Vernon P. Grubinger. 1999. Sustainable vegetable production from startup to market. Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service (formerly Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service), NRAES-104, ISBN 0-935817-45-X (soft cover, 265 pp., to order call 607-255-7654, or order on-line at http://www.nraes.org/nraesform.html). This book contains "the rest of the story". Dr. Grubinger wrote this for the market grower, and presents information from the perspective of a grower's constraints. The book covers production systems information, such as soil fertility, cover crops, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and equipment. The book explains how to get started in business and how to market your produce. It also includes a series of grower profiles, which describe successful operations in the northeast. It does not provide crop-specific growing instructions (many other titles listed here do a good job of that). [N G O C]

Mary M. Peet. 1996. Sustainable practices for vegetable production in the south. Focus Publishing, ISBN 0-941051-55-2 (soft cover, 174 pp., US$28.95, also available on-line at http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/sustainable/peet/). This is a book which presents sustainable methods for the southern USA. There are chapters on individual vegetables, soil management, cover crops, weeds, and disease and insect management. [N G R O C]

James E. Brown. 1998. Organic gardening, vegetable growing in simple terms. Simon & Schuster, ISBN 0-536-00731-4 (spiral bound, soft cover, 122 pp., US$35.90). This book contains a lot of information on vegetables, much of it in tables. The author includes information generally not available in vegetable production books, such as the longevity of seeds, seed germination temperatures, how to propagate herbs, plant growing temperatures, transplanting tolerance of different vegetables, how to determine when to harvest a particular crop, and how to store a particular crop. [N R O]

Jean M. A. Nick and Fern Marshall Bradley, editors. 1994. Growing fruits and vegetables organically, the complete guide to a great-tasting more bountiful problem-free harvest. Rodale Press, ISBN 0875965865 (hard cover, 532 pp., US$27.95, out of print). The first half of the book covers organic methods of crop production (soil, crop, and pest management), while the second half contains a crop-by-crop description of cultural practices. This book is available in many public libraries. [N G R O]

+Milo Burnham, Frank Killebrew, Pat Harris, David Nagel. 1998. Garden tabloid. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-1091 (tabloid, 32 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1091.htm). This is an excellent handbook of everything you need to know to plant a home vegetable garden, and many things a commercial grower would like to have at his or her fingertips. [N G R O C]

Anna Carr. 1985. Good neighbors, companion planting for gardeners. Rodale Press, ISBN 0878575308 (hard cover, 379 pp., publisher is temporarily out of stock). The book contains a crop-by-crop presentation of which plants and which insects help and hurt each other. The source of the information (tradition or research) is clearly indicated. The book contains an appendix that explains how to conduct simple statistically sound experiments on your farm. [N R O]

Aref A. Abdul-Baki and John R. Teasdale. 1997. Sustainable production of fresh-market tomatoes and other summer vegetables with organic mulches. USDA, Farmers' Bulletin No. 2279 (soft cover, 23 pp., free, order from Bldg. 010A, Room 213, USDA, ARS, BARC-West, Beltsville, MD 20705). The authors describe a method of growing vegetables in a living mulch (no-till production without herbicides). The method is based on the extensive research of the authors. [T G O C]

Patricia S. Michalak. 1993. Herbs, Rodale's successful organic gardening. Rodale Press, ISBN 0-87596-558-X (soft cover, 160 pp., US$14.95), ISBN 0-87596-557-1 (hard cover, 160 pp., US$24.95). The book covers all aspects of herb gardening, including a plant-by-plant guide to culture and management of the crop. [N G R O]

Thomas DeBaggio. 1994. Growing herbs from seed, cutting and root, an adventure in small miracles. Interweave Press, Inc., ISBN 0934026963 (soft cover, 80 pp., US$9.95). This book shows how to germinate herb seed, how to transplants herbs, and how to take rooted cuttings. It has a section of general information for some common herbs, and a section indicating which herbs are generally grown from seed, and which are generally grown from cuttings. [N G R]

Ron L. Engeland. 1991. Growing great garlic, the definitive guide for organic gardeners and small farmers. Filagree Productions, Okanogan, WA, ISBN 0-9630850-1-8 (soft cover, 213 pp., US$14.95). This book is all about garlic, inclduing varieties, culture, pest control, harvesting, and storage. Organic methods are used throughout the book. [N G O]

Eliot Coleman. 1999. Four-season harvest, how to harvest fresh organic vegetables from your home garden all year long. Chelsea Green Pub., ISBN 1890132276 (soft cover, 212 pp., US$24.95). A new edition of Coleman's guide to techniques to extend the growing and harvest season. Similar in scope and content to Lewis Hill's "Cold Climate Gardening" (below). [N G O]

Lewis Hill. 1987. Cold climate gardening, how to extend your growing season by at least 30 days. Storey Books, ISBN 0882664417 (soft cover, 320 pp., US$16.95). A guide to techniques to extend the growing and harvest season. Similar in scope and content to Eliot Coleman's "Four-Season Harvest" (above). [N G O]

+Richard G. Snyder. 1995. Starting vegetable transplants. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-1995 (8 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1995.htm). An excellent description of how to grow vegetable transplants, a list of crops that can be transplanted, and 90% frost free dates for various Mississippi locations. [N G C]

1999 Commercial vegetable recommendations. Extension Service in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina (soft cover, 213 pp., US$10.00 plus shipping, order from Dr. Richard Snyder 601-892-3731 while supplies last). This is a comprehensive manual for commercial growers, containing information on crop culture, variety recommendations, planting dates, fertilization, and pest management. Please note: the pest controls are mostly chemical. [N G R C]

Donald N. Maynard and George J. Hochmuth. 1997. Knott's handbook for vegetable growers. Fourth edition. John Wiley and Sons, ISBN 0-471-13151-2 (soft cover, 582 pp., US$75.00). This manual contains an excellent collection of charts, tables, and lists presenting information useful to the vegetable grower. It includes a 68 page index. [T R O C]

D. G. Hessayon. 1997. The new vegetable and herb expert. ISBN 0903505460 (soft cover, 144 pp., US12.95). This book contains an excellent presentation of information on vegetable growing, including color drawings, charts, and a lot of useful information. [N R]

Vincent E. Rubatzky and Mas Yamaguchi. 1997. World vegetables, principles, production, and nutritive values. Second edition. Chapman and Hall, ISBN 0-412-11221-3 (hard cover, 843 pp., US$74.95). This is an excellent comprehensive textbook of vegetable crop production. It includes all of the common vegetables grown in the USA as well as vegetables common in other countries. There is a crop-by-crop presentation, with some chapters of information applicable to all vegetables. [T G C]

Ib Libner Nonnecke. 1989. Vegetable production. Van Nostrand Reinhold, ISBN 0442267215 (hard cover, 657 pp., US$99.95). This is an excellent comprehensive vegetable crops textbook, that contains chapters on general aspects of vegetable production, as well as crop-specific chapters. [T G C]

