The basic science. What is the soil food web and why should gardeners care? -- Classic soil science -- Bacteria -- Fungi -- Algae and slime molds -- Protozoa -- Nematodes -- Arthropods -- Earthworms -- Gastropods -- Reptiles, mammals, and birds -- Applying soil food web science to yard and garden care. How the soil food web applies to gardening -- What do your soil food webs look like? -- Tools for restoration and maintenance -- Compost -- Mulch -- Compost teas -- The lawn -- Maintaining trees, shrubs, and perennials -- Growing annuals and vegetables -- A simple soil food web garden calendar -- No one ever fertilized an old growth forest -- Appendix. The soil food web gardening rules.