As the days turn warmer, thoughts turn to outside activities. Gardening is a
popular pastime that can be put to good use in this economy by enabling many to
grow their own fruits and vegetables. The following books are a good starting
point to the whole process.
VEGETABLES, HERBS & FRUITS: AN ILLUSTRATED
ENCYCLOPEDIA, by Matthew
Biggs, Jekka McVicar and Bob Flowerdew
Beautifully illustrated with color photographs, this volume is a
comprehensive overview of many varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs. The
entries in each of the three sections have short histories, a list of the
different varieties, growing and maintenance tips, and harvesting and storing
advice. Other helpful additions include recipes and medicinal uses.
This book is available at the Main Library.
GARDENING WITH HEIRLOOM
SEEDS, by Lynn Coulter
An heirloom plant is defined by gardeners as a plant that was introduced in
this country at least fifty years ago and has been passed from one generation of
gardeners to the next. It is believed the crops from these seeds taste better
and are sometimes better adapted to pests and harsh conditions than many of the
modern varieties. Each section of this book highlights the garden during each of
the four seasons and there are sources listed for where to find the seeds of
many old varieties.
This book is available at the Main Library.
THE TRUTH ABOUT ORGANIC GARDENING: BENEFITS, DRAWBACKS, AND THE BOTTOM
LINE,
by Jeff Gillman
Organic farming is discussed quite often these days and sometimes it can be
confusing to determine what it means and whether or not you can accomplish
organic growing at home. In this volume, the author introduces over 100
gardening practices and products and discusses whether they do what they are
intended to do and if those ways are safe.
This book is available at the Main Library.
THE EDIBLE CONTAINER GARDEN: GROWING FRESH FOOD IN SMALL
SPACES, by Michael
Guerra
This book showcases the fact that it's not necessary to have acres of land
to grow your own delicious and healthy food. There are a variety of containers,
such as window boxes and raised garden beds that can be used. The easy to follow
information included here allows readers to make an informed decision on what
kind of plants and containers will work best for their situations.
This book is available at the Main Library.
KITCHEN GARDEN: WHAT TO GROW AND HOW TO GROW
IT, by Lucy Peel
The extensive coverage of a variety of fruits and vegetables and advice on
how to grow them is well covered, but the beginning section on how to get
started is even more helpful. There is information on how to assess your garden
area, how to work with the soil, how to lay out your garden, and how to set up
drainage and watering systems.
This book is available at the Main Library and Carnation Mall Branch.
