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Gardening When It Counts Review: Is This the Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Gardening?
Gardening has always been a rewarding and practical hobby, but in times of economic uncertainty, it becomes even more essential. Whether you’re looking to save money on groceries, become more self-sufficient, or minimize your gardening costs, a solid plan is crucial.
One book that promises to help with this is “Gardening When It Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times” by Steve Solomon. But does it really deliver?
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this guide to see if it’s the right fit for your gardening needs.
Let’s dig in! 🌱
What is “Gardening When It Counts” About?
“Gardening When It Counts” is a practical, no-nonsense gardening book that focuses on low-input, traditional gardening methods. Unlike high-intensity, small-space gardening books, this guide teaches you how to grow enough food for self-sufficiency with minimal resources, reduced water usage, and fewer external inputs.
Who Is This Book For?
- ✅ Beginner to intermediate gardeners looking for a sustainable food-growing system
- ✅ Homesteaders and those working toward self-sufficiency
- ✅ Gardeners with access to larger spaces (3,000–5,000 sq. ft.)
- ✅ Individuals preparing for economic downturns or uncertain times
However, it may not be the best fit for:
- ❌ Urban gardeners with extremely small spaces
- ❌ Those looking for intensive, high-yield gardening techniques
- ❌ Gardeners in tropical or hot desert climates (the book focuses on temperate regions)
🌿 1. Focus on Traditional, Low-Input Gardening
Unlike intensive gardening techniques like Square Foot Gardening, this book advocates for wider plant spacing, deep soil building, and a reliance on natural rainfall. It’s all about creating a self-sustaining garden with minimal dependency on modern, expensive inputs.
💧 2. Water-Efficient Gardening Strategies
Water is becoming a scarce and expensive resource in many regions. Solomon outlines techniques to reduce water use and still maintain healthy crops, making this book perfect for drought-prone areas.
🛠 3. Simple Tools and Minimal Investment Required
“Gardening When It Counts” encourages the use of basic hand tools rather than expensive gardening gadgets or irrigation systems. With his detailed advice on tool selection, use, and maintenance, readers can extend the life of their equipment and save costs over time.
The book teaches you how to improve soil naturally, rather than relying on synthetic fertilizers or chemical-laden soil amendments. Solomon’s practical advice will help you revitalize poor-quality land and make it highly productive over time.
With rising food costs and possible supply chain disruptions, growing your own food can be a game-changer. This book provides a clear framework for producing nutrient-rich food at home, reducing grocery bills and increasing food resiliency.
Comparison: How Does It Stack Up To Other Gardening Books?
| Feature | Gardening When It Counts | The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible | Square Foot Gardening | The Backyard Homestead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌱 Core Focus | Low-input, self-sufficient gardening | Organic, raised bed gardening | Intensive, small-space gardening | Homesteading, multiple skills |
| 🏡 Best For | Large-space gardeners, self-sufficiency seekers | Home vegetable gardeners | Urban / small-space gardeners | Aspiring homesteaders |
👉 If you’re looking for low-cost, self-sufficient gardening methods, Gardening When It Counts outshines the competition. However, if you have limited space, you might prefer a raised bed or intensive planting approach like Square Foot Gardening.
✅ What We Love
- ✔ Teaches money-saving, resource-efficient gardening techniques
- ✔ Helps gardeners cut costs, reduce water usage, and improve soil health
- ✔ Focuses on food self-sufficiency and resilience
❌ Where It Falls Short
- ⛔ Not ideal for small urban gardens
- ⛔ Limited advice for growing in tropical or desert climates
Real Customer Reviews
🔹 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Incredible for Self-Sufficient Gardening!”
“I’ve read many gardening books, but this one really transformed my approach. The techniques are practical, and I love that they don’t require fancy fertilizers or expensive irrigation systems.” – Verified Amazon Buyer
Current Price on Amazon: 💲Check Latest Price Here
Final Verdict – Should You Buy “Gardening When It Counts”?
If you are interested in traditional, low-cost, self-sufficient gardening, this book is an excellent guide. It provides a wealth of information on soil health, water conservation, tool usage, and more.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
🔥 Ready to take control of your food supply? Get your copy here:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this book suitable for absolute beginners?
✅ Yes! While it’s not as simplified as beginner-friendly guides, it gives solid step-by-step instructions on soil management, water efficiency, and plant care.
Q: Is there an audiobook version available?
❌ Currently, there is no official audiobook version, but you can check Kindle options for digital access.
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