Examines the earthworm and its environment, suggesting experiments to introduce basic ecological concepts as demonstrated by the earthworm's survival in its habitat.
Examines the earthworm and its environment, suggestung wxperments to introduce basic ecological concepts as demonstrated by the earthworm's survival in its habitat.
Examines the earthworm and its environment, suggesting experiments to introduce basic ecological concepts as demonstrated by the earthworm's survival in its habitat.
In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.
Crawling through the dirt, worms are hard at work, helping plants to grow. Worms help the fruit and vegetables we eat by loosening the soil and feeding the plants. Read and find out about these wiggling wonders!
"Includes 150 leveled passages with a variety of interesting topics; comprehensive questions that target reading skills & strategies; and standards & benchmarks."--Cover [p. 1].
Get to know the amazing creatures right outside your door! What do toads like to eat? Why do crickets sing? Why does a firefly glow? If you've ever longed to know more about the habits of the animals and insects that live in your backyard, here's the book you've been waiting for! With Backyard Pets, you'll find out how to catch and care for lots of different, easy-to-find critters, from terrific toads to slithering slugs. You'll perform all sorts of investigations and activities, including discovering how snails eat and how caterpillars protect themselves, before you return your newly found pets safely to their natural home. And you'll even find out how to attract birds and butterflies to homemade feeders and gardens so that you can observe them every day as they go about their amazing lives. As you take care of your pets, you'll learn how to interpret fireflies' signals; how to entice worms from their burrows with sound; and how to make birdfeeders, hummingbird gardens, and toad abodes. Along the way, you'll discover lots of fascinating facts about the lives of these clever critters-from what their favorite foods are to how they see, hear, and move, and even how they help the environment.
“A breakthrough book. No comprehensive horticultural library should be without it.” —American Gardener 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. This must-have guide is for everyone, from those devoted to organic gardening techniques to weekend gardeners who simply want to grow healthy plants without resorting to chemicals.