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· 245 ratings · 31 reviews

Start your review of Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden

Apr 27, 2021 Twinkletoes rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this book. I'm in the south and there's zone charts to help you figure out what plants will work best in your area. I liked it so much I've ordered more books from the Rodale's books. I'm super excited to receive my other books. This book has post it notes all thru it so I can come back to specific sections I need. There's some compost tips and pest control tips along with so much more info that's needed. I love it! Very helpful and educational. I really enjoyed this book. I'm in the south and there's zone charts to help you figure out what plants will work best in your area. I liked it so much I've ordered more books from the Rodale's books. I'm super excited to receive my other books. This book has post it notes all thru it so I can come back to specific sections I need. There's some compost tips and pest control tips along with so much more info that's needed. I love it! Very helpful and educational. ...more

Jan 30, 2021 Dasha rated it really liked it

Like the title says, this is a basic guide for beginners. It's good for that and I think it covers almost everything. It could have some more details on soils and microorganisms and minerals, with more guidelines on how to improve on that. Like the title says, this is a basic guide for beginners. It's good for that and I think it covers almost everything. It could have some more details on soils and microorganisms and minerals, with more guidelines on how to improve on that. ...more

Easy to understand, but filled with information

Really great read with a mix of easy to understand, practical knowledge and scientific research. A perfect resource for a beginner to organic gardening! Can't wait to start mine.

Easy to understand, but filled with information

Really great read with a mix of easy to understand, practical knowledge and scientific research. A perfect resource for a beginner to organic gardening! Can't wait to start mine.

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Mar 29, 2018 Renée rated it it was amazing

This is a great, accessible book for first-time gardeners. It can be read cover-to-cover but also functions as a handy reference guide. I live in Zone 2 so that makes it a little bit less applicable, since it's geared more for the middle-US Zones like 3+, but I still thought it was a wealth of information, and the illustrations make it lovely to look at, too. This is a great, accessible book for first-time gardeners. It can be read cover-to-cover but also functions as a handy reference guide. I live in Zone 2 so that makes it a little bit less applicable, since it's geared more for the middle-US Zones like 3+, but I still thought it was a wealth of information, and the illustrations make it lovely to look at, too. ...more

May 27, 2017 Noah rated it it was amazing

Fantastic. Accessible and applicable knowledge from the first seed I planted and has remained just as applicable years later.

Jul 24, 2014 Sharon Tyler rated it really liked it

Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden by Deborah L. Martin, is a great resource for those starting out in gardening, and for those that now a bit about gardening but want to go organic. The guidebook starts with the questions any begining gardener will have, such as "Do I need to dig?", "Where do I dig?", "How do I plant a seed?", and "How much should I water?". questions and their answers are presented in growing-season order, from garden planning and Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden by Deborah L. Martin, is a great resource for those starting out in gardening, and for those that now a bit about gardening but want to go organic. The guidebook starts with the questions any begining gardener will have, such as "Do I need to dig?", "Where do I dig?", "How do I plant a seed?", and "How much should I water?". questions and their answers are presented in growing-season order, from garden planning and planting to growing and harvesting. other important subjects such as soil, compost, seeds, pest control, and weeds are explained in simple language to ensure success. over one hundred common garden terms are defined, and flower, vegetable, and herb finder highlights plants with good track records.

Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening offers the answers to just about every question a novice, and some more experienced, gardener might have. as someone that has always been around gardens and plants there were still small bits of information for me to make use of in this current growing season. I really liked that there were no-dig garden methods, simple garden layouts, and tips and hints on just about everything. I found the troubleshooting section particularly helpful since it targeted the most likely problems, and offers realistic solutions for gardeners of all skill levels.

If you are looking for an all around guidebook on getting started with a garden, particularly an organic garden, I suggest making use of the Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening. It is a good starting place, and a nice reference to keep around for the entire season as your garden, plants, and possible complications grow.

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A handy overview of the philosophy and history of organic gardening and some tips for best plants, composting, arranging garden spaces, and more. I would have loved to have some pictures, especially in the section with flower suggestions. Much of the information is consistent with what I've learned via gardening workshops and talking with gardeners. True to the subtitle, it is a helpful reference guide for a beginning gardener. A handy overview of the philosophy and history of organic gardening and some tips for best plants, composting, arranging garden spaces, and more. I would have loved to have some pictures, especially in the section with flower suggestions. Much of the information is consistent with what I've learned via gardening workshops and talking with gardeners. True to the subtitle, it is a helpful reference guide for a beginning gardener. ...more

Jan 10, 2016 Jan rated it liked it

Includes a couple of good plans/layouts. The patio produce garden and the cook's herb garden look doable. Includes a couple of good plans/layouts. The patio produce garden and the cook's herb garden look doable. ...more

Feb 24, 2021 Jessica rated it liked it

"Our gardens connect us to the past and commit us to the future, while anchoring us firmly in the present."

