One of my personal favorites, The Living Soil Handbook: The No-Till Grower’s Guide to Ecological Market Gardening by Jesse Frost, is a comprehensive guide to understanding and improving soil health. Frost, an experienced market gardener, has compiled a wealth of information from various sources to create a well-researched and highly informative book.
The book is divided into three parts: Disturb the soil as little as possible, Keep it covered as much as possible, and Keep it planted as much as possible.
Disturb The Soil As Little As Possible
In the first section, Frost delves into the science of soil, explaining the various types of soil, their properties, and the role of soil in the ecosystem. He also discusses the importance of soil health and the impact of human activity on soil degradation.
Keep It Covered As Much As Possible
The second section provides practical advice on how to improve soil health through organic and sustainable farming practices. Frost covers topics such as composting, cover cropping, crop rotation, and reducing tillage. He emphasizes the importance of balancing soil pH, increasing soil organic matter, and promoting soil biodiversity.
Keep It Planted As Much As Possible
The final section focuses on how to use healthy soil to grow healthy plants. Frost covers topics such as seed selection, planting techniques, and pest and disease management. He also includes advice on how to design a garden or farm that promotes soil health and encourages biodiversity.
- Frost, Jesse (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 304 Pages – 07/20/2021 (Publication Date) – Chelsea Green Publishing (Publisher)
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the strengths of this book is Frost’s writing style. He is able to convey complex scientific concepts in a clear and accessible manner, making this book suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners and farmers. The book is also well-organized, with clear headings and subheadings, making it easy to find specific information.
Focused On Sustainability
Another strength of this book is the emphasis on sustainability and organic farming practices. Frost provides practical advice on how to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and instead focus on building healthy soil that can sustainably support plant growth.
Overall, The Living Soil Handbook is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding and improving soil health. Frost’s extensive knowledge and experience make this book a valuable reference for gardeners, farmers, and agricultural professionals alike and one I think anyone interested in growing food should have on their shelves.
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