Practical Organic Gardening

I first met Mark Highland quite a few years ago, maybe at the Philadelphia Flower Show or at a Garden Writers conference. He already knew Geoff and Anneliese. Mark had just launched his company, Organic Mechanics, to produce high-quality potting soil. Since then, Mark has made a success of Organic Mechanics, and his passion for growing organically has evolved into his becoming a spokesperson for the organic method.

Mark is a degreed horticulturalist whose background makes him well qualified to write about gardening. His book is thorough, well researched, and as good a treatise on organic gardening as one could hope for. It is a perfect book for gardeners who want to become organic gardeners. It is also a great reference for both new and established gardeners, with easy to understand explanations of the science of plant growth, and why the organic approach is the only logical solution.

Topics covered include soil, soil structure, and how everything works to produce the plants we grow and eat. The discussion includes explanations of no-till gardening, soil testing, organic fertilizers and soil chemistry. Mark explains why you should make compost, and he has easy to understand instructions for making your own compost and compost teas. He explains mulches and how to use them.  And he discusses soil amendments, and the many ways one can improve their garden soil.

Mark discusses water and irrigation, how to select plants, how to grow vegetables, pest control, beneficial insects and pollinators, plant propagation, seed saving, garden planning, tools, container gardening, landscaping, and organic lawns. The book is laid out logically. It is easy to use as a reference and it is loaded with great illustrations, diagrams, and charts. Practical Organic Gardening has solid, useful information for any gardener. We highly recommend this book.

Practical Organic Gardening The No-Nonsense Guide to Growing Naturally, Mark Highland $30.00 Cool Springs Press. Available on Amazon.