The informed gardener

Horticulturalist Chalker-Scott (Washington State Univ.) succeeds in deflating many gardening myths, encouraging readers to dig a little deeper for scientific evidence and facts. Following her online columns written from 2000 to 2007, she attacks five large collections of myths, under the headings "Understanding How Plants Work," "How/What/When/Where To Plant," "Soil Additives," "Mulches," and "Miracles in a Bag/Bottle/Box." For example, under the first heading readers will find a chapter on the "Myth of Fragile Roots" followed by the "Myth of Mighty Roots." Under "Miracles in a Bag/Bottle/Box," there are chapters on the "Myth of Mineral Magic" and the "Myth of Vitamin Shots." Each chapter includes references, pointing to peer-reviewed literature for further details. The text is well written and full of common sense. For instance, on the "Myth of Fragile Roots," she shatters the notion that "you shouldn't disturb the root ball." This enjoyable book should find its way into the hands of almost every gardener--and may increase ILL for specifically cited scholarly papers. Highly recommended for public libraries with gardeners ready to tackle the literature, as well as academic and special libraries with interests in horticulture and gardening.--Edward J. Valauskas, Lenhardt Lib. of the Chicago Botanic Garden (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.