Small Farm Center. 1998. Specialty and minor crops handbook. Second edition. University of California, Publication 3346, ISBN 1-879906-38-4 (soft cover, 184 pp., US$35.00, to order call 800-994-8849). A brief description of each of less commonly grown crops that have potential in the marketplace. Each description contains market and cultural information, and at least one color photograph. [N G R]

University of Massachusetts. 1986. Potato production in the northeast. Massachusetts Cooperative Extension Publication C-178. (soft cover, 93 pp.). This is a manual presenting cultural and IPM practices specific to Irish potatoes. [N G C]

PCARRD. 1980. The Philippines recommends for winged bean. Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (soft cover, 48 pp., about US$3.00, order from PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines). A short guide to production of the winged bean. PCARRD publishes many crop-specific guides that include crop management, pest control, and marketing. The first printing of newer editions include color photographs. Many guides are published in conjunction with a USA university. [N G C]

Daisy E. Kay. 1979. Food legumes. Tropical Development and Research Institute, London, ISBN 0859540855 (soft cover, 435 pp.). This is an excellent comprehensive handbook of every imaginable legume for direct human consumption. Listed for each legume are: names in various languages, botany, culture, pests, harvesting, uses, and scientific references. This book is available in some land grant university libraries. [T G R]

Last updated: July 12, 2000.

*Stella Otto. 1995. The backyard berry book, a hands-on guide to growing berries, brambles, and vine fruit in the home garden. Otto Graphics, ISBN 0963452061 (soft cover, 284 pp., US$15.95). This book contains a simple introduction to small fruit crop production. There is a crop-by-crop presentation, as well as chapters applicable to all small fruits. [N G]

Gene J. Galletta and David G. Himelrick, editors. 1990. Small fruit crop management. Prentice-Hall, Inc., ISBN 0131854550 (soft cover, 602 pp., US$97.00). This is a comprehensive textbook of small fruit crop production. There is a crop-by-crop presentation, as well as chapters applicable to all small fruits. [T G C]

Tanya Denckla. 1994. The organic gardener's home reference, a plant-by-plant guide to growing fresh, healthy food. Storey Communications, ISBN 0882668390 (soft cover, 273 pp., US$19.95). The first part of this book is a concise crop-by-crop outline of cultural practices, plant data, and harvest and storage information for vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs. This is followed by a section on disease and insect problems and some organic remedies. [N R O]

Bruce L. Parker, Bertie R. Boyce, and Richard P. Marini. 1978. Strawberry deformities. The University of Vermont, Bulletin 683 (12 pp., US$0.75). This short guide contains mostly color pictures of the various deformities of strawberry fruit, and an explanation of their cause. [T G R]

Robert E. Gough, Vladimir G. Shutak, and David B. Wallace. 1983. Highbush blueberry culture. University of Rhode Island, Bulletin 143 (soft cover, 32 pp., US$2.00). A short guide to all aspects of highbush blueberry culture, including plant selection, planting, management, pruning, harvesting, and pests. [N G]

J. M. Spiers, J. H. Braswell, and C. P. Hegwood, Jr. 1985. Establishment and maintenance of rabbiteye blueberries. Mississippi State University, Bulletin 941 (11 pp., free). A short guide to aspects of rabbiteye blueberry culture, including varieties, propagation, planting, management, pruning, harvesting, and pests. [N G]

Last updated: July 12, 2000.

*Stella Otto. 1995. The backyard orchardist, a complete guide to growing fruit trees in the home garden. Revised edition. Otto Graphics, ISBN 0963452037 (soft cover, 264 pp., US$14.95). [N G]

Michael Phillips. 1998. The apple grower, a guide for the organic orchardist. Chelsea Green Pub. Co., ISBN 1-890132-04-7 (soft cover, 242 pp., US$35.00). This is a complete guide for organic apple production. [N G O]

COABC. Organic tree fruit management. Certified Organic Associations of British Columbia (soft cover, 240 pp., US$39.95, order from COABC, Box 577, Keremeos, BC, V0X 1N0, Canada). A comprehensive guide to growing tree fruit organically. [N G O]

Stephen Page and Joseph Smillie. 1996. The orchard almanac, a seasonal guide to healthy fruit trees. Third edition. AgAccess, ISBN 0932857159 (soft cover, 158 pp., US$12.00). A guide to producing tree fruit in northern climates. [N G O]

Melvin N. Westwood. 1993. Temperate zone pomology. Third edition. Timber Press, ISBN 0881922536 (hard cover, 523 pp., US$65.00). This is a standard tree fruit text book. [T G C]

Tanya Denckla. 1994. The organic gardener's home reference, a plant-by-plant guide to growing fresh, healthy food. Storey Communications, ISBN 0882668390 (soft cover, 273 pp., US$19.95). The first part of this book is a concise crop-by-crop outline of cultural practices, plant data, and harvest and storage information for vegetables, fruits, nuts, and herbs. This is followed by a section on disease and insect problems and some organic remedies. [N R O]

Lewis Hill. 1986. Pruning simplified. Storey Books, ISBN 0882664174 (soft cover, 224 pp., US$16.95). The book covers equipment and methods of pruning. It includes a plant-by-plant guide (fruit, nut, and ornamental crops) with excellent line drawings showing exactly what to cut. [N G]

Geoff Bryant. 1995. Propagation handbook, basic techniques for gardeners. Stackpole Books, ISBN 0-8117-3065-4 (soft cover, 123 pp., US$12.95). The book describes propagation methods, including seeding, division, cutting, layering, budding, and grafting. Numerous tables list plants and the appropriate propagation methods and details for that plant. [N G]

Lewis Hill. 1985. Secrets of plant propagation, starting your own flowers, vegetables, fruits, berries, shrubs, trees, and house plants. Storey Books, ISBN 0882663704 (soft cover, 168 pp, US$18.95). The book explains how to propagate plants, including techniques for seeding, layering, dividing, cutting, and grafting. There are excellent drawings that illustrate the various methods. Included is a reference for herbaceous and woody plants, indicating the propagation methods for each. [N G]

Hudson T. Hartmann. 1997. Plant propagation, principles and practices. Sixth edition. Prentice Hall, ISBN 0132061031 (hard cover, 912 pp., $93.00). This is the standard college text book on plant propagation and has a very long and respected history. All propagation methods are thoroughly treated, and an in-depth section lists the propagation methods for each of just about every crop, ornamental, or forest plant. [T G R C]

Last updated: July 12, 2000.

