Valuable advice from an expert in soil science.

Intended for both small- and medium-sized gardens, Improving Your Soil reveals the steps to take to achieve the perfect soil in which to grow plants. With clear and specific directions on how to amend poor soil, modify mediocre earth, aerate compacted topsoil and substrates as well as test pH levels, this book enables any gardener to nurture their plants and promote more abundant growth.

The features that indicate good soil include proper structure and nutrients that encourage healthy plant growth. Soil in "good tilth" is loamy, nutrient-rich and friable because it has an optimal mixture of sand, clay and organic matter that prevents severe compaction. Improving Your Soil shows gardeners how to improve the soil in their gardens to encourage good seed bedding and a strong root system for proper nutrient disbursement throughout various soil depths. Topics in the book include:

• Providing the right amount of water for plants
• The microscopic world of soils
• Crop rotations
• Types of compost and how to make good compost
• Managing soils to minimize pest and disease problems
• Overcoming common nutrient deficiencies
• Organic vs. mineral fertilizers.

The detailed information is complemented with line drawings, diagrams and illustrations that demonstrate various soil issues and how to resolve common problems. With information on remedying specific problems with particular plants, Improving Your Soil will be an often-consulted resource for all gardeners.

Keith Reid is a soil scientist who used to work as a manager at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada assessing and advising growers about soil issues.

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This book is great source of information that is easily understood and applied in the home garden.... Whether we realize it or not, identifying your specific type of soil, the importance of the content of the soil, and how it functions are all crucial to any home gardener or landscaper. Not understanding the soil that you are working with could become a growing challenge.... Soil health translates into healthier plants and a happier homeowner....This was a terrific book and I would highly recommend it to the homeowner who wants to build a strong, healthy foundation of soil to grow in.

Washington Gardener

Before you order that load of topsoil or begin stockpiling compost, I recommend reading (this) excellent book by Keith Reid, a soil scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada with over 30 years' experience.... In it, the author explains all aspects of soil and how it works. He begins by relating what's going on beneath our feet as each seasonal cycle passes, how heat, cold and moisture affect the microscopic life in the soil. He shows how to identify the kind of soil in your garden, explains how it feeds plants, and describes the structure and texture of soil. There's much, much more, including a bit on soil chemistry, too, but don't let scientific references deter you. The author's stated goal is to demystify soil and offer practical methods that will allow you to grow a better garden. It's a fascinating read and I'd consider it essential reading for the serious gardener. It should convince anyone that the answer really does lie in the soil.

Guelph Mercury--Waterloo Region Record

If you have ever wondered how your soil makes on impact on your home garden, this title is the perfect primer. After a discussion of what happens underground as each season passes, the author breaks down how soil is structured and what you can do to manage it successfully. Identifying soil type, creating a proper irrigation system and conquering common soil problems just scratch the surface of what is contained in this comprehensive guide. Reid, who has more than 30 years of experience in soil management, has written a highly readable and practical book for avid gardeners.

Green Bay Press-Gazette

Improving Your Soil delves deeply into the intriguing mysteries of the foundation, and soul, of the garden. For such a detailed and technical book, (it) is remarkably inspiring as it explains how soil works to maintain healthy plant life... (Includes) an extensive roster of tips on assessing soil, along with realistic steps for improvement.

Victoria Times-Colonist

This book is so comprehensive, it would make an excellent textbook for an entry level college course on soils... Improving Your Soil will not only give you a better understanding of soil in general and how it works, but also will help you make more informed choices to improve and manage its performance in your own garden.

American Gardener

Soil scientist Keith Reid reveals the steps to take to achieve the perfect soil base in which to grow plants... Improving Your Soil shows gardeners how to improve the soil in their garden to encourage good seed bedding and a strong root system for proper nutrient disbursement throughout various soil depths. The detailed information is complemented with line drawings, diagrams and illustrations that demonstrate various soil issues and how to resolve common problems.

Calgary Sun

Improving Your Soil features a reader-friendly discussion, organization and format -- feats indeed, considering the wealth of scientific information included in this book. I don't think the topic of soil can be covered better than Keith Reid has managed here.

Seeds

Improving Your Soil features a reader-friendly discussion, organization and format -- feats indeed, considering the wealth of scientific information included in this book. I don't think the topic of soil can be covered better than Keith Reid has managed here.

Texas Gardener

(starred review) Reid, a soil scientist for more than 30 years, leads the reader through a detailed discussion of the subject at hand. In 13 chapters, the author covers soil analysis, the basics of soil chemistry, soil structure and the implications of both, water and irrigation issues, exploiting biological cycles in service of gardening and the all-important issue of how improve and manage long term fertility in gardens and fields. Also provided is a guide to the warning signs of common soil deficiencies and how to troubleshoot common problems.... The author conveys a complex topic in a straightforward and well organized manner, using a clear writing style to good effect. Although this is not a long book, it is a surprisingly complete book, one that avoids both obfuscation and oversimplification. Intended for avid gardeners, it can also stand as an example of how to write popular science books.

Publishers Weekly