Organic gardening is all the rage, but successfully growing vegetables without pesticides and harsh chemical fertilizers requires care and knowledge. Budding organic farmers will love this illustrated guide, which is packed with tips for getting the most out of any garden. There's a selection of garden plot designs, including constructing a lettuce ladder, an oriental vegetable plot, a French "potager" garden, and more. Collecting seeds, preparing the soil with compost and mulches, and dealing with pests the natural way are all covered. The complete A-Z directory of vegetables-which details where and how to grow them, the diseases to which each is susceptible, expected yields, and more-makes this a great reference.