Martha Stewart's "The Martha Rules", New rules: polite musings from a timid observer by Bill Maher, Body-for-LIFE by Pamela Peeke, The Biggest Loser - what is common between these books, except that they are all New York Times bestsellers? They have all been published by Rodale Inc, as have the titles under the South Beach Diet and the Abs Diet franchises. However, what Rodale Inc specializes in is the subject of organic gardening, despite countless books on fitness and health (particularly preventive health management).

Organic gardening is the primary focus of Rodale Inc and the founder Jeremy Rodale in a pioneer in this field. Rodale books are marketed through both direct and retail channels. The South Beach Diet is popular worldwide.

Among the many books on organic gardening published by Rodale Inc, the best and the most admired are outlined in this article. Rodale's "All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening" costs $29.95 and provides comprehensively, all the information related to gardening with natural products, and without the use of harmful chemicals. It is a hardcover book of 704 pages, written by Ellis, Barbara W, Bradley, Fern Marshall. The chapters are illustrated very well which makes it easy for the reader to visualize the activities and experiments outlined in this book. The complete reference book deals with every topic related to organic gardening under the sun. A serious organic gardener should definitely own a copy.

Another Rodale book, "Rodale's Organic Gardening Basics: Roses" is a florist's delight. It teaches the readers the basic about growing roses the organic way. The book is 112 pages long and covers basic flower varieties, the most practical and practicable org'anic gardening tools, pest control and even garden designs. The price of this book is listed at $14.95.

Of course, agencies other than Rodale have also published organic gard'ening related books. One such popular book for reference among or'ganic gardeners includes "Gardening for the 21st century" by John Fedor. It emphasizes on the fact that one thing as important as how you're growing something is what it is that you're growing. It takes the reader back to natural remedies including vegetables and herbs used before pesticides and chemicals were invented. It talks about issues such as crop rotation, greenhouses, raised beds, functional food, etc. It comes with an illustrated directory of herbs, fruits and vegetables.

Another great book for organ'ic gardeners to add to their collection is the "Sunset Guide to Org'anic Gardeni'ng". Published by Lane publishers, it talks about how or'ganic garde'ning has made a come back in today's world. It is basically a reference book for planning the organi'c garden and working in it.