The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening [Hardcover]

J. I. Rodale (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2000

This hefty volume was originally published in 1961 by organic gardening revolutionary J.I. Rodale, and it became the fruit and vegetable grower's bible. Actually seven manuals in one, it covers general organic gardening techniques, vegetable growing, home fruit and garden orchards, organic fruit culture, organic nut culture, herb gardening, and growing exotic tropical fruits.

Like timeless wisdon passed down through the ages, readers will learn why J.I.'s visionary ideas about organic gardening are still appropriate for today's gardeners. Not a word has been changed throughout this 928-page manual--a unique and nostalgic find for gardeners and historians alike.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This hefty reference manual is absolutely packed with specific information on everything from bee-keeping to window gardening. More like a standard textbook than most gardening books of today, Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening has been around since 1959, and in its 1,000-plus pages manages to address everything from the nitrogen content of common items (feathers, eggshells, etc.) to choosing the most appropriate foundation planting for a formal entrance. The only illustrations are plain black and white, and fancy color photography is nonexistent. This lack is balanced by the healthy dose of charts and analytical lists shown throughout. Don't be scared by the seemingly technical presentation--this is a clearly written book that's easy to follow even for the novice gardener.

The answer to any possible gardening question is sure to be found here for both backyard green thumbs and those interested in heavy, possibly profitable, production of organic vegetables and herbs. Arranged alphabetically, you'll find multipage explanations of organic fertilizers next to a one-paragraph description of fenugreek. Most plants have multiple listings, as the authors tried to include many slang names of common flowers and grasses--no Latin necessary with this plant guide. Not meant to be a glossy coffee-table book, this encyclopedia is exactly what a reference book should be--serious, friendly, helpful, and thorough. --Jill Lightner

About the Author

J.I. Rodale is the founder of Rodale Press, Inc. His idea that healthy soil is directly related to healthy people was originally controversial, but has proven to be a truly timeless philosophy.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1152 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Press; Reissue edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875968414
• ISBN-13: 978-0875968414
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 2.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,044,947 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars old reliable, May 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening (Hardcover)

I have been a poor man's gardener for 40 years or so. Over the years I have accumulated dozens of books or booklets on gardening, yet I always end up looking up any subject in the Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening. It's the most useful book I have.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOT NEW...BUT TRIED AND TRUE!, June 13, 2001

By 

Sandra D. Peters "Seagull Books" (Prince Edward Island, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening (Hardcover)

This book has been around for many years and is one of the most valuable resources on organic gardening. True, it does not have beautiful glossy coloured pictures to capture one's attention, and you likely will not find it sitting around on someone's coffee table ready to stimulate conversation. However, what the book does offer is a wealth of information covering organic garden techniques, vegetable growing, organic fertilizers, fruit orchards, fruit and nut culture, herb gardening(my favourite section) and exotic tropical fruits (certainly not conducive to all climates, such as mine, if you are an outdoor gardener.) This is not a book the average person will sit down and read, cover to cover, in an evening - the length is over one thousand pages! However, if you are into organic gardening this is a must-have book. I particularly like the way the book is organized; considering the size of this monsterous volume, everything was easy to find. You are definitely getting a terrific value for your dollar, considering this is probably the only book you will ever need in respect to organic gardening.

10 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Organic Gardening 101, April 2, 2000

By 

Olga Johnson - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening (Hardcover)

Well it is a textbook. It is authoritative and boring to read unless you are into the subject. It has no pictures. It is a classic. Put it on the book shelf and pull it out to look stuff up on organic gardening. You know it will have the answer. Well most of the time - keep in mind if you are trying to find out about Neem oil for roses look in something more recent.