Organic Orchard­ing: A Grove of Trees to Live In (1981) — Gene Logsdon | Illustrated Sustainable Agriculture, Gardening & Homesteading, Nature Reference

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Description

This vintage gardening reference is Organic Orcharding: A Grove of Trees to Live In by Gene Logsdon, published in 1981 by Rodale Press. A cornerstone of the back-to-the-land and organic farming movement, Logsdon’s book combines philosophy with practical orchard know-how.

Inside, you’ll find guidance on fruit and nut trees, disease resistance, soil health, and orchard layouts—all illustrated with clear line drawings. 

A valuable title for sustainable gardeners, homesteaders, and collectors of environmental classics.

Quick Specs

  • Item Type: Vintage Hardcover Book
  • Size: 9 × 6 × 2 inches
  • Material: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
  • Color: Green boards with multicolor illustrated jacket
  • Origin or Maker: Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
  • Year or Era: 1981
  • GENRE: Gardening, Sustainable Agriculture, Nature Reference
  • Language / Pages: English, 415 pages
  • Identifiers: ISBN 0-87857-356-9; Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 81-8639
  • Edition & Features (books)
  • Edition/Printing: First Edition (copyright 1981, no later dates indicated)
  • Dust Jacket: Present, with light shelf wear visible in photos
  • Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Illustrated by Mark Grunard; orchard diagrams and planting plans

  • Extras: Designed by Linda Jacopetti; printed on recycled paper with de-inked fiber

Condition Grade: Very Good

Notes: Firm binding, clean text. Dust jacket shows light rubbing and edge wear, boards in excellent shape. Interior pages are bright with no major marks noted. Please see photos for exact condition.

Sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.

About the Author / Maker: Gene Logsdon

Gene Logsdon (1931–2016) was a prolific agricultural writer and farmer, often called “The Contrary Farmer.” His works championed sustainable practices, small-scale farming, and the wisdom of working with nature.

A foundational book for anyone serious about sustainable orcharding—add it to your shelf today.

Disclaimer 

The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide.

While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.

Care & Handling: Handle books with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, in stable temperatures around 68°F with 40–50% humidity. Avoid basements, attics, and damp areas.
Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.

About Reading Vintage

At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Yes. Every photo on this page is the actual item you will receive. Not a stock photo, not a similar copy. What you see is what ships.

Honestly. This is vintage, so expect some age. When I find wear, writing, stains, loose pages, chips, or missing pieces, I note them and show them in the photos. Some marks add character. Some are just flaws. I tell you which is which so you can decide if this is the right one for you.

With care. Old books and fragile pieces are wrapped and boxed so they arrive the way they left me. Careful packing is one of the things buyers mention most in their reviews. Orders of $35 or more ship free.

Probably not. Everything here is one of a kind, and I rarely find the same item twice. Once it sells, it is gone. Vintage does not restock neatly.