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Original Essays | June 12, 2013
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More copies of this ISBNThe Truth about Organic Gardening: Benefits, Drawnbacks, and the Bottom Lineby Jeff Gillman
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:Gardeners tend to assume that any product or practice labeled as organic is automatically safe for humans and beneficial to the environment. And in many cases this is true. The problem, as Jeff Gillman points out in this fascinating, well-researched book, is that it is not universally true, and the exceptions can pose a significant threat to human health. To cite just two examples: animal manures are widely viewed as prime soil amendments. When properly treated, they are; but if they are insufficiently composted, they can be a source of harmful E. coli contamination. Even more dangerous, potentially, are organic insecticides like rotenone, which is every bit as toxic as the synthetic compounds it is meant to replace.
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. When gardeners are well informed about the precise nature and consequences of what they use and do in the garden, they are in a much better position to make responsible, effective choices. If you've ever wondered about the merits of a specific insecticide, herbicide, or fungicide, or debated whether practices such as planting cover crops or companion plants are worth the trouble, you'll find the answers you've sought in these pages, along with a clear, careful, and good-humored analysis of benefits and drawbacks. 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. Review:"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. [This] book can help." Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune
Review:"A thoughtful and surprisingly entertaining guide to organic and synthetic practices, balancing the advantages and drawbacks of each and giving gardeners the information they need to make informed choices. 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. This book belongs on every gardener's bookshelf and in every garden center." Amy Stewart, Garden Rant
Review:"You'd have to be a professional horticulturalist yourself not to learn something from Gillman's wide-ranging descriptions of the more arcane chemical and mechanical garden methodologies that are out there....He shares his knowledge and experience in a way that entertains, enlightens, and sometimes surprises." Elizabeth Licata, Garden Rant
Review:"Destined to be a bestseller....An easy to read, practical, and fascinating book for veteran gardeners or someone who just moved from an apartment to their first home with two feet or 2,000 feet of gardening space." Cleveland Plain Dealer
Book News Annotation:Gillman (U. of Minnesota) is neither a true believer nor a skeptic, but a teacher (nursery management and pesticide use) and researcher (plant production). He sets out the conventional science--truth--about pesticides, soil enrichment and fertilization; controlling weeds, insects, disease, and wildlife; and organic practices in relation to the ecosystem and food. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Synopsis: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. Synopsis:It is often assumed that any product or practice labeled as organic is automatically safe for humans. Gillman examines gardening practices on a case-by-case basis in order to determine whether they are safe and whether they accomplish the task for which they are intended.
About the AuthorJeff 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.
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