Modern Potting Composts
Modern Potting Composts

Author: A. C. Bunt

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 273

ISBN-13: 9401179360

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The last two decades have seen rapid advances in the technology used to produce pot plants. Glasshouses designed and orientated to give maximum light transmission, fully automatic heating and ventilating systems, carbon dioxide enrichment of the atmosphere, controlled photoperiods using automatic blackouts and incandescent lamps which enable plants such as chrysanthemum to be flowered at any time of the year, mist propagation techniques, chemical growth regulators which control the height of plants, automatic watering and feeding systems, etc.: these are only some of the developments which have transformed pot plant culture. There have also been many changes in the composts and systems used to grow the plants. Mineral soils, which formed the basis of the John Innes Composts, are now either too expensive or too difficult to obtain in suitable quality and sufficient quantity. Consequently the grower has been forced to seek other materials such as peat, perlite, vermiculite, plastic foam, shredded bark, etc. New types of fertilisers, new methods of heat sterilisation and new chemical sterilising agents are also being used.

Compost Science for Gardeners
Compost Science for Gardeners

Author: Robert Pavlis

Publisher: New Society Publishers

Published: 2023-01-24

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 1771423668

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Create your own compost and grow better plants. With breathtaking clarity, Compost Science for Gardeners demystifies composting practices and helps readers determine the best technique for their unique situation. This comprehensive science-based book is your key to building healthier soil and growing better plants. Using plain language and easy-to-follow instructions, this essential resource distills and blends the latest scientific research with the author's many decades of knowledge and experience into manageable form, debunking a host of common gardening myths along the way. Learn about: The role of composting in the ecological cycle Compostable materials to incorporate and those to avoid Browns and greens vs the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio The full range of composting methods, including cold and hot composting; composting in piles, bins, and tumblers; and pit and trench composting Keyhole gardening, food digesters, vermicomposting, bokashi, eco-enzyme fermentation, and more The relative merits and impact on the environment of each composting technique Using finished compost to improve soil health Anyone can compost. Whether you are a balcony or backyard gardener, market gardener, small-scale farmer, or homesteader, or even if you are simply looking for a way to keep organic matter out of the landfill, this book will show you how to do it simply, safely, and sensibly.

The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition
The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition

Author: Eliot Coleman

Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing

Published: 2018-09-26

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 1603588183

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

“Updated for its 30th anniversary edition; [This book] remains as relevant as ever.”—New York Times Book Review Since its original publication in 1989, The New Organic Grower has been one of the most important farming books available, with pioneer Eliot Coleman leading the charge in the organic movement in the United States. Now fully illustrated and updated, this 30th Anniversary Edition is a must-have for any agricultural library. Eliot Coleman’s books and innovative methods have helped innumerable organic farmers build successful farms in deep accordance with nature. The wisdom in this seminal book holds true even as the modern agricultural canon has grown—in large part due to Coleman’s influence as a wise elder with decades of experience. New information has been included in this edition to showcase the new tools and techniques that Eliot has been developing over the last thirty-five years. Inspired by the European intensive growers, The New Organic Grower, 30th Anniversary Edition, offers a very approachable and productive form of farming that has proven to work well for the earth and its stewards for centuries. Gardeners working on 2.5 acres or less will find this book especially useful, as it offers proof that small-scale market growers and serious home gardeners can live good lives close to the land and make a profit at the same time. The New Organic Grower is ideal for young farmers just getting started, or gardeners seeking to expand into a more productive enterprise. New material in this edition includes: Beautiful color photographs throughout, taken by master gardener and author Barbara Damrosch (Eliot’s wife and co-farmer) Updated information throughout on how Eliot’s practices have changed through his experiments over the years A new section from Damrosch about incorporating flowers on the small farm More information on new tools Eliot has invented that don’t appear in any of his other books "I was interested in the environment, farming, science . . . and there was Eliot’s book lying on the shelf. I remember grabbing it, and I just FELL IN. . . . I remember reading it like it was the Bible."—Dan Barber, chef

Home Gardener's Compost (UK Only)
Home Gardener's Compost (UK Only)

Author: David Squire

Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing

Published: 2016-12-01

Total Pages: 411

ISBN-13: 1607651920

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Keeping garden soil in good health is an essential part of gardening, and compost is the home gardener’s most effective way to maintain fertile, well aerated, and moisture-retentive soil. This abundantly illustrated book gives gardeners all the guidance they need to start making, storing, and using their own compost. It offers information on the different types of compost and their ingredients, advice on constructing a compost bin, and detailed explanations of wormeries, green manuring, and seed and potting composts. There’s no better or easier-to-follow guide for anyone wanting to make and use their own compost.

The Role of Organic Matter in Modern Agriculture
The Role of Organic Matter in Modern Agriculture

Author: Y. Chen

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 9400944268

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The use of organic residues as a means of maintaining and increasing soil fertility is of long-standing. This tradition has been somewhat neglected since the introduc tion of mineral fertilizers at low cost. More and more farmers and scientists are now showing renewed interest in the proper and effective use of org~tnic residues, composts and other recycled organic additives. The role and function of organic amendments in modern agricultural systems have become topics of major interest in the scientific and agricultural communities. Research work on residue disposal has provided new concepts on the interaction between organic components and soils as well as new handling technologies (e. g. pelletizing of organic residues). The trend to conserve energy has led scientists to study the minimal tillage system, to find ways of replacing conventional inorganic fertilizers with natural organic prod ucts or microbial preparations, and to develop new composting methods. The drive to achieve higher yields in commercial greenhouse farming has led to a search for optimum substrates as growth media and for improved management techniques. This has led to the introduction of organic substitutes for peat, nota bly those originating from agricultural wastes. Another important aspect is the current interest in organic farming, where use of synthetic chemicals is avoided or prohibited. An increasing percentage of the population in highly developed countries is willing to pay premium prices for food produced on soils where inorganic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals have not been used.

Charles Dowding's No Dig Gardening, Course 1
Charles Dowding's No Dig Gardening, Course 1

Author: Charles Dowding

Publisher:

Published: 2020-12-04

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 9781916092037

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

An in-depth course for experienced gardeners or those new to no dig gardening This book is for anyone wishing to learn the no dig method from the beginning, or to consolidate what they already know: it helps readers to see the simplicity of no dig, why it works so well, and how much time they can save. The course has six modules and totals 18 lessons, each one packed with easy-to-understand theory and practical advice. The lessons are beautifully illustrated with fully explained photos from Charles's no dig gardens. At the end of each lesson there is a multiple-choice quiz to consolidate learning, with answers in the appendix. This book will have a sequel, based on Charles's second online course.

The Complete Compost Gardening Guide
The Complete Compost Gardening Guide

Author: Deborah L. Martin

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC

Published: 2008-02-13

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 1603421831

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Develop mature compost right in your garden. Barbara Pleasant and Deborah Martin explain their six-way compost gardening system in this informative guide that will have you rethinking how you create and use your compost. With your plants and compost living together from the beginning, your garden will become a nourishing and organic environment that encourages growth and sustainability. You’ll also find that the enriched soil requires less tending, weeding, and mulching, so you can do less back-breaking work for the same lush, beautiful results. This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA.