In Teaming with Microbes, Jeff Lowenfels shows gardeners how to work with the natural microbe populations in their soil to improve yields and create healthier plants. The basic premise is that plants grown in healthy soil have a better chance of resisting pests and diseases than those grown in unhealthy soil. Lowenfels provides readers with all the information they need to understand and appreciate the Soil Food Web, from its history and benefits to low-cost ways for improving your garden’s soil health. This updated edition includes revised content on organic methods for preventing disease as well as an expanded section on composting.” Teaming With Microbes is an essential guidebook for gardeners looking to get more out of their gardens using sustainable practices. Jeff Lowenfels explains everything you need to know about making friends with microbes – how they interact together within soils food webs, what this means for plant growth & pest control (making them less reliant on synthetic fertilizers), PLUS schemes/techniques (& detailed step by step instructions) you can put into action straight away without expensive supplements or equipment! If extensive handholding isn’t your thing then there are also great case studies included profiling real world applications showing off different types microbial interactions at work across different ecosystems – cleverly demonstrating the diversity of ways this can be tweaked and utilised to maximise soil health.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for gardeners of all levels – from beginner to experienced. The comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions make it perfect for anyone who wants to start working with the soil food web in their own backyard or community garden plot, and the case studies will be interesting even for those who have been gardening organically for years.
Pros :
- Teaming with Microbes is a great introduction to the world of soil food webs and how they impact plant growth.
- The book provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on different ways you can improve your garden’s soil health.
- Case studies showcase real world applications of microbial interactions in diverse ecosystems.
Cons :
- Some of the language used can be quite technical and overwhelming for a non-expert
- Techniques take time to perfect/put into practise
- patience is needed!
- May not be applicable or relevant for everyone
Learn more about the author
Jeff Lowenfels is a Master Gardener, columnist for the New York Times, and author of two other books on gardening.
Reader Reviews
“I found Teaming with Microbes to be fascinating. I have gardened for years, but never stopped to think about the intricate relationship between soil life and plant health. Jeff Lowenfels has written an excellent primer on this topic. I am excited to put some of his suggestions into practice in my garden and see what a difference they make.”
” Jeff Lowenfels is one of the pioneers in teaching how to garden using organic methods. He demystifies the process and breaks it down into easy terms that even a beginner can understand. I have gardened organically for over 10 years, but learned new things from this book – especially about composting.”
“This book is the real deal. Jeff Lowenfels knows his microbes! After reading this, I felt like I could conquer the world – or at least my garden.”
“This is the most important book on soil and gardening that I have ever read. The concepts are so new to me, but Lowenfels makes it easy to understand. After reading this, my thinking about both organic gardening and permaculture has changed dramatically.”
