The author does not make it sound easy or a task for amateurs; he does make it doable and even necessary. (I am reminded of how strange it is to hear "Conservatives" defending Industrial interests--Oil, manufactured food--that are actually threatening our air, water, and soil.)

The author explains that "organic gardening" follows the example of Nature, which is replenishing and renewing. He brings first hand experience from land-work in Illinois and northern California. He teaches the basics -- water, soil building, and control of pests, diseases, and weeds, without sprays and poisons. He notes that there are "some 50,000 plant diseased in the United States alone", and makes no attempt to identify most or destroy any. His principle is positive: Build the humus to support a strong plant, with a few bugs and molds, and the negative will be minimized. Then rotate your crops and keep the garden clean. For example, poor drainage is a breeding ground for disease, mildew and pests. So, prevent problems by starting out in the right site, or learning from the emergent plants, what their needs are. Look for the niche for each species, including the "weeds".

The second chapter is devoted to planning, which is the secret to getting more from the garden. In the long detailed third chapter, Jankowiak spells out how to grow specific vegetables and fruits. He discusses both cool and warm weather gardens, and three long-weather champs, celeriac, parsnips and salsify. He includes descriptions of the taste and species to favor -- for example, the "Jerusalem artichoke", which is a native Indian cultivar with a long growing season and resistant to bugs, has two strains: "The American tubers are smooth and potatolike. If you have the French strain, get rid of it" it's not worth the trouble planting because you only get a very gnarled root that holds dirt in all its crannies. [166; My experience exactly.]

A short Epilogue on "cleaning up" is a reminder of what he has emphasized all along. "There's no room for the half-done job, the slovenly job, or any other kind of job except one that is intelligently planned, well executed, and done at the right time." [237] Getting the rhythm of life itself to tune your work. Finally, a short Bibliography and Index is included. ( )