Table of Contents
Preface vii
Acknowledgments ix
Gardening Essentials
1 Circle Gardening: A Simple, Natural Vegetable Gardening Method 3
2 Garden Pathways: The Organic and Conventional Debate 13
3 Garden Ecology 29
4 Soil: A Living Entity 39
5 Plant Attributes and Basic Botany 63
6 Climate Considerations 83
7 Establishing the Garden 95
8 Garden Design and Layout 111
9 Planting and Soil Management 123
10 Diseases, Pests, and Weeds 163
Selected Vegetable Guides: History, Culture, and Quick Guides
Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) 179
Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) 191
Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, and Others (Brassica oleracea) 209
Squash and Cucumbers (Cucurbita spp. and Cucumis sativus) 223
Onions (Allium cepa) 241
Peppers (Capsicum annuum) 261
Salad Greens 275
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris ssp. cicla), and Beets (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris)
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. lycopersicum) 305
Additional Tools and Information
Appendix A Garden Site Indicator Scorecard and Soil Health/Quality Indicator Scorecard 331
Appendix B Organic Materials, Carbon/Nitrogen Ratios, Composting Information 339
Appendic C Climate Tools 349
Appendix D Equivalent Fertilizer Application Rates 353
References 359
Index 369