As an environmental historian, my favourite part of the book was the first chapter that discusses the history of organic farming!

Otherwise, I learned some things and was repeatedly convinced that I don't have it in me to be a fully dedicated gardener! I do my best though.

Some parts dragged on a bit or seemed to be unnecessary. I was also surprised by how little they discussed planting nat

"Our gardens connect us to the past and commit us to the future, while anchoring us firmly in the present."

As an environmental historian, my favourite part of the book was the first chapter that discusses the history of organic farming!

Otherwise, I learned some things and was repeatedly convinced that I don't have it in me to be a fully dedicated gardener! I do my best though.

Some parts dragged on a bit or seemed to be unnecessary. I was also surprised by how little they discussed planting native species and the impact of some garden plants, like lupine, on native ecologies. I also was surprised to see them suggest using DEET at one point.

Fine overview though. Worth a read-through or spot on your reference shelf.

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Jul 09, 2019 Michael Gaudet rated it really liked it

Lots of good specific advice. Sections on specific plants, feeding, pest control, and a great month by month section on what needs to be done in the garden.

About the only thing I can think of that's missing from this book is troubleshooting. I would have liked to see a section on figuring out specific problems, but I guess that's a little bit beyond the basics. The advice here seems to be to assume that some plants will end up attacked or dead, and that's ok!

Aug 27, 2019 Michael rated it really liked it

This book was very helpful. It's interesting, informative, and comprehensive. I liked that it considered options: for instance, it totally got into the weeds on soil testing, but it noted that good mulching practices will cure most ills. Its focus is on vegetables, but it covers flowers as well. The Rodale's are clearly on an organic mission, but they have a presence more like the Dalai Lama than a fire and brimstone preacher. This book was very helpful. It's interesting, informative, and comprehensive. I liked that it considered options: for instance, it totally got into the weeds on soil testing, but it noted that good mulching practices will cure most ills. Its focus is on vegetables, but it covers flowers as well. The Rodale's are clearly on an organic mission, but they have a presence more like the Dalai Lama than a fire and brimstone preacher. ...more

Feb 28, 2020 Brainard rated it it was amazing

I love this book, I'm a beginner Gardner, and I'm very excited now, this book is a compendium of all the wisdom of organic gardening Magazine over the last 30 or 40 years, I used to see my mom reading those magazines and planting her first garden. The book is a treasure trove of information and is up to date on organic methods. Highly recommended even if you want to start a garden indoors or in a planter!

One of the best written organic gardening books I have ever read.

It is well written, giving you easy to use solutions and guidance in gardening. An exceptional read for beginning Gardner's whether they are organic or not. I grew an amazing gardening, adapting they information to fit my requirements.

Well done again Rodale!

One of the best written organic gardening books I have ever read.

Well done again Rodale!

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Feb 26, 2020 Gretchen Bird rated it it was amazing

Great intro into every aspect of gardening - why to go organic, soil testing/amending, proper composting, seeds from start to saving at end of season, etc etc. It will absolutely be used as a go to guide

Apr 11, 2021 LostAlias rated it it was amazing

This book is a fantastic overall guide and has a great list of resources at the end. It reads well, good flow and has some handy illustrations. I've been gardening for a few years now (zone 3) and picked up several new ideas and tips from this book.

Very helpful book for a completely novice gardener.

Apr 14, 2019 Stephanie rated it really liked it

It was alright, good as a flip through resource when needed

Mar 10, 2020 Seth rated it it was amazing

great place to start that doesn't waste your time. great place to start that doesn't waste your time. ...more

Mar 11, 2020 Anna rated it it was amazing

Honestly? I liked that it had a lot of really pretty pictures.

Jan 24, 2021 Kei rated it it was amazing

A must-read for anyone learning or interested in gardening.

It took me awhile to get through Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening. The last few chapters were a breeze to read, but I got a little bogged down in the first chapters. The very first chapter in the book was a bit off-putting to me and was not an easy read. However, I'm glad I stuck with it and continued to read.

Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening from Deborah L. Martin is a powerhouse for information for gardeners. I enjoyed reading this book and think it would be a great gift for anyone that either

Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening from Deborah L. Martin is a powerhouse for information for gardeners. I enjoyed reading this book and think it would be a great gift for anyone that either already enjoys gardening or someone just getting started.

I learned several new things and was inspired by lots of new ideas and gardening tips while reading this book. What was especially helpful was the do-it yourself tips and ideas such as building supports for plants and ways to create your own fertilizers vs. store bought brands.

The chapter on Troubleshooting was very informative as well as the last chapter that gives the gardener a great monthly chore to-do list.

I will be looking forward to implementing several ideas into my own garden. My favorite idea was the gardening journal and I will be starting one this year.

I think the book would be a great gift idea for gardeners both old and new.

Thanks to NetGalley and Rodale Inc for the review copy.

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Mar 29, 2014 Stephanie rated it really liked it

"We each have a responsibility to our families, communities and the future to bring about the change. And with simple steps, such as eating from our gardens and being conscious of where we spend our money, we can send a strong message to the industrial food system."

Who knew the organic gardening movement started in the 1940's!

A thought provoking look at organic gardening that gives a detailed history of organic gardening and how to go about doing it yourself. Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening wi

Who knew the organic gardening movement started in the 1940's!

A thought provoking look at organic gardening that gives a detailed history of organic gardening and how to go about doing it yourself. Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening will take you through step-by-step how to prepare and plant your organic garden, which is great for beginning gardeners (who the book is aimed at), but there is plenty in here for more experienced gardeners, especially if you are new to organic gardening. For example, there is a lot of information about soil care, since this is the basis of any healthy garden as well as starting seeds indoors. Especially handy are the plant profiles of 30 vegetables that any gardener can grow.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

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Dec 29, 2014 John rated it really liked it

This is what one might hope for in this kind of volume: exceptionally well-organized, with a wide variety of illustrations, glossaries, tables, and step-by-step breakdowns both contextualizing and instructing in the range of organic gardening activities for the beginner, in a consistent colorful and expressive look, with a friendly tone, for a reasonable price. Admittedly, the preachy initial section is more a distraction than motivation, but this soon gives way to helpful guidance. A highlight This is what one might hope for in this kind of volume: exceptionally well-organized, with a wide variety of illustrations, glossaries, tables, and step-by-step breakdowns both contextualizing and instructing in the range of organic gardening activities for the beginner, in a consistent colorful and expressive look, with a friendly tone, for a reasonable price. Admittedly, the preachy initial section is more a distraction than motivation, but this soon gives way to helpful guidance. A highlight is the month-by-month garden activity timeline to help structure the rest of the advice. Not life changing, but definitely good council. ...more

I have read many books about gardening. This will be my 3rd year, but I still consider myself a novice. This book contained every bit of information I need to handle everything from getting the soil ready to how and when to harvest the plants. I also liked the sections about saving seeds and making your own compost. *I received this as an e-arc from Netgalley, but I will definitely be buying a hard copy to refer to at the beginning of March when the book is released! I absolutely recommend this I have read many books about gardening. This will be my 3rd year, but I still consider myself a novice. This book contained every bit of information I need to handle everything from getting the soil ready to how and when to harvest the plants. I also liked the sections about saving seeds and making your own compost. *I received this as an e-arc from Netgalley, but I will definitely be buying a hard copy to refer to at the beginning of March when the book is released! I absolutely recommend this book to anyone considering organic gardening! ...more

Apr 30, 2016 S rated it really liked it

This is a great book for a beginner gardener. Lots of straight forward, useful information. My only wish would be for pictures. However, I can find those so easily it wasn't a huge deal.

I got this from the library but I decided to buy it because it's the type of book you highlight and stuff with articles and use for years. Well done book.

This is a great book for a beginner gardener. Lots of straight forward, useful information. My only wish would be for pictures. However, I can find those so easily it wasn't a huge deal.

I got this from the library but I decided to buy it because it's the type of book you highlight and stuff with articles and use for years. Well done book.

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Apr 15, 2014 Prajna rated it really liked it

I found this book very accessible, informative, and up-to-date. I've read a lot of gardening books, and this is one I would actually purchase to have as a reference in my library. I especially enjoyed learning more about soil and the section on record keeping. I found this book very accessible, informative, and up-to-date. I've read a lot of gardening books, and this is one I would actually purchase to have as a reference in my library. I especially enjoyed learning more about soil and the section on record keeping. ...more