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An Organic History

“Organic” is the buzzword in the world of agriculture and food production these days.

However, the principles behind organic farming are far from being new. In fact, organic is the way “things used to be” before industrial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides made their way into farming practices.

Organic farming was the only method of farming until the advent of wide chemical use during the early 20th century.

As our knowledge of the harmful effects of agricultural chemicals grows, more and more farmers and consumers are rediscovering their organic history, returning to the methods of old, such as plucking insect pests and weeds by hand and hoe, and amending soil with natural fertilizers—compost.

Popular Farming™ Series’ Organic Farm has everything you need to know about returning your farm to its organic roots. With beautiful photos and in-depth articles, Organic Farm is a must-have for every gardener and farmer.

What You’ll Find
The Popular Farming™ Series is a collection of magabooks™ that covers farming topics of interest to small farmers with more editorial pages and fewer advertisements. The series is designed to provide valuable information to both those who already have a small farm as well as those who are pondering the big move to the country.

As an all-encompassing guide to organic farming, you’ll find helpful and interesting information about all aspects of growing organic crops, extending the growing season, caring for soil health, integrated pest management methods, organic certification, building compost bins and creating nutrient-rich compost, and even some advice on how to sell your garden produce at the farmers’ market in articles such as “The Market Garden.”

“Diversity has many advantages: It’s a hedge against crop failure; one variety may be more resistant to disease or pests than another. Diversity in varieties affords a wider range of harvest times and offers customers a wider selection from which to choose.” –Tom Meade

Organic Farm has all the information you need to begin growing your garden produce sans modern chemicals and fertilizers; all while improving the very building block of your farm—soil.

Focus on the Foundation
There is nothing that seems simpler than soil. We barely give it a second thought, though our lives are literally built upon it and undeniably dependent on its quality and health. Soil is the building block of every farm—if the soil is rich in nutrients and filled with a diversity of flora and fauna, the stage is set to produce beautifully healthy and productive crops.

“The Farm’s Foundation” offers a greater understanding of the crucial role that soil plays in our quest for success every growing season.

“The heart and soul of any organic farm is found in the quality of its earth. Ask any organic farmer what the most important aspect of their operation is and they will undoubtedly say: “the soil.” Developing a keen understanding of soil components, building soil structure, maintaining the balance of soil life and being ever mindful of soil fertility are techniques that form the literal foundation of organic farming. Healthy, productive soil naturally leads to an increase in plant vigor, pest tolerance, production outputs and animal health. Every organic farm begins with proper soil management.” –Jessica Walliser

If you are looking for even more information on how to manage your soil with organic methods, check out the Resources section for more references on all aspects of soil management and organic production.

How To…
From starting seeds to managing garden pests to building compost bins, there’s a lot to know about organic farming. Popular Farming’s Organic Farm can offer help. Get detailed, do-it-yourself plans for building a compost bin, as well as hints from expert gardeners on how to create your own garden gold—compost. Also get master gardener’s advice on how to extend your garden’s growing season in “All Season Gardening.”

“Savvy gardeners and market farms around the country are pushing the agricultural envelope at both ends, sowing vegetables and herbs earlier in spring and harvesting their crops beyond Thanksgiving. Aided by cold frames, cloches, floating row covers, high-tunnel greenhouses and other season-stretching hardware, some gardeners in northern climates pick tomatoes in spring and pull frost-covered leeks from their gardens for hearty, mid-winter soups.” –Andy Tomolonis

More than Green
Popular Farming’s Organic Farm brings you more than gardening tips. From reusing rainwater to planning your garden layout to banishing invasive weeds to becoming a certified organic farmer, this is an encompassing guide to taking your garden plot or hobby farm back to its greenest roots.

The joy in growing your own food is the joy in savoring its delicious flavor and in providing good food for others to enjoy. Discover how to rebuild your garden with an organic foundation and produce the vegetables, fruits and herbs that will nourish your family and the families of those who purchase your produce.

Organic Farm has the tools and information to help you produce your greatest organic harvest. It’s the essential resource for every organic gardener and farmer.

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Contents

The Farm’s Foundation
Soil is the basic building block for organic farm life. Begin your journey here.
By Jessica Walliser

How Green Does Your Garden Grow?
Just because you grow organically doesn’t mean you have to suffer reduced yields and pest-plagued crops. 
By Linda Tagliaferro

Classic Crops
Take a look at these four favorite garden crops—tomatoes, cabbage, squash and corn—in a new, organic light.
By Andy Tomolonis

Organic Certification Survival Guide
Navigate the obscure path to organic certification in this step-by-step guide.
By Cherie Langlois

The Market Garden
Growing for market requires different strategies than those of the backyard gardener. The pros tell you how it’s done organically.
By Tom Meade

Organic Herbs 101
Herbs do much more than simply spice up your food. These hardy plants add texture, color and glorious scents to any organic garden.
By Susan Brackney

Got Compost?
Compost improves the structure of any soil, but it must meet a few key requirements to be used on an organic farm—does your compost make the grade?
By Jessica Walliser

Build It and Compost Will Happen
Compost bins don’t need to be expensive, pre-fabricated monstrosities. Learn how to build bins on a budget!
By Lorraine Anderson

All-Season Gardening
Season-stretching devices are common in organic agriculture. What are they and how do they work?
By Andy Tomolonis

Weeding the Organic Way
Invasive plants can easily catch you off guard and take over your farm or garden. Eradicate them without toxic herbicides.
By Susan Brackney

Pest Patrol
Slugs and aphids and mites, oh my! Cleanse your garden of these damaging insects with a variety of readily available organic formulations.
By Jessica Walliser

Tools of the (Organic) Trade
A host of garden tools help dig, cultivate, haul and water. Which do you have and which do you need to make your chores easier?
By Emily Goodman

Glossary
Organic jargon defined.

Resources
Organic seed sources, certification guidance, tools, organic treatments and more.

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