{"product_id":"the-thoughtful-gardener-practical-gardening-in-harmony-with-nature-by-ed-ikin-984j","title":"Thoughtful Gardening: Practical Gardening in Harmony with Nature by Ed Ikin","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom gardening during drought conditions to the best friendly fungi and how to make the perfect compost, essential advice on symbiotic gardening Revealing the techniques that work in grand gardens yet are just as applicable for small yards, a vegetable patch, or several acres, the advice in this guide covers good plant nutrition, including how to make a plant healthy from organic spraying with milk. Composting is covered as well, including hot composting techniques; the ultimate leaf mold, bracken compost, and potash; and composting food waste. Gardeners will learn how to survive droughts and downpours with low-watering regimes, how to increase plants' drought resistance, how to choose the right plant for any condition, and how to keep plants healthy in water-logged soil. Tips on being a greener gardener include water-collection systems, using beneficial insects to control pests, alternatives to pesticides and fungicides, sterilizing without bleach, peat-free composts, and alternatives to plastic. Gardening by the moon is also covered, with simple and scientific experiments in biodynamic gardening.  Editorial Reviews  From Booklist He who gardens best, gardens least may be a surprising attitude for someone who cares for one of Britain's grandest gardens, but National Trust Head Gardener Ikin firmly believes in the practice of minimal intervention when it comes to his craft. At a time when increasingly sophisticated gadgets, toxic chemicals, and invasive plants are being introduced into the horticultural marketplace, Ikin alternatively espouses a more simple and considered approach that can only come about after a gardener has mastered the essentials of good garden stewardship. In a plainly written and thoroughly accessible guide, Ikin comprehensively but succinctly covers essential topics such as organic ways to develop healthy soil, including nutrients, composting, and mulches; efficient management of water resources; ecologically sound pest management and disease control; establishment of natural wildlife habitats; and proper plant selection and placement. Accompanied by charming watercolor illustrations, Ikin's user-friendly guidebook is a worthy basic primer for beginning gardeners and a welcome refresher course for more experienced hands. --Carol Haggas  About the Author Ed Ikin is the head gardener at Nymans, the National Trust garden. He was a contributor to Gardening Secrets.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Book Express","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41829385175114,"sku":"984j","price":16.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0618\/9101\/8826\/files\/984j.jpg?v=1773115077","url":"https:\/\/www.bookexpress.nz\/products\/the-thoughtful-gardener-practical-gardening-in-harmony-with-nature-by-ed-ikin-984j","provider":"Book Express","version":"1.0","type":"link"}