Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden

by Deborah L. Martin

When the inspiration hits to start an organic garden, many novices could benefit from a guidebook that speaks directly to their enthusiasm, their goals, and, of course, their need for solid information that speaks a newbie's language—from the most trusted source for organic gardening methods.

In Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening by Deborah L. Martin , general garden-building skills (from "Do I need to dig?" to "Where do I dig?") and specific techniques (from "How do I plant a seed?" to "How much should I water?") are presented in growing-season order—from garden planning and planting to growing and harvesting. Many other need-to-know topics like soil, compost, seeds, pest control, and weeds are explained in simple language to ensure success, even on a small scale, on the first try. More than 100 common garden terms are defined, and Smart Starts sidebars offer doable projects to build confidence and enthusiasm for expanding a garden when a gardener is ready. A flower, vegetable, and herb finder highlights easycare plants with good track records. Plus, there are no-dig garden methods, simple garden layouts, and many more tips and hints.

With a "no question is unwelcome" approach, a troubleshooting section lessens frustrations and encourages experimentation. Rodale's Basic Organic Gardening is everything a beginning gardener (or one who's new to gardening organically) needs to get growing and keep a garden going strong all season.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, How To, Nature

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 2014

Reviews

[Twinkletoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Natalie Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[sistaotey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have resource. This one will get read every year.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not one who only buys organic groceries and thinks that we need to survive only on organic food commercially. That simply seems unsustainable in our current economy. However, in reading this book for my own personal kitchen garden, I thought it was very helpful. I see how not using pesticides and chemicals can benefit plants in many ways, including keeping beneficial insects and organisms in the garden. Many people simply try to kill the pests in their garden, while in doing so, they eliminate the insects we want around, such as bees, butterflies, and the predators of the pests! There were some techniques in this book that I already employ, and some that I will put into practice. I probably will not limit my use of chemicals in the garden entirely, but we already don't use a lot of them to begin with. One thing that I thought was very helpful about this book was the large section pertaining simply to different plants: perennials, annuals, and vegetables. The information about each type of plant was helpful. One thing this section did seem to neglect was how each plant can be destroyed by animals. Deer were mentioned, but what about rabbits, raccoons, and chipmunks? I have had an entire corn crop stolen by raccoons and have suffered from the terrible digging habits of chipmunks this year. All in all this book was very helpful, and I hope that reading it will help me to have a more successful garden.

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rodale’s Basic Organic Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Healthy Garden by Deborah L. Martin

336 Pages
Publisher: Rodale Inc, Rodale Books
Release Date: March 11, 2014

Nonfiction, Gardening, Home & Garden

The book is divided into the following chapters.

Go Organic
Chapter 1: Get to Know Organic Gardening
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Chapter 3: Soil Care Basics
Chapter 4: Starting Seeds, Tending Transplants
Chapter 5: Easy-Growing Plants for Every Garden
Chapter 6: Garden Care Basics
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting and Problem Solving
Chapter 8: Organic Gardening Through the Seasons

I was not aware that organic gardening started back in 1942 by J. I Rodale. I was under the belief that organic meant no pesticides. I was surprised to find that special fertilizers are also used. In Maryland, my husband’s family were farmers – first tobacco then fruits and vegetables. Now living in Florida, watering restricting and high temperatures makes gardening is difficult. In the past, I tried growing native blueberries, blackberries, and oranges. This book has given me more incentive to grow some of my own vegetables in raised beds. In this small way, I can try to reduce my carbon footprint.

At the end of the book is a resource guide to help readers learn about gardening, design, seeds, soil conditions, etc. This book is well thought out and researched. If you are interested in getting started with organic gardening, this would be a great book to read.

[Jessica DeWitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

"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.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Brainard · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Gretchen Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[LostAlias · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Claire Howell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would not recommend this book - lots of information but seems to be lacking in practical thoroughness. Not super user friendly either. I would recommend the Veg Gardeners Bible instead. Also takes all the credit for organic gardening in America which isn’t accurate.

[Carolynn Markey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book for a completely novice gardener.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction and overview into gardening!

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read, cute pictures, informative.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Kei · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Ali Pervaiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for beginners!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to understand basics for the beginner gardener. I learned a lot from this book and loved that it has such a wide variety of information.

[Mary Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vegetables are magic

[Emily Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a novice gardener with big dreams, this was a really helpful resource. It offered a well-rounded, practical, and accessible introduction to growing your own food. For anyone thinking organic gardening is too complicated or pricy, read this book. It'll convince you that gardening that respects the land is the cheapest, healthiest, and most sustainable option. Full warning though: you might get obsessed with composing (or maybe that's just me...?).

While I loved this text and would recommend it to anyone, I think it's important that North American books on gardening that promote a mutually reciprocal relationship between humans and the land, acknowledge that Indigenous nations have practiced these ethics for millennia. The history of organic gardening and the Rodale's contributions to it are valuable and compelling, but the omission of Indigenous knowledge keepers' contributions to Western knowledge of the natural world (unwittingly, I'm sure) maintains colonialism. As an institute dedicated to environmental and social sustainability, learning from and building solidarity with Indigenous nations who have stewarded these lands for millennia just makes sense.

[Lisa D - Sassy Cat Chat · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 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.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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 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.