The Bottom Line
- Scientific data is presented in an interesting, engaging way.
- The book is well-organized.
- For each section, Gillman reaches a conclusion and explains what it means to gardeners.
- Brand names are very rarely mentioned.
Description
- Gillman explains the scientific data behind fertilizers, weed control, pesticides, and common organic practices.
- Each entry is broken down into "Benefits," "Drawbacks," and "The Bottom Line," making it easy to find quick answers.
- A chapter on the question of organic food does a great job of addressing many of the questions about the subject.
Guide Review - Book Review---"The Truth About Organic Gardening"
Gillman's The Truth About Organic Gardening is one of those books every gardener, whether they consider themselves “organic” or not, should have in their library. There is so much misinformation out there, and the issue of organics versus synthetics has become not only a practical one, but a personal one as well. Most organic gardeners, because we tend to use natural remedies, tend to believe that everything we do in our garden is good and safe, while those who use chemicals are all causing irreparable damage to the environment. As with most issues, the organic versus synthetic question doesn't have a black and white answer. There are many shades of gray.
It comes down to being informed and using that information wisely. The best gardeners are the ones who are able to look past the dogma and listen to the facts. The fact of the matter is that there are plenty of organic gardeners out there that are doing just as much (and sometimes more) damage to the environment as their neighbors who use synthetics to take are of garden pests.
Much like its predecessor ([]The Truth About Garden Remedies), The Truth About Organic Gardening is an intelligent, balanced, informative treatise about the positives, negatives, and bottom lines of some of our most common gardening practices. Gillman is straightforward in providing us with the scientific data and conclusions about everything from compost to rotenone, and he does it in a style that manages to be authoritative and entertaining, all at the same time.
Gillman concludes that, of course, organic gardening is better overall for the planet. But we shouldn't take it for granted that “natural” always means “safe.” We need to be informed about the products and practices we use in our gardens. The Truth About Organic Gardening is the perfect place to start in separating fact from hearsay.
