"A breakthrough book. No comprehensive horticultural library should be without it." --American Gardener
When we use chemical fertilizers, we injure the microbial life that sustains plants, and then become increasingly dependent on an arsenal of toxic substances. Teaming with Microbes offers an alternative to this vicious circle, and details how to garden in a way that strengthens, rather than destroys, the soil food web. You'll discover that healthy soil is teeming with life--not just earthworms and insects, but a staggering multitude of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
This must-have guide is for everyone, from those devoted to organic gardening techniques to weekend gardeners who simply want to grow healthy plants without resorting to chemicals.
Table of Contents
Part 1. The Basic Science
Chapter 1. What Is The Soil Food Web and Why Should Gardeners Care?
Chapter 2. Classic Soil Science
Chapter 3. Bacteria
Chapter 4. Archaea
Chapter 5. Fungi
Chapter 6. Algae and Slime Molds
Chapter 7. Protozoa
Chapter 8. Nematodes
Chapter 9. Arthropods
Chapter 10. Earthworms
Chapter 11. Gastropods
Chapter 12. Reptiles, Mammals, and Birds
Part 2. Applying Soil Food Web Science to Yard and Garden Care
Chapter 13. How the Soil Food Web Applies to Gardening
Chapter 14. What Do Your Soil Food Webs Look Like?
Chapter 15. Tools for Restoration and Maintenance
Chapter 16. Compost
Chapter 17. Mulch
Chapter 18. Compost Teas
Chapter 19. Mycorrhizal Fungi
Chapter 20. The Lawn
Chapter 21. Maintaining Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials
Chapter 22. Growing Annuals and Vegetables
Chapter 23. A Simple Soil Food Web Garden Calendar
Chapter 24. No One Ever Fertilized an Old Growth Forest
Appendix. The Soil Food Web Gardening Rules
Review Quotes:
"A breakthrough book. . . . well worth owning and reading. No comprehensive horticultural library should be without it." --American Gardener
"Digs into soil in a most enlightening and entertaining way." -- Dallas Morning News
"Required reading for all serious gardeners." -- Miami Herald
"The authors have given gardeners an inside scoop on the scientific research supporting organic gardening." -- Pacific Horticulture
"This intense little book may well change the way you garden." -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"Exceptional. . . . A brief, clear overview of scientific information with which every gardener should be familiar." -- Monterey Herald
Jeff Lowenfels is the author several of award-winning books on plants and soil, and he is the longest running garden columnist in North America. Lowenfels is a national lecturer as well as a fellow, hall of fame member, and former president of the Garden Writers of America.
Wayne Lewis is a lifelong Alaskan gardener. He has worked with Jeff Lowenfels on many projects over the past 25 years, including the now national Plant a Row for the Hungry program, which encourages gardeners to donate a portion of their harvest to charitable organizations in their community.
Timber Press
Pub Date: February 24, 2010
1.0" H x 9.25" L x 6.25" W
220 pages
hardcover