Author
Steve Solomon
Born 1942
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Books by Steve Solomon
Gardening without irrigation : $b or without much, anyway
"Gardening Without Irrigation: or without much, anyway" by Steve Solomon is a practical guide on vegetable gardening techniques that minimize or eliminate the need for irrigation, written in the late 20th century. The book primarily focuses on the unique challenges and solutions for gardening in the maritime Northwest, where summers are predictably dry, and emphasizes the importance of self-reliance in gardening and homesteading practices. Solomon shares insights from his personal experiences, along with scientific principles, to help readers cultivate a thriving garden even in water-scarce conditions. The opening of the book introduces readers to Solomon's own journey as a gardener faced with dwindling water supplies after moving to Oregon. He recounts the initial struggles while trying to maintain a raised-bed garden using only a limited supply of irrigation and contemplates the historical watering practices of early pioneers. Through experimentation, he discovers effective methods for growing vegetables with minimal water, including spacing plants to decrease competition for moisture and employing techniques such as fertigation. This section sets the stage for a deeper exploration of practical strategies and knowledge that support successful dry gardening throughout the maritime Northwest.
Organic Gardener's Composting
"Organic Gardener's Composting" by Steve Solomon is a practical guide on composting techniques written in the late 20th century. This book discusses the importance of composting in sustainable gardening, focusing on transforming organic materials into nutrient-rich humus that enhances soil fertility. It addresses both serious food gardeners and casual composters, offering insights into various strategies that cater to different gardening needs. The opening of the book provides a foreword highlighting the author's influence on regional gardening, particularly in the maritime Northwest, along with personal reflections on the evolution of composting practices. Solomon introduces key concepts such as composting's role in ecological awareness and the process of decomposition, demystifying terms often misunderstood by gardeners. He emphasizes the accessibility of composting regardless of one’s experience level or space limitations and lays the groundwork for understanding the interdependent relationship between composting, soil health, and plant growth. The initial chapters clarify definitions and set the stage for practical techniques that will follow, ensuring that readers are equipped with a solid foundation for successful composting.