Weeds, Control Without Poisons

by Charles Walters

"Low biological activity is inherent in each weed problem ... Each weed is keyed to a specific environment slotted for its proliferation." So says Weeds Control Without Poisons author Charles Walters. Further, calcium, magnesium, potassium and other elements in equilibrium are likely to roll back more weeds than all the available herbicides on the market. Specifics on a hundred weeds, why they grow, what soil conditions spur them on or stop them, what they say about your soil, and how to control them without the obscene presence of poisons. All cross-referenced by scientific and various common names, and a pictorial glossary.

Genres: Gardening, Agriculture, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1996

Reviews

[Michelle Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone who has a farm or a yard has dealt with weeds, but focusing on the control of weeds without any use of poisons is not something that comes natural to us. Charles Walters is an expert in the field of weeds. This book talks about weeds, but in a very different manner than most. Did you know that different weeds grow in different soil types, and with different soil compositions? Knowing the type of soil you have, the types of weeds that grow in that soil, and what to do about them without poisons is the whole purpose of the book.

Dry humor and wit are included in the knowledgeable read about just what you might want to do to control weeds. It gives you the information you need to make life-long changes in the way you approach weeds and weed control. By first informing the reader of the variations of soil conditions that promote weed growth, the author is then able to give you direct information and answers on what to do to change the soil conditions to prevent and get rid of the weeds. All of this without a single poison. Sustainable and eco-friendly advice at the heart of the problem for most people, weeds.

[Douglas Larson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book only 2 stars. I did so not because of the message or content but because of the author's style of writing. I think that author Charles Walters gives useful information in this book, but his prose style, using metaphor and indirect reference to processes and other factors in the soil was difficult to follow. The technical detail was somewhat difficult to follow but I had a much harder time with his overall prose style. Not a book I could warm up to.

In spite of all that I actually did learn a few things.

[Jesselukes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makes me want to move to Europe.