This book is a well written and thoroughly researched introduction to gardening. It informs in both the wider aspects -- linking horticulture to historical, philosophical, and cosmological contexts -- as well as in practical down-to-earth details. There are chapters on the pioneers of organic agriculture, basic mineral processes, plant evolution, the structure of soil, nutrients and fertilizers, cosmic influences, atmospheric factors, compost, companion planting, crop rotation, weeds, insects, teas, biotic substances, cooking, nutrition, food handling, seed selection, and care of tools. There is also a summary of the agricultural lectures of Rudolf Steiner and a chapter on the social implications of biodynamic agriculture.