Incredibly useful organic gardening manual!
597723
I really enjoyed both the photos and the descriptions in this book, and it was very easy for me as a layperson to understand the concepts. I loved the fact that the author "walks the walk" when it comes to eco-friendly gardening, and the book really makes me eager to try companion planting and composting. I found the section on beneficial insects and organic pesticides very interesting as well. This book is loaded with so much useful information that I have already recommended it to several friends who are trying to go organic because I know that they will be able to get their money's worth out of it whether or not they have room to build the biodome.
2399066
An excellent nontechnical work for the beginner. Author provided information on the methods of soilless gardening, which include raising plants in containers of water, gravel, sand, rocks, brick, and even styrofoam. This book is brilliant for anyone who loves gardening! It provides a step-by-step guide on creating and maintaining an organic garden. There's plenty of tips and useful information inside to show you how to care for the various fruits and vegetables. Now, I can literally garden anywhere and grow fresh herbs year round. Its really amazing. Excellent read for everyone, who have interest in this matter.
3782286
This fine book conjures up thoughts of those "wish list" seed catalogs that many of us received in the heyday of gardening. The book is designed around making it easy to select, prepare, grow and care for any of the 800 plants discussed. As any avid gardener knows, planning for spring begins the day of the first frost. And to this end, the Pictorial Guide To Perennials is an excellent way to get through the doldrums of a Midwest winter. Accurate color printing of the photos and concise yet informative plant descriptions combines for an easy-to-use format not found in other gardening books. The writing style quickly leads the reader to where they want to go - be it shade gardens or soil preparation. Quick references in the section dividers enables most anyone to find the right plant for their planting climate zone, no matter what the level of sun their yard receives. Well researched and referenced back to both University experts and renowned perennial plant propagators. Read it for the information, or of the fantasy that one day you will have such wonderful plantings as pictured in the book, if only you follow all of the instructions! Good value for the quality received
3166351
I borrowed it from the library and was so impressed, I just bought 3 copies. Very readable, if I could only have one gardening book this would be one of my top choices. The "information density" is amazing, a veritable encyclopedia of gardening in 192 pages! Highly recommended for anyone interested in gardening, beginner to advanced.
4349972
This book is full of wonderful tips and instructions on raising fruits and vegatables organically and how to best improve the soil. I use this book so much as a reference in the garden that it is covered with soil and the pages are wrinkled from rain so I am ordering a new copy.
4527350
I found this jam-crammed full of helpful information for growing roses in my Zone 5 garden. I've always wanted roses, but they have always scared me as requiring too much skill and "fussing" but this book makes me plan on trying some this coming summer.  The info looks quite complete from where to buy (and where NOT to buy!), what kinds to buy, how to plant so they will survive the winters here, how to prune, what kind of fertilizer is best - EVERYTHING! Fantastically helpful! Easy to read and use. A "must read" for any gardener who is scared of roses.
4645330
Pound for pound, this has to be the most useful gardening book I've ever encountered.  I've been trying to garden for years and I never seem to get it right, but Solomon quickly pointed out to me any number of rookie errors I didn't realize I was making - errors that were costing me a lot of time, effort, money, and ultimately costing me harvests.  This book has earned a permanent place in my library, and I'm going to have to buy another copy because the one I have has been read to death.

He offers simple explanations in an engaging narrative format.  The only truly technical chapter is the one on composting, and even that is so useful as to make the detailed discussion of Carbon-Nitrogen ratios and such easily bearable.

All of that said, this is not a stand-alone, comprehensive work on the subject.  Solomon makes a point of recommending a few of the books in his bibliography.  It is a general treatise that will get you started and help you fix any number of critical errors.

Highly recommended for both beginners and experienced gardeners... for anyone who wants to grow a significant portion of their own food or add some valuable vegetables to their diet.
2181736
I used All New Square Foot Gardening frequently this spring and summer in my vegetable garden, and I must say that Mr. Bartholomew does a fantastic job of teaching simple techniques that make gardening easy and very exciting!
This book teaches everything you need to know about square foot gardening, including how to build garden frames, ingredients for "Mel's Mix" (weed-free soil), simple composing practices, how far to space plants, growing seasons, and plenty of other info to keep you hooked.  Mr. Bartholomew has taught square foot gardening all over the world, in many places where inhabitants don't have the resources for large, row-planted gardens.
I'll admit, I did not follow this book to a T this summer, but fortunately All New Square Foot Gardening can modify your gardening practices one step at a time, until you completely use the square foot method!
I have introduced this revolutionary idea to many friends who have taken great interest in square foot gardening and have borrowed or purchased this book for themselves.  If you are tired of or unable to practice traditional row gardening, definitely try this book out!
1989156
Great book that gives you tips that are especially helpful to new gardeners.  If you enjoy growing your own organic vegetable - this is great read and handy reference.
2559332
I just came from the author's "Organic Gardening: A Primer on Growing Herbs and Vegetables" workshop, so if you think I might be biased, you may or may not be right.

