Organic Gardening For Dummies

Ensure a healthy harvest through environmentally friendly gardening techniques. Want to grow an organic garden? This guide shows you how. From maintaining your lawn and choosing problem–free plants to growing hearty fruits and vegetables, you′ll discover how to stay organic year–round and reduce your garden′s impact on both the environment and your wallet. New to this edition — learn about the latest natural fertilizers, pest control methods, equipment, and gardening resources Is organic right for you? — understand the basic concepts of organic gardening and plan a low–maintenance landscape It all starts with the soil — test your soil, make compost, and nurture the underground ecosystem that helps your plants thrive Deal with pesky pests — from weeds to bugs to diseases, discover the specific control measures and products for organic pest management Food, glorious food — grow the freshest, tastiest, and most nutritious fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts Open the book and find: The benefits of gardening organically Hands–on tips for gardeners at all levels Color photos of successful organic gardening practices Guidance in building and maintaining healthy soil An overview of pest–control products Inspirational tips for making eco–conscious decisions Ways to attract helpful insects and other organisms Ten ways to have an eco–friendly landscape

Introduction. Part I: Understanding the Basics of Organic Gardening. Chapter 1: Basic Techniques in Organic Gardening. Chapter 2: Why Garden Organically? Chapter 3: Planning Your Organic Landscape. Part II: Soil and Fertilizers. Chapter 4: Digging beneath the Surface: Soils 101. Chapter 5: Building Healthy Soil. Chapter 6: Using Organic Fertilizers. Part III: Managing Pests. Chapter 7: Pest Control and Pesticide Safety 101. Chapter 8: Managing Insect Pests. Chapter 9: Battling Plant Diseases. Chapter 10: Outwitting Critters. Part IV: Growing Organically in Your Yard and Garden. Chapter 11: Weed It and Reap! Chapter 12: Planting How–To. Chapter 13: Raising Organic Vegetables. Chapter 14: Herbs for the Home and Garden. Chapter 15: Picking from the Berry Patch. Chapter 16: Fruits and Nuts for Your Organic Orchard. Chapter 17: Say It with Flowers. Chapter 18: Run for the Rose. Chapter 19: Managing Landscape Trees and Shrubs. Chapter 20: Caring for Your Organic Lawn. Part V: The Part of Tens. Chapter 21: Ten Best Organic Gardening Practices. Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Be Eco–Friendly. Index.

Ann Whitman is the author of the first edition of Organic Gardening For Dummies . Suzanne DeJohn is an editor with the National Gardening Association, the leading garden–based educational nonprofit organization in the U.S. NGA′s programs and initiatives highlight the opportunities for plant–based education in schools, communities, and backyards across the country. These include award–winning Web sites garden.org and kidsgardening.org. The National Gardening Association (NGA) is committed to sustaining and renewing the fundamental links between people, plants, and the earth. Founded in 1972 as “Gardens for All” to spearhead the community garden movement, today’s NGA promotes environmental responsibility, advances multidisciplinary learning and scientifi c literacy, and creates partnerships that restore and enhance communities. NGA is best known for its garden–based curricula, educational journals, international initiatives, and several youth garden grant programs. Together these reach more than 300,000 children nationwide each year. NGA’s Web sites, one for home gardeners and another for those who garden with kids, build community and offer a wealth of custom content.