Bodem in Balans; Gezonde planten in een gezonde tuin

by Phil Nauta (writer), Marc Siepman (translator )

Most produce from the grocery store doesn't have the nutrition that it used to have, so more and more people are becoming interested in growing their own food nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. Building Soils Naturally shows gardeners how to grow more nutritious food and have more healthy, pest-resistant flowers and ornamental plants. Whether experienced or just getting started, gardeners are likely to encounter some perplexing (and common) setbacks certain fruit and vegetable plants that don't produce as expected, ornamental plants that fail to thrive, and plant predators that chew plants to the ground. All of these issues point to plants that aren't at optimum health. So, what could be wrong? Plants may be lacking in proper nutrition, missing beneficial microorganism companions, or short of energy to reach their full nutrient-dense potential. The advice most often given is start with the soil, but what specific steps should gardeners do? Building Soils Naturally shows how to create productive, living soil using a simple, practical, hands-on plan that includes:
Using compost and microbial inoculants to balance the soil food web
Controlling plant predators and weeds forever, without chemicals
Soil testing and full-spectrum organic fertilizing
Healthy soil doesn't happen just by composting, fertilizing or using companion planting. It happens by using a holistic approach outlined in this book and crafted right in the garden.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2012

Reviews

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is much helpful, scientific information in this book for those who want a deep dive into backyard soil science. It was a bit much for what I needed, though, and I noticed a couple of factual errors within the first couple of chapters that gave me pause (mites are not insects, but archnids, for one).

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic view of the soil food web and how to grow healthy plants from the ground up. He goes over nutrients such as calcium and supplements such as rock dust that rarely show up in other gardening books. He is very clear about application rates and procedures. I also like how well he describes how to use a soil test (unfortunately the test he recommends is quite expensive!) to plan supplements and fertilizers. If an amendment can be used safely without a test he mentions that as well. I can't wait to start working with some of these ideas! It certainly has changed the way I think of my garden. Rather than target problems I want to grow healthy soil which will naturally take care of all my problems.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of information, presented clearly and gradually. And yet I still found it overwhelming. I don't think I'm dedicated enough to give the author's advice a good try. If only there were a magic wand to wave!

[Amuse]

Lots of detail on gardening basics. Dirt rules.

[Robert Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information on organic soil building.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve the quality of the garden food they wish to grow.