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.

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.

"This fascinating book showed me what and how remedies work (or don't), and why. I was interested to learn about potentially hazardous 'quick fixes' and, as always, to have nonsensical myths busted. If I do keep any of my harmless homemade concoctions around, I know now that I'll probably be doing it for their placebo effect—on me."
—Ken Druse

"I don't know why it's taken so long for someone to write an objective analysis of horticultural products and techniques, but I'm glad Gillman came along and did it. The Truth About Organic Gardening belongs on every gardener's bookshelf and in every garden center."
—Amy Stewart, author of Flower Confidential

"To be the best gardener, tend your soil, plant a diverse garden, tolerate some imperfection, and make informed
case-by-case choices to deal with problems. [The Truth About Organic Gardening] can help."
—The Chicago Tribune

"How do you separate the hype from the facts? Spending 13 bucks on [The Truth About Organic Gardening]…may go a long way.”
—Washington Post

"Sure to cause controversy and heated discussion...What The Truth About Organic Gardening does is introduce more than 100 products and planting techniques and cite the latest university tests and factual results so that gardeners can make responsible choices and not continue to link the words 'organic,' 'safe' and 'effective' so firmly in their minds."
—Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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.

Publisher: Timber Press
Distributor: Barnes and Noble
Publication Date: 02-01-2008
Pages: 208
Measurements: 9.04in X 6.06in X .58in X .11lb