+Pat Harris, James Jarratt, Frank Killebrew, John Byrd, Jr., and Rick Snyder. 1996. Organic vegetable IPM guide. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-2036 (soft cover, 18 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub2036.htm). A publication which provides organic controls for diseases, insects, and weeds. Also lists disease and nematode resistant vegetable cultivars. [N G R O]

+Pat Harris. 1996. Control garden insects. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-167 (pamphlet, 8 pp., free). This is an excellent guide to insects that attack vegetables. Included with each insect is a description of the insect and the type of injury, and the plants affected. Color photographs of the insects are provided. The last section lists and describes insecticides (mostly chemical) that can be used to control the insects. [N G R O C]

*Barbara W. Ellis and Fern Marshall Bradley, editors. 1996. The organic gardener's handbook of natural insect and disease control. Rodale Press, ISBN 0-87596-753-1 (soft cover, 534 pp., US$17.95). The book is divided into four sections, and considers fruits, vegetables, trees, and ornamentals. The first is a plant-by-plant guide to problems of each plant, and their solution. The second is an alphabetical listing of insects, with color pictures of each, a description of the insect, their damage or benefit, life cycle, and control. The third is an alphabetical listing of some diseases, with color pictures of each, a description of the disease, and methods of prevention and control. The last section is on organic control methods, substances, and beneficial insects. [N R O]

Jeff Ball. 1996 (reissue of 1988 edition). Rodale's garden problem solver, vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Rodale Press, ISBN 0875966993 (soft cover, 550 pp., US$14.95). This is a guide to the symptoms, hosts, and controls of crop problems, listed by crop, insect, disease, and animal pest. [N R O]

J. Howard Garrett and C. Malcolm Beck. 1999. Texas Organic Vegetable Gardening. Gulf Publishing Co., P. O. Box 2608, Houston, TX 77252-2608, ISBN 0-88415-855-1 (soft cover, 220 pp., US$21.95). Don't let "Texas" scare you off. This book is quite a complete reference for organic producers. The individual "trouble solvers" for major crops are excellent: charts that list symptoms, followed by causes and organic controls. The insect and disease section includes specific organic remedies. The organic pesticides section describes most materials used today, and includes recipies for homemade versions where appropriate. [N R O]

Roger B. Yepsen, Jr. 1984. The encyclopedia of natural insect and disease control. Rodale Press, ISBN 0878574883 (hard cover, 490 pp., out of print). This is an excellent crop-by-crop description of the insects and diseases that affect crops, and their known organic controls. The book is available at many libraries. [N R O]

Rhonda Massingham Hart. 1991. Bugs slug and other thugs, controlling garden pests organically. Storey Publishing, ISBN 0882666649 (soft cover, 224 pp., US$12.95). This book contains short clearly outlined information on pests (birds, small and large animals, slugs, snails, turtles, insects). Included are the range, habitat, description, habits, signs of damage, deterrents, and controls for each pest. [N G R O]

Anna Carr. 1979. Rodale's color handbook of garden insects. Rodale Press, ISBN 0878574603 (soft cover, 241 pp., US$16.95, out-of-print). This is an excellent manual providing color photographs, descriptions, and ranges of insect pests. Many of the insects are photographed in different stages of development. The manual also includes a crop-by-crop chart that indicates which insect affects which plant part. It is out of print, but is still available from some seed and supply catalogs (e.g. Johnny's Selected Seeds). [N R]

Kenneth A. Sorensen and James R. Baker. 1994. Insect and related pests of vegetables. Revised. North Carolina State University, Publication AG-295 (soft cover, 180 pp., US$10.00, order from Agricultural Communications, Box 7603, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7603). This is a comprehensive manual which includes descriptions and line drawings of insects in various stages of development, their biology and control, as well as keys to identify insects by the crop affected. A section of color plates is also included. [T R C]

Mary Louise Flint. 1990. Pests of the garden and small farm, a grower's guide to using less pesticide. University of California, Publication 3332, ISBN 0-931876-89-3 (soft cover, 276 pp., US$30, to order call 800-994-8849). An excellent manual presenting insect, disease, and weed control in fruits and vegetables. The controls are organic or low-input. The book is full of very clear charts and color photographs. [N R O C]

Mary Louise Flint and Steve H. Dreistadt. 1998. Natural enemies handbook, the illustrated guide to biological pest control. University of California, ISBN 0-520-21801-9 and ISBN 1-879906-41-4 (soft cover, 154 pp., US$35.00). An excellent manual of organisms that are harmful to diseases, insects, and weeds of crops. Contains quality color photographs, as well as a useful guide to quickly locate the appropriate biological control for a crop pest. [N R O]

Michael R. Williams. 1996. Key to orders of adult insects. Mississippi State University Extension Service, IS-389 (4 pp., free). This is an excellent, brief, key to determining the order of adult insect specimen. [T G]

Gaby Stoll. 1988. Natural crop protection in the tropics. Margraf Publishers, ISBN 3823611135 (soft cover, 188 pp., US$30.00). This book lists insect pests of crops and their non-chemical controls. Unique to this book are the many recipes for control substances. The book is translated into English from German, and is available in other languages as well. [N R O]

Joan Benjamin and Deborah L. Martin, eds. 1998. Great garden formulas, the ultimate book of mix-it-yourself concoctions for your garden. Rodale Press, ISBN 0-87596-798-1 (hard cover, 342 pp., US$27.95). The book includes formulas for materials to control pests, fertilizer formulations, and many other formulas useful to gardeners. [N R O]

Nita A. Davidson, John E. Dibble, Mary Louise Flint, Patrick J. Marer, and Anne Guye. 1991. Managing insects and mites with spray oils. University of California, Publication 3347, ISBN 1-879906-07-4 (soft cover, 47 pp., US$7.00). This is a short but thorough manual on all aspects of spray oils, including times and rates for particular crops and pests. [T G O]

*A. A. MacNab, A. F. Sherf, and J. K. Springer. 1981. Identifying diseases of vegetables. Pennsylvania State University, ISBN 9992977663 (soft cover, 62 pp., US$18.50, out of print). This is an excellent manual providing color photographs and descriptions of vegetable crop diseases. It is out of print, but is still available from many seed and supply catalogs (e.g. Johnny's Selected Seeds, Gempler's). [N R]

D. Blanchard. 1994. A colour atlas of tomato diseases, observation, identification and control. Manson Publishing, London, ISBN 1-874545-31-6, and John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-470-23417-2 (hard cover, 212 pp., US$119.95). This book is a thorough, excellent presentation of almost every tomato disease that might be encountered. Diseases are arranged by leaf, root, collar, stem, and fruit symptoms. Excellent color photographs. [T R]

D. Blanchard, H. Lecoq, and M. Pitrat. 1994. A colour atlas of cucurbit diseases, observation, identification and control. Manson Publishing, London, ISBN 1-874545-15-4, and John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-470-23416-4 (hard cover, 299 pp., US$129.00). This book is a thorough, excellent presentation of almost every cucurbit disease that might be encountered. Diseases are arranged by leaf, root, stem, flower, and fruit symptoms. Excellent color photographs. [T R]

