EDIT: Video Review of this book coming soon!
The e-book I've chosen to review today is Julie Villani's “Organic Food Gardening Beginner's Manual.” I looked at a few other e-books in the organic gardening genre and found this to be better priced and have more content than the others. With it, Julie also sends you a garden diary, a 4-year plot rotation plan, a guide to saving seeds, and her own personal e-mail address which you can use to ask her any unanswered questions you might have. She says this is all worth a value of over $100 which it might be, but it is certainly worth more than the $24 you'll pay.
The 78-page beginner's manual is broken down into these categories:
Your very best area to grow your veggies (pgs 6-8)
How to build up healthy, fertile soil without costing a fortune (pgs 14-19)
How to feed your soil - the organic ways
How to create an easy, 'no-dig' veggie plot (pgs 32-35)
Massive savings by learning how to grow food from seeds (15 page bonus)
9 Essential tips to successfully transplanting your seedlings (pgs 38-40)
WARNING: avoid killing your established plants when moving them
Tips for the most effective watering (pgs 43-44)
Why mulching is a must in every organic garden (pg45 reveals all)
5 easy ways to keep your garden weed free (pg 48)
How to slash your food bill in half, feeling healthy and energized
The 7 crucial ingredients to making great compost (pgs 23-25)
What never to put into your compost; don't end up with a sticky, stinky mess
How to make your own organic liquid fertilizers, saving $$'s (pg 50-51)
Natural ways to protect your plants from pests and disease (pgs 52-56)
Top 10 easiest veggies to grow (pgs 57-64)
Secrets to growing lush, healthy herbs (pgs 65-68)
Why to include perennial vegetables (pg 69-71)
What you must do to grow your food if space is limited (pg 77)
How much to plant for your family's needs (pgs 72-76)
Overall this book is extremely easy to read and understand. Unlike most books on this subject, Julie's manual assumes its reader has no prior knowledge in the subject of organic gardening. She gives you all the knowledge you need to prepare and manage a successful organic garden that will continue to produce healthy, antioxidant-rich superfoods for your entire family. She tells you how to grow specific vegetables, how to make your own organic compost and fertilizers, how much to plant in relation to how large your family is and much much more.
I don't view books of this nature as a purchase, but rather an investment. I consider all books an investment in knowledge, but a book that teaches you to grow a healthier, better tasting food that you'd normally purchase will save you money and increase your quality of life. Julie puts an emphasis on spending only what is necessary, and shows you plenty of ways to save money with your organic garden. This book truly is invaluable and I would recommend it to anyone looking to save money, eat better and live healthier.
Download the Organic Food Gardening Beginner's Manual here
