be the right word to use when it comes to organic gardening. How about “mastery?” Yes, I think in the case of organic gardening, knowledge is mastery. The ability to master you gardening skills is key.
The Internet is a great source of knowledge, but history has proven that a good book can come in extremely handy. I don’t know about you, but I really don’t want to have my laptop handy when out in the garden if I need to refer to instructions, tips, etc. I’d rather have a book handy.
Following are a few broad spectrum books on organic gardening. These books can help you hone your skills and teach you how to work with nature, not against it. Enjoy!
The Elements of Organic Gardening
Offering techniques for maintaining healthy soil, planting varieties, and sustaining an ecosystem “in harmony with the natural laws and rhythms of the universe of which we are an integral part” pretty much sums up this book. In its pages, you will learn how being in harmony with your natural surroundings is so important when it comes to living a natural and healthy life, and in gardening with nature, not against it. In addition, this book is filled with beautiful photographs of some stunning gardens.
Great Garden Companions: A Companion-Planting System for a Beautiful, Chemical-Free Vegetable Garden
A true companion, this book shares much information on companion gardening. Companion planting, by definition, is the planting of different crops in proximity (in gardening and agriculture), on the theory that they assist each other in nutrient uptake, pest control, pollination, and other factors necessary to increasing crop productivity. Once again, working with nature (and encourageing it to work with itself) is a key message in this book.
Starter Vegetable Gardens: 24 No-Fail Plans for Small Organic Gardens
Gardening is different for everyone. We all live in different areas, have different schedules, different resources available to us, and different gardening techniques. This book is perfect for all of us. Offering two dozen different approaches to organic gardening, you are bound to find one that will work for you. From selecting where to plant, what to plant, how to plant, and how to maintain (fertilizing, watering, harvesting), this book is indispensable to the organic gardener.
Knowledge is mastery! You have no excuse! Expand your horizons. Learn what organic gardening can do for you, and in turn, how organic gardening can give back to nature. Until next time, take care and happy gardening!