The Living Soil Handbook

By Jesse Frost

The Living Soil Handbook is centered around the three basic principles of no-till market gardening: Disturb the soil as little as possible, keep the soil covered as much as possible, and keep the soil planted as much as possible.

Farmer Jesse Frost guides readers in applying these principles to their own garden environments, with their own materials, to meet their goals.

Beginning with an exploration of the importance of photosynthesis to living soil, The Living Soil Handbook provides in-depth information on:

• Using compost and mulch
• Incorporating biology, maintaining fertility
• Turning over beds
• Utilizing path management
• Cover cropping
• Diversifying plantings through intercropping
• Implementing production methods for seven major crops

Growers can use the handbook to connect reduced tillage with crop rotation, cover crops, compost, and bed management rather than treating any one practice as a shortcut. Transitioning gradually makes it easier to watch weed pressure, residue breakdown, drainage, and planting conditions. Pair the system with soil testing and farm records so nutrient applications remain measured and crop response can be compared across seasons.

Browse more practical references in our Gardening Books collection.