Organic! A Gardener's Handbook - Softcover

Rosaly Bass

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0971993483 ISBN 13: 9780971993488

Publisher: Rosaly Bass, 2014

Synopsis

Learn best practices for organic growing from one of America's earliest certified organic farmers. Rosaly Bass began growing food for her family in a small garden, behind her New Hampshire home in 1973. She harvested more than she could use, so began selling to area restaurants. Rosaly loved growing food for others so much so that she couldn't stop. More than 40 years later, Rosaly's Garden is home to 25 acres of organic berries, garlic, ginger, flowers, herbs, tomatoes, salad mix, corn, squash, and dozens of other vegetables. This book is full of practical advice for backyard gardeners and farmers who want to learn why and how to grow organic. Whether you're in New England, and share Rosaly's same seasonal challenges-- or you live in a different growing zone, you'll find useful information: from how to plan your garden and where and when to order plants and seeds. How and what to plant from seed, how to buy the best plants. How to test and provide healthy soil for your plants. How to deal with pests-- from bugs to bunnies. Perfect for the never-ever gardener and more experienced gardeners who want help and encouragement in how to grow organic.

About this title

About the Author

Rosaly Bass grew up on a farm in the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Her mother grew vegetables and fruit organically because she believed they were healthier for people and for the environment. Rosaly, on the other hand, was more interested in the farm machinery, haying, and taking care of the milking shorthorns. When she married her second husband, Perkins Bass in 1973, she thought she'd pursue a career as a writer. But the land behind her new husband's house, with a view of Mount Monadnock, lured her outside. When her first garden provided more than the blended family could possibly eat, she began selling to the Folkway Restaurant in Peterborough, New Hampshire. And she sold to Latacarta Restaurant-- both fine restaurants with reputations far beyond their local roots. Customers began lining up for her produce, so Rosaly built a farmstand, plowed another field and planted more. Rosaly's Garden is New Hampshire's oldest certified organic farm. Dedicated to providing safe food and proving that organic farming is sustainable, Rosaly experimented and kept careful notes. Many common organic practices today are the result of work done in her fields: black plastic mulch for potatoes and other crops; improved soil testing; high-tunnel tomatoes... Organic! will teach you much of what Rosaly has learned at her farm over the past 41 years, and you'll learn to keep learning by watching, keeping a diary and following Rosaly's recommendations. With all the science pointing to the dangers of toxins in our food, there's never been a better time to get your hands dirty. Roll up your sleeves and learn from a pro, who loves teaching others.

Review

Organic farming practices have been improved in so many ways by Rosaly Bass. As the county's Extension Field Specialist, I've worked with Rosaly for the past 25 years and marveled at her enthusiasm to try new things. I once shared my idea that potatoes might do well in a raised bed, covered with black plastic mulch-- maybe try a row? Rosaly planted the entire crop that way. Boy, did I ever hope it was successful. That kind of planting is now common practice and is only one Rosaly's many contributions to sustainable organic growing. --Geogre W. Hamilton Extension Field Specialist, Food and Agriculture UNH Cooperative Extension Hillsborough County, NH

I've been buying, preparing and serving Rosaly's Garden produce at restaurants and schools for more than 30 years. It's always the highest quality, so I am proud to serve it. Early on, I presented Rosaly's produce to customers at Latacarta Restaurant in Peterborough. And now I serve her lettuce, greens, tomatoes, squash and more at High Mowing School. Rosaly is a treasure. --Evan Fielding Director of Food Services High Mowing School Wilton, New Hampshire

The proof is in the pudding and the soup, the salad, the main course, the side dishes, the pie and the cake. I can only speak to one part of Rosaly Bass s gardening, the food! And I will speak loudly and often about how good it is.To find out how she does it you ll have to read ORGANIC! A Gardener s Handbook. Don t ask me. I can kill a garden by looking at it (and, I suppose, by not watering or weeding it either). But if you, unlike me, are more than just a mouth to be fed and want to grow delicious food yourself then DO WHAT ROSALY SAYS! --P.J. O'Rourke, writer, his latest book is THE BABY BOOM

Edition details

• Publisher: Rosaly Bass
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0971993483
• ISBN 13: 9780971993488
• Binding: Perfect Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 192