Table of Contents

IntroductionPart 1: Soil 1.Mysteries of the soilPlatos Cave & unobserved causes 2.Planning the GardenImposing our individual rule on the natural world 3.Natural harmoniesBecoming one with nature 4. Utilitarianism & the greater goodFairness in the garden 5.Whats in a name?How important are definitions and accuracy?Part 2: Growth 6.Evolution & the plant-pest arms raceDarwin & worries about genetic modification in plants 7. The kindness of plantsGame theory & why cooperation is best 8.Nature versus nurtureWhen is a blank slate not blank? 9.Photosynthesis: quantum biology in plantsQuantum physics in the garden 10.Weeding: Zenos ParadoxHow can change happen when distance & time are infinitely divisible?Part 3: Harvest 11.The perfect tomatoDo ideal forms exist on a higher plane? 12.Art & beautyIs beauty in the eye of the beholder? 13.Miracle berries: are senses reliable?Is a lemon sweet or sour? 14.Minding your peas & cuesHow can we know anything? 15.Wealth from the dirtEconomics & the origin of valuePart 4: Cycles 16.Methuselah treesThe Ship of Theseus identity paradox 17.Heaps of seedsLogic & the sorites paradox 18.Composting: ultimate recyclingEntropy & reincarnation 19.In the shed: ethics & the pursuit of happinessHow to live the Good Life 20.The pragmatic gardenerPractical philosophy & getting off Buridans Ass Further Reading Index

About the Author

Kate Collyns is a gardener and philosopher. She set up her sustainable market garden at Hartley Farm in Wiltshire following her graduation of the Soil Association's Horticultural Apprenticeship in 2010. Kate has an MA in Philosophy from the University of London, and likes nothing better than to ponder the existential nature of the universe whilst weeding a bed of lettuce.

Reviews

"It’s perfect for anyone inclined to ponder life lessons while tending to their greenery and features lovely line drawings."
*The Boston Globe*