Crucifer diseases. 1994. Peto Seed Co., Inc. (soft cover, 41 pp., US$15.00).
Cucurbit diseases. 1988. Peto Seed Co., Inc. (soft cover, 47 pp., US$10.00).
Pepper diseases. 1999. Peto Seed Co., Inc. (not yet published).
Tomato diseases. 1985. Peto Seed Co., Inc. (soft cover, 47 pp., US$10.00).
These are excellent crop-specific manuals that provide color photographs and information on the disease symptoms, conditions, and controls. [N R]

Donald G. White, ed. 1999. Compendium of corn diseases. Third edition. APS Press, ISBN 0-89054-234-1 (soft cover, 128 pp., US$37.00).
John L. Maas, ed. 1998. Compendium of strawberry diseases. Second edition. APS Press, ISBN 0-89054-194-9 (soft cover, 128 pp., US$37.00).
R. Michael Davis, Drishna V. Subbarao, Richard N. Raid, and Edward A. Kurtz. 1997. Compendium of lettuce diseases. APS Press, ISBN 0-89054-186-8 (soft cover, 79 pp., US$37.00).
Howard F. Schwartz and S. Krishna Mohan, eds. 1995. Compendium of onion and garlic diseases. APS Press, ISBN 0-89054-170-1 (soft cover, 54 pp., US$37.00, call 800-328-7560 to order or to inquire about other titles).
These are excellent crop-specific manuals that provide color photographs and very detailed information on the disease, including scientific references. American Phytopathological Society publishes these compendia for many other crops, as well as books on other aspects of plant disease. [T R]

Arden F. Sherf and Alan A. MacNab. 1986. Vegetable diseases and their control. Second edition. John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-05860-2 (hard cover, 728 pp., US$99.00). This book contains a thorough academic presentation of the biology and control of just about every disease organism of vegetable crops. Contains no color pictures. [T R C]

Last updated: July 12, 2000.

*Tim R. Murphy. 1997. Weeds of southern turfgrasses. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service (soft cover, 208 pp., US$8.00, call 706-542-8999 to order). This is an excellent manual which has color photographs and descriptions of weeds found in turfgrass as well as other crops. [N R]

+Georgia Cooperative Extension Service. 1980. Common weed seedlings of the United States and Canada. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-1254 (soft cover, 31 pp., free). This is a short manual showing color pictures and descriptions of weeds in their seedling stage. [N R]

Weeds of the north central states. North Central Regional Research Publication No. 281 or Bulletin 772 of University of Illinois. This book contains excellent line drawings of the various weeds and numerous keys for identifying weeds. [N R]

Vern Grubinger and Mary Jane Else. 1996. Vegetable farmers and their weed-control machines, an educational video on cultivation and flaming equipment. The University of Vermont, Center for Sustainable Agriculture (VHS, 75 min., US$12.00, call 802-656-0037 to order). This is an excellent video presentation of many cultivating implements. Both home-made and commercially available implements are included. For each implement, there is footage on setup, operation, and close-ups during operation. [N G O]

Greg Bowman, editor. 1997. Steel in the field, a farmer's guide to weed management tools. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Network, ISBN 188862602X (soft cover, 128 pp., US$18.00, call 802-656-0471 to order). The publishers indicate that the book presents "practical details on how to choose and use weed-control implements" with illustrations of "37 types of tools and 18 accessories". The book also includes supplier contacts, tool price ranges, and resource lists.

Robin Bellinder and Jed Colquhoun. New tools for mechanical weed control in vegetables. Department of Fruit and Vegetable Science, Cornell University (VHS, US$7.00). This is a short video presentation of many cultivating implements. The video concludes with a listing of sources of the implements used. [N G O]

R. J. Aldrich. 1984. Weed crop ecology, principles in weed management. Breton Publishers, ISBN 0534028330 (hard cover, 465 pp., US$47.25). A very good weed science textbook that does not emphasize herbicides. [T G O C]

Last updated: July 12, 2000.

+James G. Thomas. 1988. Irrigation system selection. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-1508 (6 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1508.htm). This is a brief description of each of a variety of methods of irrigating crops. [N G]

D. S. Ross, R. A. Parsons, and H. E. Carpenter. 1985. Trickle irrigation in the eastern United States. Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, NRAES-4 (soft cover, 25 pp., US$6.00, to order call 607-255-7654 or order on-line at http://www.nraes.org/nraesform.html). This is a short guide to planning and installing a trickle irrigation system. It includes information on plant-soil-water relationships, components of a trickle system, crop recommendations, and problem prevention. [N G]

Martin W. Brunson. 1997. Managing Mississippi farm ponds and small lakes. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-1428 (soft cover, 29 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1428.htm). This publication explains how to plan, build, stock, manage, and renovate a farm pond. [N G]

Carolyn Garrick Stern. 1996. Ponds, building, maintaining, enjoying. Progressive Farmer, ISBN 0848712986 (soft cover, 95 pp., out of print). Includes information on site choice, preplanning, drain and spillway systems, and fish stocking, as well as a listing of USDA-NRCS and State Fishery offices nationally. This title is out of print, but is still available from some distributors (e.g. Forestry Suppliers). [N G]

Last updated: July 12, 2000.

*Robert Parnes. 1990. Fertile soil, a grower's guide to organic and inorganic fertilizers. AgAccess, ISBN 0932857035 (soft cover, 190 pp., US$39.95). This is a brief and easily understood introduction to soil fertility and organic fertilizers. There are many useful tables on nutrient contents of various organic fertilizers, including manures, and nutrient requirements by various crops. [N G R O C]

Grace Gershuny and Joseph Smillie. 1995. The soul of soil, a guide to ecological soil management. Third edition. AgAccess, ISBN 0932857167 (soft cover, 174 pp., US$12.00). This is a complete but brief and easily understood introduction to soil science and soil management. [N G O]

+Joseph F. Schmidt, Milo Burnham, and Carol M. Short. 1996. Composting, nature's way to recycle. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-1782 (8 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1782.htm). This publication describes how to make good compost. Included are a list of compostable materials with their C:N ratio, various types of composting containers, and a guide to composting problems. [N G O]

Marianne Sarrantonio. 1994. Northeast cover crop handbook (Soil Health Series). Rodale Institute, ISBN 0-913107-17-4 (spiral bound, soft cover, 118 pp., US$12.00). Introductory chapters in this manual tell you how to choose and manage a cover crop, determing the N contribution from the cover crop, and to assess the results. It also includes a crop-by-crop presentation of uses, management, pests, and varieties of different species. It is useful beyond the north-eastern USA. [N T G R O]

