The Market Gardener: A Manual of Small-Scale Organic Farming

Buoyed by the international success of the first edition of Le Jardinier-marseilleur, Jean-Martin Fortier continued to perfect his diversified market gardening techniques and to test tools to optimize his organic crops on small areas. In this new revised and expanded edition, it is with the same generosity that he once again shares his know-how to help people who dream of starting organic farming and market gardeners who wish to improve their cultivation practices. Yes, it is possible to grow organic vegetables intensively on a plot of land of less than one hectare, to feed several hundred people in short supply chains and to make your micro-farm profitable! Now considered a reference in organic farming, this practical guide provides growing notes on more than 25 vegetables and teaches you, step by step, how to:- choose the location of a site inspired by permaculture;- minimize investments when starting your business;- use alternative machinery to the tractor;- grow in permanent beds with a minimal tillage approach;- organically fertilize your crops;- effectively fight diseases and harmful insects;- weed with the best tools;- extend the season by "forcing" your crops;- develop a growing calendar;- make good financial planning. With over 40,000 copies sold and translated into several languages, The Market Gardener is a must-have for anyone who wants to practice ecological, local and truly nourishing agriculture. The time has come to turn our backs on agro-industrial agriculture, dependent on oil, which is so damaging to our health and our environment. The agricultural revolution is underway, and this is the perfect book to help you participate in it. “One of the things that encourages me most is seeing the number of enthusiastic, educated, and politically minded young people who are deeply interested in learning the art of producing food sustainably. In the near future, this community will form a powerful critical mass, and when that day comes, we will no longer be able to be ignored.” - Jean-Martin Fortier