Rodale's Chemical-Free Yard and Garden: The Ultimate Authority on Successful Organic Gardening

Open this book to almost any chapter, and you'll find fascinating, well-organized know-how on every aspect of gardening organically. Although perhaps a bit daunting for the novice, the book presents the equivalent of a college-level course in ecologically sound garden management. Words of encouragement occur frequently--to balance bad news about pests and diseases, and to guide the hardcore ``chemical'' gardener out of his or her bad habits. Chapters on specific plants--vegetables, flowers, ornamental trees, shrubs and fruit trees--explain disease problems and list many disease-resistant cultivars for each group. Exact cultural techniques are not provided, but that is beyond the scope of the book. Instead, readers receive sound counsel on soil improvement, fertilizers, weed control, homemade insect sprays and a good deal more. (Apr.)