Permaculture doesn't need to be this complicated
582329
If you are looking for a beginner permaculture book this probably isn't it. Lovely illustrations, but overly complicated looked most of the other books I've tried to read on the subject.
1058924
Gardening magazines have told the same story for decades: someone buys a piece of land that is mostly sand or
gravel, and then the gardener brings it back to life by mixing in manure, compost and cover crops. And one day,
the worms appear, a signal that the soil has become a rich and fertile, water-retaining, bed of nourishment for
healthy and robust crops, whether flowers or food.

On our own small plots of land, this is an act of healing and renewal. And Kristin Ohlson's book tells the
same story, that the vast expanses of grassland exploited for centuries, and now turned or turning into desert, can also
be healed and renewed the same way. But to accept the stories of the heroes she shares, is a monumental paradigm shift.
We have to let go of the entrenched thinking that humans know best and return to a partnership with nature.

A central figure in this book is Allan Savory, who understood decades ago that grasslands do not renew themselves, but that
the fertility that was so prized by pioneers was the result of the massive migrations of the buffalo, who crossed the prairies,
stirring and fertilizing the earth where they grazed, and then moving on. Hot sun and low rainfall in the dry seasons did not
matter, because the earth had become a big sponge, retaining water through drought, renewing the water table, able to sustain life.

Ohlson provides a great introduction to Savory's work, which has now become a practice amongst enlightened farmers
and ranchers around the globe. I knew about Savory, but I did not know of the other heroes--soil scientists and farmers
who have been also walking a similar path.

How will the soil save us? Ohlson's book explains why healing the soil is the number one way to sequester carbon and remove it
from our atmosphere.

Monsanto claims to hold the key to survival in the years to come, but its science could not be more wrong.  Read this book and
find out why healing the soil is the only true choice for the future, because by healing the soil, there is the greatest chance that
we can reverse climate change in our children's lifetimes.
3210537
I am a novice to landscape design.  I have in the past used a drafting table, drafting machine, and created a plan view that was almost professional looking thanks to a course I took by mail several years ago.  My problem was that I did not have the drawing skills to create an elevation view, and I felt that was a vital missing skill.

  I had looked at several brands of software (CAD) that would give me the ability to create what my gardens should look like if I were standing looking at them.  Some that were too simplified were not able to allow me to get the exact picture I wanted.  Others that were even more expensive than this one were not as sophisticated in their look.  I did not have the money or the inclination to spend thousands of dollars on programs that were probably meant for professionals.

  I am a master gardener and I get my satisfaction from designing for schools, retirement centers, and others who are looking for perennial gardens, bird, and butterfly gardens.  I am a retired educator and only want to use the program to help me give back to my community.  The way I can do this is to help them design a garden.

  I found this program relatively easy to understand as I first read it.  The quick start guide and tutorial is excellent and touches on all that I need to get started.  It also has a variety of plant material in the zone that I live in.  This is something that I also looked for in the design software.  I can also import photos of plants that are not listed in the Better Homes and Garden encyclopedia.  This program also lets one know how many plants of a certain kind are needed in a certain area, and how they will look in 0 to 10 years.

  Although I donate my own time, it is important for an institution to know how much they are going to spend on plant material, mulch, pathway material, etc.  This is done in the project cost estimating portion of the program.

  I got the bundle because I am always looking for new garden books to use and add to my library.  This is a thoughtful, well written one.  I just wish it were in hard cover rather than soft cover.

  Anyone who takes the time to follow the tutorial can create a design of their liking within a relatively short period of time.  It is well worth the money and cheaper than other products I looked at that did not give as sophisticated a picture of what you want your design to look like.
4493318
Ruth DeFries, the author of The Big Ratchet, brings us primarily a history of innovations in agriculture that have made it possible for our planet to support seven billion people.

The history starts with the switch from hunting and gathering to farming, which then made gains in productivity through the introduction of the plow, crop rotation, fertilization, selective breeding, the replacement of human energy with that of animals and mechanization.  All of this has brought us a world in which an ever larger population can enjoy an adequate diet through the efforts of a smaller percentage of the population.  The age of exploration has also brought the introduction of plant species from other continents.  How many French-fry fans realize that potatoes originated in South America?

However, as the author points out, all the progress that we have made is not without its downside.  By not recycling nitrogen and phosphorous, we are polluting our lakes, streams and water supplies.  The easy conversion of corn into sugar has created an obese population.  The use of fossil fuels and fertilizers for farming, and beef production has added to the pollution of our atmosphere with greenhouse gases.

Finally, DeFries acknowledges that there will continue to be ups and downs, ratchets and hatchets, and that the result of our technical achievement is in doubt, but expresses a confidence that our ingenuity will continue.

