The Harrowsmith Country Life Book of Garden Secrets: A Down-To-Earth Guide to the Art and Science of Growing Better Vegetables - Softcover

In the first of what is to be a series of organic gardening titles, Van Patten presents some general gardening information and then focuses on over 30 different crops. Each discussion includes facts on cultural requirements, harvesting, cooking techniques, and recommended varieties. A problem-solving section is listed for each crop but varies from a few sentences to a few pages in length. Some of the illustrations lack sufficient detail to warrant inclusion, while others would benefit from explanatory labels. The author gardens in Oregon, which may account for the statement, "clay soils are usually acidic," which is not, however, the case in the Midwest. This is an optional purchase if your collection already includes Jeff Cox's How To Grow Vegetables Organically ( LJ 3/1/88), a reliable text for the beginning vegetable gardener. More experienced gardeners will appreciate the update of Patent and Bilderback's Garden Secrets (Rodale, 1982). The subtitle of the new book is "a down-to-earth guide to the art and science of growing better vegetables." More than 20 garden crops are discussed with information on choosing varieties, cultural considerations, harvest, and storage tips. The science aspect is stressed not only in the first chapters, which discuss plant structure and growth, but throughout the book. Answers to horticultural questions such as why some peppers are hot or how corn produces ears can be found here, as well as clear explanations of such gardening terms as "hardening off" and "days to maturity." Improvements from the earlier edition include a larger format, new illustrations, and a substantial update on new vegetable varieties. Recommended. This will be a welcome addition to most collections.
- Virginia A. Henrichs, Chicago Bo tanic Garden Lib., Glencoe, Ill.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.