Olen D. Curtis. 1987. Converting fertilizer rates from tons to teaspoons. Louisiana State University, Pub. 1545 (2 pp., free, order from Publications Office, Ag Center Communications, P. O. Box 25100, Baton Rouge, LA 70894-5100). This publication explains how to convert fertilizer rates for small applications. Includes tables that are very easy to use. [N G C]

Richard G. Snyder and James G. Thomas. 1996. Fertigation, the basics of injecting fertilizer for field-grown tomatoes. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-2037 (8 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub2037.htm). An explanation of what materials to use in liquid fertilization through drip irrigation, how to calculate the amount of fertilizer needed, and some equipment needs. Additionally, two fertilization schedules are presented for field tomatoes. [T G C]

Win Way. Lime ash, an ecological solution to an environmental problem. The University of Vermont, Br-1360 (8 pp., free, order from Publications, Agricultural Engineering Building, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405-0004, tel 802-656-0301). Briefly describes the uses and benefits of a 80%-20% lime-wood ash mix for liming soils. [N G O]

Julian D. Brake. 1992. A practical guide for poultry litter composting. Mississippi State University Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Bulletin 981 (8 pp., free). This is a report of research conducted on composting poultry manure. [T G O C]

T. L. Senn. 1987. Seaweed and plant growth. Privately published, ISBN 0-939241-01-3 (softcover, 160 pp, USs$10.95, available from Peaceful Valley Farm Supply). The book thoroughly describes the uses of seaweed as a fertilizer, as well as it's other benefits to plants. [N T G O]

Keith Crouse and Will McCarty. 1997. Soil testing for the farmer. Mississippi State University Extension Service, IS-346 (5 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/is346.htm). This publication explains how and when to take a soil sample, the cost of a sample, where to submit a sample, and how to read the soil test report from the MSU laboratory. The soil testing lab or your Mississippi county agent can provide the laboratory form (F-76) and a box for the soil. Most land grant universities in other states provide the same service. [N G]

David Tatum and Keith Crouse. 1995. Soil pH and fertilizers. Mississippi State University Extension Service, IS-372 (2 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/is372.htm). This short publication contains a chart of the preferred pH's of various plants, and a chart of various fertilizers (inorganic and organic), their contents, application rate, and their effect on soil pH. [N R O C]

Win Way. Farm fertilizers. The University of Vermont, Br-1312 (21 pp., US$0.50, order from Publications, Agricultural Engineering Building, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405-0004, tel 802-656-0301). Although this publication describes various inorganic fertilizers, it contains excellent information about essential nutrients. [N G R C]

Deborah L. Martin and Grace Gershuny, editors. 1992. The Rodale book of composting, easy methods for every gardener. New revised edition. Rodale Press, ISBN 0878579915 (soft cover, 278 pp., US$14.95). This book presents a thorough introduction to composting, including a discussion of the materials needed, methods of production, structures, equipment, and uses of compost. Almost identical in scope and content to Stu Campbell's "Let It Rot". [N G O]

Stu Campbell. 1998. Let it rot, the gardener's guide to composting. Storey Books, ISBN 1580170234 (soft cover, 160 pp, US$11.95). This book presents a thorough introduction to composting, including a discussion of the materials needed, methods of production, structures, equipment, and uses of compost. Almost identical in scope and content to Martin and Gershuny's "Rodale Book of Composting". [N G O]

Robert Rynk, ed. 1992. On-farm composting handbook. Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service, Publication NRAES-54, ISBN 0935817190 (soft cover, 186 pp., US$10, to order call 607-255-7654 or order on-line at http://www.nraes.org/nraesform.html). Describes methods for large scale (farm) composting operations. [T G R O]

University of Wisconsin. 1960. Soils of the north central region of the United States. Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Wisconsin, North Central Regional Publication No. 76. This manual includes a soil map of the region, as well as soil data for the region. It cannot compete with or substitute for the county-by-county USDA NRCS Soil Survey manuals, but some counties (particularly in Missouri) have not yet been surveyed, so this fills in the gap to some extent. This publication is out of print, but libraries in many Land Grant universities have it in their collection. [T R]

Fred Magdoff. 1992. Building soils for better crops, organic matter management. University of Nebraska Press, ISBN 0803231601 (hard cover, 176 pp., US$30.00). This is an in-depth presentation of current scientific knowledge about soil organic matter, written in a clear and understandable style. [T G O]

Nyle C. Brady, Ray R. Weil, and Raymond Weil. 1998. The nature and properties of soils. Twelfth edition. Prentice Hall, ISBN 0138524440 (hard cover, 896 pp., US$89.00). This is the standard college textbook for general soil science. [T G C]

John L. Havlin, Samuel L. Tisdale, and Werner Nelson. 1998. Soil fertility and fertilizers. Sixth edition. Prentice Hall, ISBN 0136268064 (hard cover, 704 pp., US$90.00). This is the standard college textbook for soil fertility. [T G C]

Last updated: July 12, 2000.

*R. G. Weir and G. C. Cresswell. 1993. Plant nutrient disorders. Vol. 1. Temperate and subtropical fruit and nut crops. Inkata Press, Australia, ISBN 0-909605-89-0 (soft cover, 93 pp., US$47.00, call 941-967-1342 to order). This is an excellent, clear, mineral-by-mineral description of nutrient deficiencies and toxicities, featuring excellent color pictures of foliage and fruit. The book includes an appendix of leaf tissue analysis deficiency and toxicity levels of various species. [N R]

*R. G. Weir and G. C. Cresswell. 1995. Plant nutrient disorders. Vol. 2. Tropical fruit and nut crops. Inkata Press, Australia, ISBN (soft cover, 101 pp., US$47.00, call 941-967-1342 to order). A mineral-by-mineral description of nutrient deficiencies, featuring excellent color pictures. [N R]

*R. G. Weir and G. C. Cresswell. 1993. Plant nutrient disorders. Vol. 3. Vegetable crops. Inkata Press, Australia, ISBN 0-909605-91-2 (soft cover, 105 pp., US$47.00, out of print, but call 941-967-1342 to order from remaining stock). This is an excellent, clear, mineral-by-mineral description of nutrient deficiencies, featuring excellent color pictures of foliage, roots, and fruit. The book includes an appendix of leaf tissue analysis deficiency and toxicity levels of various species. [N R]

C. Bould, E. J. Hewitt, and P. Needham. 1983. Diagnosis of mineral disorders in plants, Volume 1, Principles. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London (distributed by Unipub in the USA), ISBN 0112408052 (hard cover, 174 pp., US$20.95), Chemical Publishing Co., ISBN 0820603066 (hard cover, 174 pp., US$66.50). This book contains a technical mineral-by-mineral explanation of deficiencies and toxicities in crops, along with color photographs of various plants showing characteristic symptoms. [T R]

