From HowdiHeidi@aol.com Fri Dec 17 12:10:12 1999 Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 10:43:15 EST From: HowdiHeidi@aol.com To: CSA-L@prairienet.org Subject: bibles Margaret H. wrote: I have been trying to get a copy of The Organic Method Primer by Bargyla Rateaver without any success. Does anyone have a book (or two) that they use as their "Bible" that is still in print (or at least available?). I'm also looking for a book that talks in depth about each crop and it's particular needs, diseases, pests and control methods. I need answers to such questions as "Why did my winter cabbage form loose, as opposed to tight, heads? Was is too much rain? Planting date? Nutrient difficiency? I am a gardener transitioning to farmer and would love some hefty volume to read this winter and then use again and again and again in the years ahead. Thanks! Margaret, Two of the books that I refer to often for crop specific information are: 1. Rodale's Garden Problem Solver (includes organic pest and disease controls for vegetables, fruits, and herbs.) I picked up a copy at Border's on the sale rack for $5.00. 2. The Vegetable Garden by MM. Vilmorin-Andrieux This book was first published in English in 1885, and describes cultivation techniques for hundreds of plant varieties^× some no longer exist, but many are timeless favorites. (The book also has beautiful horticultural engravings.) Published by Ten-Speed Press ^×Heidi R. Lewis Community Supported Organic Farm Coalition Fredericksburg, VA http://members.aol.com/csofc1999/index.htm