Around the world, everyone is talking about environmental issues and the concept of “going green.” Natural organic gardening and landscaping are among the most important parts of that movement. Some organic proponents only say to stop using the chemicals. In The Organic Manual, Howard Garrett explains what to do instead. His “what to do” is the organic method. The book opens with the advice to stop the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, but Garrett then goes on, in great detail, about the practical alternatives. This is one of the few books effective for use coast to coast and border to border. The organic method has no geographic boundaries.

The best-kept secret (uncovered in this book) is that the organic program is better in every way. Whether it’s growing beautiful landscaping or delicious, healthy food crops, The Organic Manual explains bed preparation, planting, pest control, and compost making. It also covers natural living advice. The organic method is the most efficient, cost-effective, and fun of any approach. It also produces the best trees, shrubs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ll ever grow.

Get Growing with Mother Earth News!

For years, millions of readers have turned to Mother Earth News for trusted advice on growing vegetables and fruits. This book harnesses decades of wisdom, bringing together all the indispensable techniques, complete growing guides, helpful tips, useful photographs, and inspiring illustrations for which Mother Earth News is known.

Plan for self-sufficiency with a garden focused on edibles! Choose from a variety of plans for kitchen gardens, browse strategies for small-space gardening, or up your gardening game by installing and maintaining permanent beds. Soil concerns? Get the dirt on building fertile soil, soil pH, compost, vermicompost – even biochar. Longtime gardeners are sure to find something new, from vertical gardening to plans for extending the seasons.

That’s right, garden through the seasons with dozens of vegetable- and fruit-specific growing guides. Start with your favorites or learn to love something new (Asian greens or fruit trees, anyone?). In slower-growing or more challenging seasons, Mother is there to help. Whether you need to know the best vegetables to grow in the shade or the top gardening tips for soil health in winter, this book has it all.

Fight garden pests and increase your yields naturally with this tried and true technique!

Planting vegetables and flowers together is one of the oldest ways to create a healthy, bountiful garden, but there's more to the method than you might think. Vegetables Love Flowers will walk you through the ins and outs of companion planting, from how it works to which plants go together and how to grow the best garden for your climate.

With the right information and some careful planning, you can help your plants thrive--and beautify your garden in the process.

Put down those harmful sprays and learn natural pest control! Take care of aphids, slogs, Japanese Beetles, Tomato and Tobacco Hornworms, and all the other bad bugs that might be infesting your garden or backyard.

Are you sick and tired of pesky insects in your garden? Do you want to stay away from pesticides and harmful poisons that could be hazardous to your health and your garden? If you answered yes to both of those questions, Bug-Free Organic Gardening has all the answers to your troubles.

This book will show you how to bring your garden ecosystem into balance so that beneficial insects and larger animals do the work of pest control for you. Anna Hess has more than a decade’s experience growing all of her family’s vegetables. Here, she sums up all of her knowledge and expertise, teaching you many hands-on pest-control techniques, such as:

• Succession planting
• Choosing resistant plant varieties
• Shielding plants with row covers
• Timing plantings to bypass bugs
• And so much more!

Whether you are looking to live off the grid or become completely self-sufficient, or are just looking to be successful growing tomatoes, cabbage, spinach, cucumbers, or other vegetables, with Anna’s expertise, you too can grow beautiful, healthy, organic vegetables for yourself and your family, put down those harmful sprays, and learn natural pest control!