Alan Scaife and Mary Turner. 1983. Diagnosis of mineral disorders in plants. Vol. 2. Vegetables. Her Majesty's Stationary Office, ISBN 0112408044 (hard cover, 96 pp., US$20.95, still in print but indefinitely out of stock), Chemical Publishing Co., ISBN 0820603120 (hard cover, 96 pp., US$75.00). This is similar to Vol. 1 (Principles) but is arranged crop-by-crop and considers brassicas, broad bean, carrot, celery, leek, lettuce, summer squash, onion, parsnip, peas, beans, radish, beets, spinach, sweet corn and watercress. [T R]

Geoffrey Winsor and Peter Adams. 1987. Diagnosis of mineral disorders in plants. Vol. 3. Glasshouse crops. Her Majesty's Stationary Office, ISBN 0112427235 (hard cover, 168 pp., out of print), Chemical Publishing Co., ISBN 0820603112 (hard cover, 168 pp., $75.00). This is similar to Vol. 1 (Principles) but is arranged crop-by-crop and considers cucumber, lettuce, pepper, tomato, carnation, chrysanthemum, and poinsettia. There is very little overlap between Vol. 2 and Vol. 3. [T R]

William F. Bennett, editor. 1993. Nutrient deficiencies and toxicities in crop plants. APS Press, ISBN 0890541515 (hard cover, 202 pp., US$49.00, call 800-328-7560 to order). This book contains a technical crop-by-crop description of mineral deficiencies and toxicities, along with color photographs of various plants showing characteristic symptoms. [T R]

J. P. N. L. Roorda van Eysinga and K. W. Smilde. 1981. Nutritional disorders in glasshouse tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce. 1981. Centre for Agricultural Publishing and Documentation, Netherlands, ISBN 90-220-0737-5 (hard cover, 130 pp., US$53.00). An atlas of nutritional deficiency symptoms (in color pictures) of the major greenhouse vegetable crops. [T R]

Albert Ulrich, M. A. E. Mostafa, and William W. Allen. 1980/1992. Strawberry deficiency symptoms, a visual and plant analysis guide to fertilization. University of California, Bulletin 1917, ISBN 0931876370 (soft cover, 58 pp., US$15.00, call 510-642-2431 to order). This is an excellent, clear, mineral-by-mineral description of deficiencies in strawberries, along with color photographs showing characteristic symptoms. [N R]

Karl K. Crouse. 1998. Plant analysis sampling instructions. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-1224 (4 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1224.htm). A publication which explains how to take a plant sample for nutrient analysis. Specific directions are included for field, vegetable, fruit, nut, and ornamental crops. The soil testing lab or your Mississippi county agent can provide the laboratory form (F-700) to submit with the sample. Most land grant universities in other states provide the same service. [N G]

Last updated: July 12, 2000.

Richard E. Bonney. 1993. Beekeeping, a practical guide. Storey Communications, ISBN 0882668617 (soft cover, 184 pp., US$18.95). The book presents an easy to understand treatment of all aspects of beekeeping and honey production. Excellent references and sources are included. [N G]

Clarence H. Collison. Beekeeping. Mississippi State University Extension Service (available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/anr/entpath/bees/beekeeping.html). This is a excellent source of information on beekeeping, including hive design and management, sources of bees and equipment, and beekeeping associations. [N G R]

Clarence H. Collison. 1991. Honey bee tracheal mite. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-1753 (4 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1753.htm). A publication describing the mite and its biology, hosts, distribution, and control. [N G]

Clarence H. Collison. 1992. Swarm management. Mississippi State University Extension Service, P-1817 (4 pp., free, also available on-line at http://ext.msstate.edu/pubs/pub1817.htm). This publication explains how to prevent swarming, and also how to divide a colony before it swarms. [N G]

Brian L. Griffin. 1993. The orchard mason bee, the life history, biology, propagation and use of a truly benevolent and beneficial insect. Knox Cellars Publishing, ISBN 0963584111 (soft cover, 69 pp., US$9.95). A short book presenting information on the orchard mason bee (also known as the blue orchard bee). This is a non-aggressive, solitary bee, which is an excellent pollinator, and which is easily maintained. [N G]

Brian L. Griffin. 1997. Humblebee bumblebee. Knox Cellars Publishing, ISBN 0963584138 (soft cover, US$12.00). A short book presenting information on bumblebees for use in crop production. [N G]

Last updated: July 12, 2000.

*Eric L. Gibson. 1993. Sell what you sow, the growers guide to successful produce marketing. New World Pub., ISBN 0-9632814-0-2 (soft cover, 298 pp., US$22.50). In this book, the author describes various methods for marketing produce, including direct sales, sales to retail outlets, and wholesaling. There is also an appendix on handling and storage of produce, and methods of displaying produce. [N G]

Andrew W. Lee. 1993. Backyard market gardening, the entrepreneur's guide to selling what you grow. Good Earth Pubs., ISBN 0-9624648-0-5 (soft cover, 351 pp., US$19.95). Written by a market gardener, this book gives practical ideas on how/where to market, with examples of successful operations throughout the country. [N G]

Robert J. Matarazzo. 1998. Marketing for success, creative marketing tools for the agricultural industry. Doe Hollow Pub., ISBN 0965338509 (soft cover, 192 pp., US$16.95). A life-long fruit and vegetable grower describes tools, techniques, and resources for marketing.

Bob and Bonnie Gregson. 1996. Rebirth of the small family farm, a handbook for starting a successful organic farm based on the community supported agriculture concept. Island Meadow Farm, ISBN 0-9652233-0-2 (soft cover, 64 pp., US$9.95, order from IMF Associates, P.O. Box 2542, Vashon Island, WA 98070). This is a brief presentation of equipment, crop selection, cultural practices, and marketing needed in a CSA. [N G]

Vernon P. Grubinger. 1999. Sustainable vegetable production from startup to market. Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service (formerly Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service), NRAES-104, ISBN 0-935817-45-X (soft cover, 265 pp., to order call 607-255-7654, or order on-line at http://www.nraes.org/nraesform.html). This book is written for the market grower, and presents information from the perspective of a grower's constraints. There is extensive information on marketing, and explains how to get started in business and how to market your produce. It also includes a series of grower profiles, which describe successful operations in the northeast. In addition, there is production systems information, such as soil fertility, cover crops, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and equipment. It does not provide crop-specific growing instructions. [N G O C]

Karl Schwenke. 1991. Successful small-scale farming. Second edition. Storey Books, ISBN 0-88266-642-8 (soft cover, 134 pp., $14.95). A broad choice of topics of interest to the organic farmer is contained in this book, including farm machinery, farm practices (mostly with machinery), a brief introduction to soils and plants, an analysis of various cash crops (field crops, forage crops, and some small fruit), and woodlot management. The charts in the appendices are very useful. [N G R O]

