The Hidden Half of Nature: From Soil to Gut, How Microbes Shape Our World

David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé’s The Hidden Half of Nature takes you on a journey into the unseen life beneath our feet—and within ourselves. What began as an attempt to revive a lifeless backyard garden became a revelation: the microbial processes that restore soil fertility also underpin human health. This book bridges agriculture and medicine, weaving together the science of microbiomes with personal storytelling to show how cultivating microbial allies transforms both landscapes and lives.

Why It’s Tough Enough for Tough Kraut
• Science Meets Storytelling: A blend of cutting-edge microbiome research with the authors’ hands-on garden restoration project.
• Soil-to-Gut Connection: Shows how the same microbes that enrich soil also play vital roles in human health and immunity.
• Accessible & Engaging: Written in a narrative style often compared to a “scientific thriller,” making complex ideas easy to grasp.
• Permaculture Perspective: Offers a deeper scientific foundation for soil care practices already valued in regenerative gardening.

Proven Finishing Touches
• Highly Rated: Amazon readers give it 4.6 out of 5 stars, with Goodreads holding a solid 4.3.
• Reviewer Praise: One reader called it “a scientific thriller,” while many highlight its accessibility and real-world grounding.
• Bridges Disciplines: Often shelved as science, but invaluable for gardeners, farmers, and anyone invested in soil and health.

Why We Love It
At Tough Kraut, we see this book as a perfect “aha” companion—reminding us why soil health and human health can’t be separated. Whether you’re building compost piles, planting cover crops, or just trying to eat better, the microbial world is the silent partner in your success. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about the science that validates what homesteaders and permaculturists already know instinctively.

Get Yours Now
Ready to uncover the living link between soil and health? The Hidden Half of Nature is available from Amazon and other major booksellers.

Specifications
• Authors: David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé
• Publisher / Year: W. W. Norton & Company, 2016
• Page Count: 320
• ISBN: 978-0393244403
• Format: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook available