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As an avid gardener and urban farming enthusiast, I'm always on the hunt for practical, informative guides that can help me make the most of my space while staying true to my commitment to chemical-free practices. When I discovered "Small Space Organics" by Josh Byrne, I knew I'd found just the book I was searching for. With a prominent background as a presenter on the hit ABC TV show, Gardening Australia, Josh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table in this comprehensive guide.
TL;DR
Buy Small Space Organics for a tutorial on setting up a sustainable urban garden. Read it for its beautiful presentation. Then go and look up the project here.
Overview
"Small Space Organics" is a treasure trove of in-depth information on urban organic food gardening. The book is logically organized, starting with a section on designing a garden that integrates seamlessly with the home. It then delves into setting up crucial irrigation systems and implementing gardens for food, water, and natives.
As the book progresses, it shifts focus to creating native animal habitats, a feature that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also contributes to local biodiversity. Josh also dedicates comprehensive sections to building soil and recycling, and emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in urban gardening.
The book concludes with a practical guide on garden maintenance and propagation, ensuring that your small space continues to thrive and grow. All in all, "Small Space Organics" is not just a book; it's a thorough, step-by-step manual for anyone looking to embark on or improve their journey in urban organic food gardening.
Key Takeaways
"Small Space Organics" is more than just a gardening book; it's a visual delight and a comprehensive guide to transforming small urban spaces into flourishing organic gardens. One of my main takeaways from this book is that small yard size does not limit potential. Josh Byrne brilliantly showcases how to turn limitations into opportunities, whether it's incorporating chickens into a small urban block or creating a beautiful edible water plant and frog habitat out of a large terracotta bowl.
Another key insight I gained was the intricate dance of space, water conservation and storage. Josh doesn't shy away from tackling pertinent issues and shows a creative solution of burying the greywater tank under the yard. This project is a study in sustainability and practicality that continues to thrive as a model house.
Penny found the images riveting
Personal Experience
Reading "Small Space Organics" was a delightful experience that went beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge. The beautifully rendered photographs make it a worthy addition to any coffee table, serving as both an aesthetic pleasure and a constant source of inspiration.
The book guided me to realize that a small urban block could be more than just a garden - it could be a haven for local wildlife, an edible landscape, and a testament to sustainable living. One feature that resonated with me was the construction of the edible aquatic pond. Not only did it create an attractive water feature, but I also appreciated how it contributed to the garden's ecosystem, with frogs helping to control pests.
Overall, "Small Space Organics" is a masterfully curated guide that is as visually appealing as it is informative, making it an absolute pleasure to read, revisit, and put into practice.
While "Small Space Organics" is a phenomenal resource, The book is highly tailored to Josh's own small, flat, north-facing backyard. If you haven’t purchased your block with this kind of treatment in mind, you might find it challenging to imagine how the systems and techniques would fit into your own unique spaces, particularly if you’re dealing with steep or rocky terrain. However, it's worth noting that this is a common challenge in landscape design, and the book still provides a wealth of knowledge that can be adapted to various contexts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Small Space Organics" is a book that promises and delivers value time and again. Every revisit unfolds new insights, whether you're a novice gardener looking for inspiration or an experienced urban farmer seeking to enhance your organic practices. It's a book that grows on you, much like a thriving garden.
If you decide to purchase "Small Space Organics" through the links I've provided, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a great way to support my work while equipping yourself with a superb guide to urban organic gardening.
Over to you
Did you go and look at the website of the project? Would you like more book reviews like this from my extensive library of awesome books? Tell me in the comments! And Happy gardening!