Gardening Science

Why does my cherry tree blossom but never fruit? What's the most effective slug deterrent? Could I breed my own unique variety of flower? The world of gardening can be a mystifying place, with so many instructions to follow and often little explanation as to why. From hands-on advice to an exploration of the mental health benefits of gardening, whilst also looking at sustainable practice and the positive impact gardening can have during a climate crisis, Science of Gardening debunks myths, and reveals the latest science only taught at horticultural college.

Plant Science for Gardeners empowers growers to analyze common problems, find solutions, and make better decisions in the garden for optimal plant health and productivity. Most gardeners learn by accumulating rules–water once a week, never dry out snowdrop bulbs, prune lilacs after flowering, plant garlic in October—the list is endless. There is a better way.

To grow produce of the highest nutritional quality the essential minerals lacking in our soil must be replaced, but this re-mineralization calls for far more attention to detail than the simple addition of composted manure or NPK fertilizers. The Intelligent Gardener demystifies the process, while simultaneously debunking much of the false and misleading information perpetuated by both the conventional and organic agricultural movements. In doing so, it conclusively establishes the link between healthy soil, healthy food, and healthy people.

As development and subsequent habitat destruction accelerate, there are increasing pressures on wildlife populations. But there is an important and simple step toward reversing this alarming trend: Everyone with access to a patch of earth can make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity. Bringing Nature Home has sparked a national conversation about the link between healthy local ecosystems and human well-being, and this audio edition will help broaden the movement. By acting on Douglas Tallamy's practical recommendations, everyone can make a difference.

Since his early days of plant restoration, amateur plant scientist Matt Candeias has been enchanted with flora and the greater environmental ecology of the planet. Now, he looks at the study of plants through the lens of his ever-growing houseplant collection.

One fateful day in 1996, after discovering that five freight cars' worth of glittering corn have reaped a tiny profit of $18.16, young Forrest Pritchard vows to save his family's farm. What ensues-through hilarious encounters with all manner of livestock and colorful local characters-is a crash course in sustainable agriculture. Pritchard's biggest ally is his renegade father, who initially questions his son's career choice and rejects organic foods for sugary mainstream fare.

Call it "Zen and the Art of Farming" or a "Little Green Book", Masanobu Fukuoka's manifesto about farming, eating, and the limits of human knowledge presents a radical challenge to the global systems we rely on for our food. At the same time, it is a spiritual memoir of a man whose innovative system of cultivating the earth reflects a deep faith in the wholeness and balance of the natural world. As Wendell Berry writes in his preface, the book "is valuable to us because it is at once practical and philosophical."

On a dusty little backwater planet where nothing ever happens, retired mechanic Ezra Kowalski’s biggest worry is keeping his prized cucumbers safe from pests—and from his meddling neighbor, Mrs. Wong. That is, until a spaceship crash-lands square in the middle of his veggie patch. Out tumbles a soft-spoken teenage girl from a nearby world and her infuriatingly cheerful robot. With a massive solar flare knocking out all communication and grounding space travel for the foreseeable future, they’re stuck there together. Ezra wants nothing more than to fix his vines and go back to being ...

As nature's largest and longest-lived creations, trees play an extraordinarily important role in our cities; they are living landmarks that define space, cool the air, soothe our psyches, and connect us to nature and our past. Jill Jonnes's Urban Forests tells the captivating stories of the founding mothers and fathers of urban forestry, in addition to those arboreal advocates presently using the latest technologies to illuminate the value of trees to public health and to our urban infrastructure.

Looking for a natural, pesticide-free, and non-GMO solution? Frustrated with your garden not delivering the results you want? Worried about pests and diseases ruining your harvest? The struggle is real. But there's hope. "Electroculture Gardening for Beginners" is the solution you've been waiting for. This comprehensive guide is the result of 7 years of dedicated research and experimentation in the field of electroculture gardening. This book offers a clear path to an environmentally friendly harvest, promising a 20-40% yield increase. It's packed with easy and quick-to-implement techniques...

Unlock the Secrets of Soil for a Flourishing Garden! Introducing "The Ultimate Guide To Soil Health: Mastering Soil Science for Thriving Vegetable Gardens," your comprehensive resource for transforming your garden through the power of soil science. This book is designed for gardeners of all levels who want to deepen their understanding of soil health and its critical role in growing robust, productive vegetable gardens. Why Choose This Book? Expert Knowledge: Delve into essential soil science concepts, explained in clear, accessible language. Practical Advice: Learn how to assess, amend, ...

Imagine being able to grow bountiful fruit trees right in your backyard, even if you're an absolute beginner. Are you captivated by the idea of growing your own delicious and healthy fruit? Have you longed to cultivate your own small orchard but feel overwhelmed without a map to guide you? Does the thought of pruning fill you with uncertainty? You're not alone. The journey of gardening, specifically the task of growing and pruning fruit trees, can seem daunting to beginners. But imagine a tool that transforms your uncertainties into a fruitful adventure. Enter 'Growing Fruit Trees: Easy and...

Ezra Kowalski thought life on Halcyon had finally gone back to normal—just him, his hens, and thirty‑six varieties of cucumbers. But when Nora Velasquez shows up unannounced at his homestead, poking around the wreck of her crashed starship, peace goes out the airlock. Nora claims she just wants to check on the Silver Beetle, still half‑buried in Ezra’s field months after the accident. But when Sprocket—her overly helpful, socially oblivious droid—accidentally boots up a forgotten memory log, Ezra discovers the truth: Nora wasn’t joyriding when she crashed. She was chasing a ...

In his articles and in best-selling books such as The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan has established himself as one of our most important and beloved writers on modern man's place in the natural world. A new literary classic, Second Nature has become a manifesto not just for gardeners but for environmentalists everywhere.

Embarking on your gardening journey is an exciting adventure, filled with daily wonders from the sight of blossoming flowers to the satisfaction of tasting homegrown produce. However, as a novice gardener, worries about soil health, maximizing crop yields, and addressing climate impact may dampen your enthusiasm. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in understanding the simple science of soil.

Ezra Kowalski never wanted houseguests, much less a mood-sensing plant that changes color when people get emotional. But now that Nora’s garden plot is home to a rare specimen of stellaria, Ezra’s quiet homestead has become a magnet for scientists, reporters, and tourists with feelings—and worse, opinions. Ezra can handle the odd visitor. Barely. But when a shiny corporate rep shows up with plans to turn his property into a full-blown attraction, Ezra starts to wonder if it’s time to post a “Go Away” sign… in thirty-six languages. All he wanted was cucumbers. Now he’s got a ...

Discover the science behind gardening that will revolutionize your approach and make growing vegetables easier and more enjoyable than ever before. Understanding what's really happening in the earth that you're so carefully tending to will change the way you think about gardening forever. No longer will you be trying methods randomly, hoping to hit on the right approach. Drawing on years of research and hours of hands-on experience, Bruce McCord knows exactly what you need to do if you want to have the flourishing garden of your dreams.

Harvest Happiness with Your Family Are you ready to live a self-sufficient lifestyle by growing your own vegetable garden that can supply you and your loved ones 365 days a year? Disappointed by the bland flavors and dubious quality of store-bought produce? Perhaps you're grappling with the doubt of not having enough space or the right skills to cultivate a thriving garden. Or maybe you're a family looking for meaningful ways to bond while building self-sufficiency, but just don't know where to start. What if you could overcome these gardening hurdles effortlessly? Distilled from several ...

When we use chemical fertilizers, we injure the microbial life that sustains plants and then become increasingly dependent on an arsenal of toxic substances. Teaming with Microbes offers an alternative to this vicious circle and details how to garden in a way that strengthens, rather than destroys, the soil food web. You’ll discover that healthy soil is teeming with life - not just earthworms and insects, but a staggering multitude of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.

Life is weird. One day, you're in the garden, tending your tulips and growing your flower farm business, and the next, your doctor is handing you a prescription for synthetic blood and signing you up for vampire support groups.