Subject: Re: Magazine wars: OG vs. Horticulture
From: "Don Chapman" <don@bio-organics.com>
Organization: bio-organics supply center
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 98 14:04:43
Message-ID: <MOD$980724.26070@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$980723.15184@rec.gardens.ecosystems> <MOD$980723.1812@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



My current favorite source for information and well-written articles is
National Gardening magazine, although there are still many good things in
OG. I think they should look for some ways to provide a little more humor
and personal experiences/experimental-technique reports. How many times
can you read about how Tomato A did well in Region X, and illustrations
about how deep to plant strawberries?

I think OG was traditionally about innovation in natural methods, but has
slid into a comfortable rut. Probably related to getting a little too fat
and successful. Aside from an excellent article about the plus and minus
features of organic fertilizers recently, and good editorials against the
stupid USDA organic regulations, it has been a big yawn to read it.

Now I'm obviously biased, but the big news in agriculture these days is the
growing use of beneficial microorganisms (mycorrhizal fungi, Trichoderma,
dozens of types of bacteria, etc.) instead of soil-harming NPK fertilizer
and toxic pesticides. I should think OG would be eager to show how home
gardeners can put this new bio-organic science to work.

--
Don Chapman
Bio/Organics Supply Center
3200 Corte Malpaso, #107
Camarillo CA 93012 (Near ocean N. of LA)
<http://www.bio-organics.com>

The Tetrad wrote in article
<MOD$980723.1812@rec.gardens.ecosystems>...
>
> hillersb@aol.com (Hiller SB) wrote:
> >
> >I'm going to drop my longtime subscription to Organic Gardening magazine. It
> >has become too dry and boring since Mike Mc. left.
>
> I agree it's been really dry since Mike left, but I think OG knows that -- 3
> weeks ago, I got a call from a market research firm who had been hired by

> Rodale Press to find out what subscribers thought of the current OG. I talked
> for over half an hour -- and gave specifics! Anyone else get such a call?
>
> >I love "The Victory Garden" show on TV and I think I might pick up Horticulture
> >Magazine, whose editor is the host of TVG. What do you think?
>
> Personally, I think Horticulture is even drier than current OG. Also, they
> spend an awful lot of time on flower and landscape plants -- not too useful
> for me as if it doesn't produce a crop or attract a beneficial insect (so that
> eventually I'll get a crop! ;-)) I don't grow it.
>
> I would suggest "Kitchen Garden" by Tauton (sp?) Press. Any other thoughts?
>
> Dinara, the garlic grower
> Sustainable agriculture takes root with your support! <*>
>
>