The book is well researched with over fifty pages of references at the end of the book.  The writing style makes for easy reading. I found the history to be fascinating.  Whether you think that we will ultimately solve our problems or think that we are doomed, anyone with an interest in food should find this book to be a good read.
3339602
The author of this book defines a "genetic ceiling" for a variety of crop to be a situation (such as the need for growing the crop in arid environments) where standard breeding is intractable but where genetic engineering can step in to successfully solve the problem at hand (such as the introduction of foreign genes in the crop so as to make it hardy in such environments). Without giving a "cookbook" for how to implement genetic engineering through transgenic strategies, the author's goal is to make readers more aware of the need for biodiversity as it relates to the miniscule number of actual food crops cultivated at the present time: rice, wheat, maize, and soybeans. To depend on so few poses a threat, considering the world's population at the present time and its growth in the near future. But the goal of biodiversity must be cognizant as to the dangers of introducing species to environments in which they are not native, or the inadvertent introduction of `feral' organisms (those domesticated species that have escaped domestication and returned to the wild state). "Gene flow" therefore is an issue that must not be taken lightly, even to those individuals, such as this reviewer, who are die-hard advocates of genetic engineering and transgenic strategies.

Even though the author is not presenting a collection of recipes for repairing the problems brought about by "glass ceilings" the reader can extract a problem-constraint-strategy pattern throughout the book. Examples of this include:

Problem: To use straw for producing meat and fuels.
Constraint: Straw is difficult for ruminants to digest and only about 20% efficiency for conversion to ethanol.
Strategy: Use RNA interference to modify the lignin and cellulose content in order to increase digestibility.

Problem: Papaya is highly susceptible to papaya ringspot virus.
Constraint: Metabolic pathways for inducing disease-fighting phytoalexins are very complex.
Strategy: Transform the VST gene encoding stilbene synthase into papaya.

Many more of these kinds of examples abound in the book, along with in-depth discussion on the risks of ferality and gene flow into existing populations.

Clearly the author is fed up with the irrationality and propaganda of many groups opposed to genetic engineering. His common sense approach to the issues will speak to the choir but will probably not dissuade those who are members of these groups. But sustained information flow from the advocates of genetic engineering, with real evidence from scientific field experiments may persuade the regulatory agencies of the viability and safety of transgenic crops. Still though, it is a disconcerting development that not only must a war be fought against hunger and disease, but also one against hysteria and misinformation.
4400060
I have been interested in Permaculture for 10 years now. I've read most of the popular books on the topic: everything by Bill Mollsion, Forest Gardening, Gaia's Garden, etc, etc. However, as a city dweller who may never own much land myself, I have found most of the books pretty useless for my personal life. I can't grow a huge Permaculture homestead (and I would argue that most people can't!), but I want to live a sustainable lifestyle with Permaculture ethics guiding me. Then came along iPermie! This book is packed with inspiration for living a more ethical, sustainable life, along with practical tips and steps to getting to that point, even in the city. At such a low price, with literally thousands of pages, it is an incredible value!

Bob Waldrop has devoted a big chunk of his life to living the life described in this book as well as helping others to do the same. He is both an average, native Oklahoman and a true hero at the same time, providing support to the poor of Oklahoma City every week while also building systems and structures to make Oklahoma a more sustainable, just place to live. I'm truly grateful for all he has done, including the work he has put into this amazing book.
3089450
The information presented is excellent and reasonably well-organized. I think those who have taken courses in ecology, or read a lot of books about gardening and soil, will find the at times densely-packed information easier to unpack. That said, the explanations are accessible enough that anyone interested enough in composting to get an entire book on the subject will learn a good deal of useful principles. The author's approach to educating the reader in a way that (in his words) does not insult our intelligence, but rather gives a foundation of knowledge and theory mixed with practical advice, definitely makes me feel confident about composting for recycling and organic gardening. Methods and materials are covered in a good amount of detail. Worm composting is included. The overview does not hone in on any particular region, but provides enough information to adapt your methods to your local climate.

The publication itself seems a bit like a manuscript. There's practically no white space, text formatting is not consistent, and information that's supposed to be presented in tables is in uneven columns. There are no figures or illustrations, even when referenced by the author. If you want an easy reference volume, you're going to have to break out the highlighters or post-its to make the 93-page wall of text easier to navigate (there are chapters, but they don't have titles; there are headings, but they're not bolded or printed larger or double-spaced).
4202877
A cost effective and multipurpose gardening solution.
1312150
The book is simple to read and makes building the Biodome incorporating aquaponics seem simple.  After it is built in two years, I will review the book again.
1072372
This is not food or fertilizer.

What this is, is a live culture of the four basic types of micro-organisms that are necessary for plant health, growth and maintenance.

I agree with the other reviewer.  The company that is marketing this has done a very poor job of providing users with the information they need to use this effectively.

All plants need four types of micro-organisms around their root systems to extract and store nutrients (such as nitrogen) from the soil.  The four types are:  fungi, bacteria, protozoa and nematodes.  There is a complex interaction between these microorganisms, and plants, to maintain healthy soil.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Teaming-with-Microbes-The-Organic-Gardener-s-Guide-to-the-Soil-Food-Web-Revised-Edition/dp/1604691131/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Gardener's Guide to the Soil Food Web, Revised Edition</a>

This culture provides all four types of micro-organisms.

