Guide to vegetable gardening

Longtime readers of the Mother Earth News magazine will recognize the practical advice packed into concise yet informative articles accompanied by helpful color illustrations and photographs. Newcomers will appreciate the breadth of knowledge possessed by the authors, which include frequent contributors to the journal such as Barbara Pleasant, who wrote the majority of the essays in this volume. Topics include familiar organic gardening subjects, for instance, maintaining soil health and composting. However, readers looking for a large section on individual plant profiles won't find them, although there are several in-depth how-to guides available on growing some of the most popular edible crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. Instead, the last four chapters, which comprise the bulk of the book, are divided into growing seasons, with a variety of essays that will take gardeners of all skill levels through the many tasks they should be performing during the year. From advice on making the most of small spaces highlighting vertical and square foot gardening to extending the growing season by using cold frames or greenhouses, this useful resource has something for every gardener. Verdict An essential tool for any garden library.-Venessa Hughes, Buffalo © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.