BOOK REVIEWS--NONFICTION
The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control
Edited by Barbara W. Ellis and fern Marshall Bradley
©1996. Rodale Press
Two of the biggest and most important questions amongst people who grow plants are What is killing my plant?" and "How do I deal with it?" Even the greatest of green thumbs at some point in time have been stumped by a mysterious pestilence devouring their most beloved plant. Knowing your enemy is the first step in guarding against it effectively. As someone who aims to grow organically, I have yet to find a book that better provides me with the knowledge necessary to fight disease and pests in a safe, effective manner than "The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control".
The book is handily organized into four parts: "Plant Problem Solving Guide", "Insects" and "Diseases" and finally "Organic Controls". The layout is so effective; whenever I need an answer I know exactly where to find it. The "Plant Problem Solving Guide" is an A-Z of popular plants and their most common problems. It is an excellent resource for those growing any kind of vegetable or fruit as it organizes problems according to plant parts, i.e foliage, fruit, etc. The most common plants include detailed illustrations that actually show you what the disease or pest damage looks like rather than just describing it.
The "Insect" and "Disease" Identification Guides are probably the most invaluable aspect of the book. Each section includes full colour photographs of common and even uncommon problems including photos of insects at different life stages. This section also includes photos and information on beneficial insects, as it is as important to know your allies as it is to know your enemies lest you kill the wrong bug! Each section includes practical, accessible information including a description of the problem, its life cycle, and prevention and control measures as well as a listing of the types of plants infected.
The final section "Plant Problem Solving Guide" is the most comprehensive outline of organic control measures for the home gardener I have yet to come across. If it isn't in this book, I would have serious doubts as to whether or not it even exists. I especially love this section because not only does it provide a variety of options that go way beyond "the spray", but it details the negative aspects of each option as well as the positives. Not all organic methods are entirely safe and it is important to be well informed especially if you have children or pets living with you.
If you are a gardener who is already growing organically or would like to know more about organic pest control then I can't recommend this book enough. It is without a doubt an absolute lifesaver and an essential resource to have on hand. Definitely well worth every penny spent.
-GS
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