This culture is most useful when you are trying to re-establish soil structure (after heavy fertilization or use of chemicals, or drought, or augmentation with compost, etc.)  It will re-introduce the necessary micro-organisms into your soil that plants need to extract basic food from the soil (nitrogen and carbon, especially).  Just as we need pro-biotics in our digestive system to digest food, plants need these micro-organisms to "digest" raw materials in the soil into forms that the plant can assimilate.  This concept is known as "bioavailability."

Couple of pointers on using this.  First, if you are smart, you will culture this yourself before using it.  When I received it I examined it for live organisms under a micro-scope.  It is a live culture.  I cultured it in two disposable petri dishes just to make sure.  It yielded a substantial culture within ten days.

To use this, you want to add about 40 ccs (two tablespoons) to a gallon of water, and, just water your plants around the base so that the water and the micro-organisms get into the root system.  You can also use this to inoculate your plant roots when planting or potting them.  If you are planting or potting flowering or fruit bearing plants or trees, you should also consider inoculating the root system with a small amount of mychorizzae (a benign fungus that vastly increases root system efficiency).&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Mycorrhizae-Inoculant-Earth-Ambrosia-Earth-Nectar-32-Ounce/dp/B001D0CHI4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Mycorrhizae Inoculant (Earth Ambrosia/Earth Nectar) - 32 Ounce</a>

This stuff is expensive so, to stretch it out, I culture my own after I've bought the bottle.  I use a 250 ml erlenmeyer flask.  I add about 100 cc of ordinary water, 75 cc of the stuff in this bottle, and about 75 cc of ordinary molasses or sugar.  I let the flask sit in a warm (not hot) place for a week or two and the result is about 8 ounces of the stuff in the bottle - which is enough for adding to four gallons of water.  (You don't have to culture it yourself - you can just buy the stuff and use it straight from the bottle, but, I don't like paying this manufacturer because they rip you off on the shipping fees, and, don't offer any support).

Get this stuff into the root systems of your plants and it will help them maintain a healthy root structure so that they can draw nutrients from the soil.

I use it because I have some of the worst soil in the world and I need to bio-activate it after adding iron and organic material (compost) to it.
1837893
In Veganist, Kathy Freston makes a straightforward case for the vegan lifestyle without being judgmental.  Reading about the treatment of animals was difficult, even for someone like myself who is not a hard core animal activist.  She makes a great case that like humans, animals are also God's creatures.

If the treatment of animals isn't enough to turn you away from meat and dairy, Freston talks about the health implications for us, with both cancer and heart disease having links to animal proteins.  Freston also discusses the impact of animal slaughter on our environment.

Steps to adopting a vegan lifestyle are doable.  Small changes, such as eating meat one less day a week has an impact on health and the environment.  For those who are afraid they'll miss any nutritional benefits of meat and dairy, practical tips are also offered for getting appropriate nutrients.

After finishing this book, you still may not be motivated enough to adopt a vegan lifestyle, but you will be more aware about our food supply and may make at least a few changes to consume less meat.

Disclaimer: I received this book from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest review.
4604155
This book provides a nice summary of hydroponics from about a ten-thousand foot perspective. No, it won't be sufficient by itself to master the art but it is sufficient for a beginner.
3773373
Putting it together was not horrible but a pain no less.  We used it to fertilize our smaller pasture behind the 4 wheeler.  It worked great and no tractor needed so no ruts which is nice in the Northwest where it is sloppy all winter and spring!
3487717
I like this book because it  gives brief but very helpful overviews on many different subjects (i.e. different containers, how to compost). Its not very detailed, but in this case, that's sort of a plus. The author gives the reader a easy, no fuss method of doing something, gives a couple of good pointers, then encourages the reader to look into other more complicated methods if they're interested. I have to admit, I don't understand the organization of this book at all and it doesn't seem to flow for me. Its less of a step-by-step instruction book and more of a "here are all these great ways to grow plants and here's the difference between this and that" mish-mash of advice and ideas. This book has given me a lot of ideas and convinced me to try out things I had previously thought were too complicated.
891817
...And when I say concise, I mean concise! While it is very informative, and an engaging read, it is a pretty tiny book. You will not be able to create any permaculture after reading it... but it's a bit of a game-changer about how practical a smallholding/homestead is for regular folks, especially those of us who are aging; the ideal of working smarter, not harder is very attractive!

While this is very much focused on the UK, the principles apply much more widely, including to the USA.

It is an excellent way to explore a different approach to going local- one that does not require as much scut-work, and that can be more easily integrated with gardens and woods, etc.

I'll admit it's expensive for the size... but it's a very informative and fascinating read.
1074651
Great for people seeking an easy transition to a plant based lifestyle. The recipes won't keep you slaving in the kitchen for hours preparing complicated meals.
4872615
I live where there is usually a shortage of water and we have water rationing. I was expecting to get some ideas in planning a zeriscape in "No Mow Yards. The emphasis of the tall grasses is not practical in a small town small yard. From a security viewpoint, you don't want hiding places for intruders, two or four legged ones or no legged snakes.