Customer Reviews

Lessons in Nature

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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.

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.

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.