The Truth About Organic Gardening: Benefits, Drawbacks, and the Bottom Line - Softcover

Gillman, Jeff

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0881928623 ISBN 13: 9780881928624

Publisher: Timber Press, 2008

Synopsis

Gardeners tend to assume that any organic product is automatically safe for humans and beneficial to the environment—and in most cases this is true. The problem, as Jeff Gillman points out in this fascinating, well-researched book, is that it is not always true, and the exceptions to the rule can pose a significant threat to human health. To cite just one example, animal manures in compost can be a source of harmful E. coli contamination if imporperly treated. Gillman's contention is that all gardening products and practices—organic and synthetic—need to be examined on a case-by-case basis to determine both whether they are safe and whether they accomplish the task for which they are intended.

Ultimately, Gillman concludes, organic methods are preferable in most situations that gardeners are likely to encounter. After reading this eye-opening book, you will understand why, and why knowledge is the gardener's most important tool.

About this title

From the Back Cover

The benefits and drawbacks of more than 100 techniques and products

We all want a silver bullet: the pesticide that will kill the pests and be safe for us and for other animals and beneficial insects, the fertilizer that will give us enormous tomatoes and cucumbers without negative side effects to the environment.

Unfortunately, this silver bullet doesn't exist and probably never will. Gillman introduces over 100 gardening products and practices—organic and synthetic—and examines each to determine whether it is safe and whether it acomplishes the task for which it is intended. Experienced gardeners on both sides of the organic debate will come away in a much better position to make responsible, efective choices.

About the Author

Jeff Gillman is an associate professor in the department of horticultural science at the University of Minnesota, where he researches plant production and teaches courses on nursery management and pesticide use. He earned his doctorate in horticulture and a master's degree in entomology from the University of Georgia.

Edition details

• Publisher: Timber Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0881928623
• ISBN 13: 9780881928624
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208