In the Garden: Chapter 2
Inside Chapter 2: Soil & Sunlight
Our book, Nature School: In the Garden, releases next Tuesday, April 7!
I’ve already shared a preview of Chapter 1, and today I’d like to take a look inside Chapter 2: Soil and Sunlight: Understanding Plant Needs.
In this chapter, we explore everything plants need to grow and thrive. From essential nutrients in the soil to water, air, and the sun’s energy, we break down how plants gather and use these resources from the environments in which they grow.
Understanding what plants need, and how they meet those needs, helps you troubleshoot when something isn’t quite right. Whether your plants are struggling or thriving, this knowledge allows you to make informed decisions in your garden.
When paired with the companion workbook, Chapter 2 offers simple, open-and-go lessons designed to bring these concepts to life.
In Chapter 2, you’ll find lessons on:
Living Soil - Learn about soil as a living system, including soil structure, layers, and pedogenesis, the process of soil formation.
Soil Basics - Explore soil composition, its role in the carbon cycle, different soil types, and ways to evaluate your soil.
Essential Nutrients - Understand the plant nutrient cycle, macro- and micronutrients, and how to recognize signs of nutrient deficiencies or imbalances.
Soil Erosion and Nutrient Loss - Examine the causes of topsoil loss, its impact on soil quality and biodiversity, and ways to prevent erosion in your garden.
Improving Soil Health - Learn how to improve your soil through composting, amendments, and different growing mediums.
Sunlight - Explore the importance of sunlight, the basics of photosynthesis, plant light requirements, and challenges for indoor plants.
Watering - Understand how plants take in and use water, including transpiration, water’s role in photosynthesis, and effective watering techniques.
Air - Learn about the role of air in plant health, including carbon dioxide in photosynthesis, plant respiration, and how to improve airflow.
Weather and Climate - Discover how weather and climate impact plant growth, including photoperiod, humidity, precipitation, and temperature.
Adaptations - Explore how plants adapt to challenging environments, including growing without soil, aquatic systems, extreme climates, and parasitic plants.
Nature School: In the Garden and its companion workbook release April 7.
The book is available now for preorder wherever books are sold, including in my shop!
This gardening season, discover how your garden can become a living classroom for the whole family.
I hope you’ll join us and preorder your copy today!
Wishing you a season of curiosity and discovery in the garden.
Warmly,
Stephanie
If you'd like to take a closer look, I also have a page with a flip-through of the book and additional links to preorder from retailers.