Brian Capon. 1992. Botany for gardeners, an introduction and guide. Timber Press, ISBN 0881922587 (soft cover, 220 pp., US$17.95), ISBN 0881921637 (hard cover, 220 pp., US$29.95). The author presents a short, clear, thorough survey of botany written for the non-scientist. Each topic is presented as it relates to the gardener. [N G]

Franklin P. Gardner, R. Brent Pearce, and Roger L. Mitchell. 1985. Physiology of crop plants. Iowa State University Press, ISBN 0-8138-1376-X (hard cover, 327 pp., $41.95). This is a short text book of plant physiology, emphasizing material relevant to crop plants. [T G]

Robert Johnston, Jr. 1983. Growing garden seeds. Johnny's Selected Seeds (soft cover, 32 pp., US$2.50, order from Johnny's Selected Seeds). A very brief crop-by-crop description of how to produce vegetable seed. [N G R]

Raoul A. Robinson. 1995. Return to resistance, breeding crops to reduce pesticide dependence. AgAccess, ISBN 0932857175 (soft cover, US$29.95). The publisher indicates that this book presents plant breeding techniques along with a historical treatment of plant breeding and the problems that have resulted.

Jim Leckie, Gil Masters, Harry Whitehouse, and Lily Young. 1981. More other homes and garbage, designs for self-sufficient living. Sierra Club Books, ISBN 0-87156-274-X (soft cover, 374 pp, US$14.95, out of print). This is the second edition of a unique book that covers alternative and appropriate technologies for house design, solar, wind, and water generated electricity, solar heating, waste and sewage handling, and water sources. While somewhat dated, it is still an excellent reference on the topics covered. While most of the text is easy to understand, the authors also include some technical information and calculations relevant to the topics presented. This is out of print, but is available in many libraries. [N T G]

Jane Potter Gates. 1988. Tracing the evolution of organic/sustainable agriculture. USDA National Agricultural Library, Bibliographies and Literature of Agriculture No. 72 (20 pp., free, available from AFSIC at 301-504-6559). This is an annotated bibliography of all the important literature on organic agriculture until 1986. [N R O]

Mary V. Gold. 1996. Organic production, recent publications and current information sources. USDA, National Agricultural Library, Special Reference Briefs Series, SRB 96-07, ISSN 1052-536X (soft cover, 30 pp., free, available from AFSIC at 301-504-6559). This is a listing of information sources in books, publishers, periodicals, and web sites. [N R O]

AFSIC. 1997. Sustainable agriculture in print, current books. USDA, National Agricultural Library, Special Reference Briefs Series, SRB 97-05, ISSN 1052-536X (soft cover, 115 pp., free, available from AFSIC at 301-504-6559). This is an annotated bibliography of books. [N R O C]

Suzanne DeMuth. 1995. Sustainable agriculture in print, current periodicals. USDA, National Agricultural Library, Special Reference Briefs Series, SRB 95-08, ISSN 1056-536X (soft cover, 130 pp., free, available from AFSIC at 301-504-6559). This is an annotated bibliography of periodicals. [N R O C]

Denis Ebodaghe. 1998. Small farm resource guide. USDA, The Small Farm Program (192 pp., free, order from 800-583-3071, also available on-line at http://www.reeusda.gov/smallfarm). This is a state-by-state guide to programs available to small farmers. [N R O C]

Romana A. Vysatova and Laurie S. Z. Greenberg. 1998. A guide to USDA and other federal resources for sustainable agriculture and forestry enterprises. USDA (159 pp., free, available from ATTRA at 800-346-9140). This is a comprehensive listing of sustainable agriculture and forestry programs in the USA. Each entry includes a description of the organization, their programs, their publications and services, and how to contact them. [N R O C]

Last updated: July 12, 2000.

Johnny's Selected Seeds
1 Foss Hill Road, RR 1 Box 2580, Albion, ME 04910-9731
tel 207-437-4395 (commercial orders), 207-437-4301 (home gardeners), fax 800-437-4290
email commercial@johnnyseeds.com (commercial orders), homegarden@johnnyseeds.com (home gardeners), web site http://www.johnnyseeds.com/
Johnny's markets seeds in small and large quantities, as well as some books, supplies, tools, and equipment. They have both treated and untreated seed. Their seeds are targeted to short growing seasons, northern climates, or organic growers, and many of their cultivars are appropriate for southern production. Johnny's catalog includes practical information on how to grow each crop, including ideal germination temperatures for each crop. Keep their catalog as a reference on crop production. [R O C]

Seeds of Change
P. O. Box 15700, Santa Fe, NM 87596-5700
tel 888-762-7333 (orders), 505-438-8080
web site http://www.seedsofchange.com/
They market certified organic open-pollinated (non-hybrid) seeds, as well as the very high quality English-made Record garden tools (Bulldog brand in England). [O]

Chesmore Seed Company
P. O. Box 8368, St. Joseph, MO 64508-8368
tel 800-383-0865, 816-279-0865, fax 816-232-6134
email chesmore@ponyexpress.net
web site http://chesmore.com/
Chesmore distributes farm quantities of seeds from various seed sources. They have both treated and untreated seed (selection is limited for some cultivars). They also handle some greenhouse supplies and field equipment. [C]

Shepherd's Garden Seeds
30 Irene St., Torrington, CT 06790-6658
tel 860-482-3638 (home gardeners), 800-444-6910 (wholesale), fax 860-482-0532
web site http://www.shepherdseeds.com/
Shepherd's specializes in good tasting cultivars. Many of the cultivars they sell are not handled by other distributors in the USA. They only sell small packets of seeds, as well as some equipment and supplies.

Horizon Herbs
P. O. Box 69, Williams, OR 97544
tel 541-846-6704, fax 541-846-6233
email herbseed@chatlink.com, web site http://www.chatlink.com/~herbseed
Sells seeds and some live roots and plants of medicinal herbs. Their seeds are organically grown or wild harvested. Their live roots are organically grown. [O]

Nolt's Produce Supplies
152 North Hershey Ave., Leola, PA 17540
tel 717-656-9764, fax 717-656-6540
Nolt's markets farm quantities of seeds, farm and greenhouse supplies, irrigation equipment and supplies, pumps, plastic mulch, mulch layers and lifters, and packaging machinery. They deal primarily with vegetable growers. [C]

Kinsman Company, Inc.
P. O. Box 357, Point Pleasant, PA 18950
800-733-4146, fax 215-297-0450
web site http://www.kinsmangarden.com/
Kinsman carries the very high quality English-made Record garden tools (Bulldog brand in England). They also carry bird houses, English ironwork planters, and other supplies for gardens.