The workshop was fine, hands-on and full of personal experiences. As a gardener myself, I can't say I learned a great deal that I did not already know (but I will add some Nasturtium and Calendula to my garden this year), so it was not until I got home and cracked open the book that I got the full flavor of what Barbara Barker offers those of us who care about what we eat and prepare for stuffing into our families' mouths.

Such an eye-opener!

I knew about "the dirty dozen", but had no clue about growing peaches, apples and even grapes in containers or small gardens. Who knew?

This book's 110 pages make it easy even for city-dwellers to grow their own pears, peppers and potatoes. It tells the reader how and where to grow what, what containers to use, and what pests to look out for.  It gives advice on harvesting and storage, imparts soil information, and is precise about pesticide residues on produce we buy in the supermarket every week of the year. Yikes!

Bottom line: Barbara Barker delivers an entertaining and informative workshop. Her book is the clincher.
2603595
My Husband and I have seen the video Back to Eden, and it is wonderful!  This book continues with lots of details making gardening more interesting and important for life and health!  The book covers so much about the experiences that Paul Gautschi has learned by trial and error, and now he passes along all his knowledge to teach others, which is amazing.  This truly is the Bible on gardening the Right Way, and worth reading over and over.  Paul's methods transcend faith and thumb colors.  This really deserves much more than just 5 stars, Thank you!
2909850
This book is very helpful and it taught me about organic gardening procedures. I had a huge interest to learn Hydroponics gardening and this book fulfilled my expectation. We can easily make yourself self-sufficient by hydroponic gardening. My cousin has this type of garden and she suggested me about his book a few days ago. Inside of this book the author has explained about the basis of hydroponic system. This book guided me about how to maintain my garden and system. I have learned some techniques about how to identify the different coating on my produce. I am glad to read this book and will definitely suggest this book to all.
1067648
I am very impressed and excited by this book. The information is wide-ranging and comprehensive, and the results in my garden have been impressive. Those plants treated with the combination of compost and micorryzae, are literally four times the size of the others, they stand bolt upright, have more color and a more juicy-looking appearance, and are fast-growing. We look forward to the harvest! This book may address the topic of toxic remediation, but in the end it really is a book about soil and plant health, sum total. The reader will be empowered in so many ways that probably most organic farmers know nothing about. It also is very heartening to know that we can remediate acutely toxic conditions such as oil spills, heavy metals in the soil, use mycorrhyzae to block the toxic uptake by plants, and much more...all by organic means and as backed by the science quoted in this wonderful book. Since soil and water tests nation-wide show higher-than-normal levels of aluminum (Said a local Public Health official), we all can benefit from the information. I would love to see this book in all healthfood stores, gardening stores, after-school gardening classes/school PTA newsletters, farmer's markets, nation-wide. Highly recommended! (PS I have zero connections, no affiliation, no employment or other special interests at heart. My post is purely independent and from the heart. I hope many people benefit from this book, congratulations to Leila Darwish for writing such a helpful and informative book, quoting the top-level scientists and specialists in the area of soil/water remediation!)
2938831
Amazing book for gardeners! It's full of wonderful information and has many excellent tips. Appropriately titled as a "Bible" for Vegetable Gardeners. This book was recommended to me by an extraordinary gardener who told me this is her best resource that helped her create her amazing garden. She and I are from Colorado and find this book relevant to the conditions of our climate. I love how helpful this book has been! I produced more and better quality in my garden following the suggestions presented in this book. Very educational. The seller was great, too. The book was used but looked to be in new condition.
446249
I am a Master Gardener Educator with a special interst in organic, Mother Earth stewardship.  Outside of Rodale's book on composting, this it the best overall guide on composting I have found.  It is in-depth, yet takes us to practical ideas.  Great photos and layout.  Easy reading.  Knowledgeable and inpiring.  I think is a great choice!
2334702
I am an avid gardener and a collector of all things horticulture.  I love this book.  As a person who makes lists for everything, this format really suits me.  When I don't know where to turn in my garden - this is the resource I go to.  It's easy to follow and gets me back on track.  The plant suggestions - oh my goodness - they are amazing!

If you have room for just one gardening book on your shelf - choose this one!
4311737
by far my favorite gardening book. I have bought multiple copies of this book and keep sharing it with anyone i know interested in organic gardening. I loved reading and constantly recommend it to everyone.