Lessons in Nature [Paperback]

Malcolm Beck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005

This expanded edition of Beck's classic The Garden-Ville Method includes even more practical and inspirational philosophy and techniques on soil building, planting and growing, pest control and more. Told in a modest and often humorous style, Lessons in Nature combines empirical observation with a healthy dose of common sense. Through his observations and experience, Malcolm Beck will help readers discover nature while growing delicious food, all without damaging the environment. This book can provide the beginner with all the information needed to get started using organic methods, and to experience the rewards of an organic lifestyle.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Malcolm Beck is known throughout the country as a leading authority and practiioner in the field of organic growing. Beck's homespun approach to farming and gardening is based on the belife that if you work with nature, nature will reward your efforst. He is a lifelong organic farmer and the founder of Garden-Ville, a composting/recycling business and retail horticultural supply house. He speaks widely thoughout the country and is particularly well-known in Central Texas. His Garden-Ville operation has grown from a composting pile on his family farm to a multi-million-yard operation in a few years. He has authored and co-authored many books on organic gardening, including, The Secret Life of Compost.

Product Details

• Paperback: 330 pages
• Publisher: Acres U.S.A.; 4 edition (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0911311807
• ISBN-13: 978-0911311808
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #574,787 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable "how-to" guide for hobbyist gardeners and serious organic farmers alike, November 4, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lessons in Nature (Paperback)

Lifelong organic farmer Malcolm Beck presents Lessons in Nature: 50 Years of Organic Advice from the Southwest's Foremost Composter, Gardener, Farmer, now in a new and expanded edition. Lessons in Nature walks the reader through the numerous details, tips, tricks, and techniques to pursuing successful organic gardening. Chapters address everything from organic insecticides to tree and lawn care, fertilization, organic weed control, how to rejuvenate a worn-out farm, and much more. A valuable "how-to" guide for hobbyist gardeners and serious organic farmers alike, illustrated with black-and-white photographs, Lessons in Nature enthusiastically recommended for its firsthand wisdom.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the serious gardener, January 22, 2011

By 

jrsdarlin' - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lessons in Nature (Paperback)

Interesting book for those who want to learn, really learn. Lots of practical infomation about organic gardening from a gardener who loves to research and experiment.

5.0 out of 5 stars small backyard garden, August 10, 2006

By 

Reader Views "Reviews, by readers, for readers" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lessons in Nature (Paperback)

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (7/06)

Malcolm Beck is an expert in organic gardening and shares his expertise in a concise, informative book "Lessons in Nature." He covers composting, fertilizing, mulching, insecticides, as well as tree and lawn care, gardening, beneficial insects and everything else you need to know to create an organic atmosphere in your yard or farm.

I have personally composted yard and kitchen waste for many years and found Beck's writing on composting confirming that I am doing the right thing. Beck indicates that kitchen wastes (vegetables and fruits) have ample nitrogen to create compost. I was always under the impression that heat within the compost pile itself is necessary, however, Beck advises that heat is not necessary. His comment is "I have never seen a forest floor heat up." He further explains, "Nature demands that all organic materials be recycled. The carbon cycle must be completed. Composting is Nature's way of recycling."

The other area of interest in Beck's book was mulching. There are many opinions of what type of mulch should be used, however, Beck suggests that compost is the best type of mulch, with corn cobs being second best. He also keeps reiterating to mimic a forest floor.

Beck's "Lessons in Nature" is a must for anyone wanting to start organic gardening. It is full of to the point information that is written in a lay person's terms. The information is easy to understand and simple of implement into your own garden, whether it be a small backyard garden, a large farm, or a balcony potted garden.

Received book free of charge.