The Market Gardener
by Jean-Martin Fortier
If you're dreaming of starting your own small scale organic farming venture, this is one book you shouldn't be without.
This copy is from the local library, but I would buy my own in a
minute. The information is perfect for my area, even though it's
written about a farm in Quebec. The climate and planting zones are
almost identical.
The book gives information on what to look for in a farm; the soil, how to tell what there is and the best type for what you want to grow, as well as how to improve it.
In most books about starting this type of organic farm, there is no firm or fast rule about what crop to follow which. This book outlines it all, and gives charts too for those of us that are visual learners.
The hand drawn pictures are clear and really well done. I'm particularly fond of the one that depicts the farm with all the beds laid out so neatly.
The Successful Growers Handbook for Small Scale Organic FarmingObviously, your dream farm would look a little different, and operate differently, but this book gives such a good background and also tells you why to do things, or why not.
The reasons for a windbreak,
for instance, isn't just to provide a visual barrier for your neighbors,
but outlines the distance that it will protect the garden from
prevailing winds, and also provide pollen sources for beneficial
insects, and a home for predators that can help you keep the garden free
of harmful pests.
Although not a long book, it's so clearly laid out, with references to other useful reading material that it's worth it for that alone.
Sustainable Gardening e-Book
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The Composting Tips, Tutorials and Troubleshooting E-Book
Having problems with your compost? Use this guide to get your compost back on track!
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