Peaceful Valley Farm Supply
P. O. Box 2209, Grass Valley, CA 95945
tel 888-784-1722 (orders), 530-272-4769 (other)
web site http://www.groworganic.com/
Peaceful Valley markets seeds, supplies, organic pesticides, organic fertilizers, animal traps, tools, equipment (including spreaders, seeders, tillers, and backpack sprayers), and books, for organic growers. Their organic products selection is extensive. [O]

N-Viro Products, Inc.
Ferguson Mill Rd., P. O. Box 30, Monticello, MS 39654
tel 601-587-0027, fax 601-587-0420
N-Viro Products (not to be confused with N-Viro International), uses Mississippi broiler litter (broiler manure and pine shavings) in a high temperature (250^oF) extrusion process to produce a peletized 3.5-3.5-3.5 (N-P-K) organic fertilizer. By adding various amounts of other organic materials, they also produce 6-2-4, 5-2-4, and 2-10-10 organic fertilizers. They are nearing completion of the OMRI certification process for their products. [O]

Circle One International, Inc.
16209 Flight Path Drive, Brooksville, FL 34609
tel 800-430-2467, 352-544-0202, fax 352-544-0230
email circle-one@circle-one.com, web site http://www.circle-one.com/
Circle One manufactures various liquid organic fertilizers and fertility products. [O C]

AgriEnergy Resources
21417 1950 E St., Princeton, IL 61356
tel 815-872-1190, fax 815-872-1928
email agrier@theramp.net, web site http://www.agrienergy.net/
AgriEnergy manufactures various organic and non-organic fertilizers and fertility products, innoculants, provides soil and microbiological laboratory analyses, and offers a crop consulting service. They work primarily with midwestern growers, although they are increasing their sales outside that region. [O C]

Midwest Bio-Systems
Route 1 Box 121, Tampico, IL 61283
tel 815-438-7200, fax 815-542-6470
web site http://www.businessiowa.com/MidwestBio-systems.htm
Midwest Bio-Systems manufactures aerobically formed compost as well as compost turners. They market both self-propelled and tractor pulled PTO-driven compost turners. They offer composting seminars at different locations nationally, at which they teach methods of aerobic compost production. [O C]

Gardener's Supply Company
128 Intervale Rd., Burlington, VT 05401
tel 800-863-1700
web site http://www.gardeners.com/
Gardener's Supply markets equipment, tools, supplies, organic fertilizers, pest controls, and books. They target the home gardener and the very small market grower. [O C]

PolyDrip
13799 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70817
tel 800-676-0979, fax 225-755-1240
email info@polydrip.com, web site http://www.polydrip.com/
PolyDrip markets everything needed for field or greenhouse irrigation, including drip tape, filters, sprinklers, pumps, and fertilizer dispensers. Personal service and free consulting on irrigation needs and system design is their specialty. Their product line is similar to Irrigation Mart's.

Irrigation Mart
3303 McDonald Ave. East, Ruston, LA 71270-7412
tel 800-729-7246
web site http://www.irrigation-mart.com/
Irrigation Mart sells everything needed for field and greenhouse irrigation, including drip tape, filters, sprinklers, and pumps. Their product line is similar to PolyDrip's.

McNeely Plastic Products, Inc.
Terri Smith, 5166 Keele St., Jackson, MS 39206
tel 800-433-8407, 601-364-5050, fax 601-364-5060
email info@mcnplastics.com, web site http://www.mcnplastics.com/
McNeely markets plastic mulch, plastic packaging material, and corrugated boxes.

BWI Companies, Inc.
6013 N. McRaven Rd., P. O. Box 20407, Jackson, MS 39289-1407
tel 800-395-2580, 601-922-5214, fax 601-922-8634
3136 S. Clifton, Springfield, MO 65807, P. O. Box 2208, Springfield, MO 65801
tel 800-247-4954, 417-881-3003, fax 417-881-7055
BWI markets supplies for greenhouse and nursery production, including trays, pots, flats, cells, potting media, fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, irrigation supplies, and misters, as well as products for lawn, turf, and landscaping.

Gallagher Power Fence, Inc.
18940 Redland Rd., P. O. Box 708900, San Antonio, TX 78270-8900
tel 800-531-5908, fax 210-494-9364
email gallagherusa@msn.com, web site http://www.gallagher.co.nz/
Gallagher manufactures and markets New Zealand-type low impedance energizers, high tensile power fence wire, poly wire, insulators, posts, and other materials and tools for electric fencing.

Gempler's
100 Countryside Dr., P. O. Box 270, Belleville, WI 53508
tel 800-382-8473 (orders), 800-874-4755 (product information), fax 800-551-1128
web site http://www.gemplers.com/
Gempler's is a comprehensive mail-order company specializing in USA-made farm and forest safety equipment and supplies, protective gear/garments, and signs, as well as clothes, boots, field equipment and instruments, scales, backpack sprayers, spreaders, tools, and books.

Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
P. O. Box 8397, Jackson, MS 39284-8397
tel 800-647-5368, fax 800-543-4203
web site http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/
Forestry Suppliers markets a variety of field and lab equipment, including soil probes, pH and other meters, weather instruments, scales, backpack sprayers, spreaders, tools, safety equipment, animal traps, and books. Their product line is targeted to foresters and agriculturists.

Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
23839 W. Andrew Rd., Plainfield, IL 60544
tel 800-248-8873, fax 815-4364460
email specmeters@aol.com, web site http://www.specmeters.com/
Spectrum Technologies manufactures and markets small instruments, such as pH, ec, chlorophyll, and nutrient (ion selective) meters. They are the American distributor for Horiba's Cardy meters (for nitrate, potassium, and sodium).

Fertile Ground Books
P. O. Box 2008, Davis, CA 95617
tel 800-540-0170, fax 530-298-2060
email books@agribooks.com, web site http://www.agribooks.com/
Fertile Ground Books (formerly AgAccess Catalog) sells agricultural books, and specializes in sustainable and organic titles. They have a printed catalog, and a complete book list on their web site. Orders can be placed by phone or on the web. [O C]

AgScience, Inc.
114 Lake Ave. East, Auburndale, FL 33823
tel 941-967-8898, fax 941-967-1342
AgScience is a scientific book publisher and distributor, specializing in agricultural books. They carry academic as well as popular titles, and include many hard to find items. [O C]

Amazon.com
web site http://www.amazon.com/
A web-based book distributor that carries most of the titles listed in this guide, and can find many out of print titles. [O C]

Barnes & Noble
web site http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
A web-based book distributor that carries most of the titles listed in this guide, and can find many out of print titles. [O C]

Borders Books
web site http://www.borders.com/
A web-based book distributor that carries most of the titles listed in this guide, and can find many out of print titles. [O C]

Frontier Natural Products Co-Op
P. O. Box 299, Norway, IA 52318
tel 800-669-3275
web site http://www.frontiercoop.com/
Frontier markets spices, coffee, natural remedies, aromas, much of it certified organic. You can order on-line. [O C]

Last updated: June 24, 2003.