The Organic Manual: Natural Gardening for the 21st Century [Paperback]

The Organic Manual is an outstanding comprehensive resource for organic gardeners, both inexperienced and experienced. In the book Howard explains that organic gardeners should strive to improve the health of their soil and increase biodiversity through proper soil management practices, which do not involve the use of chemical fertilizers or chemical pesticides. The book covers it all, including sections on soil nutrients, mulches, pest control, plant diseases, fertilizers and soil amendments, as well as a lot of how-to information on subjects such as converting to organics, getting soil tests done, planting techniques, fertilizing, and pest control.

The section on soil nutrients goes far beyond the familiar N-P-K and discusses the importance of carbon, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and other mineral nutrients. There is also a chart that compares the use of various organic mulches, from shredded tree chips to straw to pine bark and many others. There is a discussion of the various beneficial insects, from the familiar ladybug, to green lacewings, wasps, and even fireflies, among others. There is also a discussion of harmful insects, as well as a chart that recommends organic remedies for various pests.

As an example, for control of bagworms, caterpillars, cabbageworms and the various moth larvae that often defoliate our favorite plants, the book recommends the application of Bt (bacillus thuringienses, a biological control) and the release of green lacewings and trichogramma wasps. I had never heard of Bt before I began listening to Howard's radio show, but I bought some and used it on my tomato, pepper and potato plants that were being defoliated by caterpillars. Within a day I began to find caterpillar carcasses, and my defoliation problem went away.

The book also includes a section on organic disease control, which stresses building soil health as a major control, but also recommends as remedies many products that can be bought at the grocery store or cheaply made at home, such as cornmeal, baking soda, and a spray made from pureed garlic and hot peppers. Finally there is a section that discusses the various organic fertilizers and soil amendments. In addition to the various commercially available organic fertilizers, there are discussions of the use of compost, lava sand, earthworm castings, molasses, and various manures, as well as other items.

Until a few years ago, I used chemical products in my yard and garden. I was a big fan of Miracle Gro and Sevin Dust, as well as a few other even more toxic products. After listening to Howard's talk show for a few months and reading a few of his books, including this one, I have converted to 100% organic gardening. My gardens have never been more lush and productive, and now I have the added peace of mind of knowing all the vegetables from my garden are generally free from toxic substances (not counting acid rain and airborne particles from outside my property). Looking back on my conversion to complete organics, if I had to pick a single resource that was most influential and most helpful, this book would be it. I still refer to the book fairly often when I encounter new problems or consider using a new type of soil amendment or mulch.