From Library Journal

As the subtitle suggests, this book (an updated version of Rodale’s Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening , 1959) is a basic reference, not only for organic gardeners but for all gardeners. As integrated pest management becomes more important, for instance, the methods and products that have been known to organic gardeners for decades are now being investigated and appreciated by the mainstream. Composting, xeriscaping, permaculture, environment–all these and 400 or so more have complete entries. A useful introduction explains how best to use the book and suggests core sections for initial reading. Entries are cross-referenced and include further reading lists, related organizations, and key words. Common and botanical names are listed, and while food plants are entered under their common names, ornamentals and herbs are entered under their botanical names. This is an important, complete, well-arranged, and attractive reference tool. Your patrons will expect to find it in your collections.
- Carol Cubberly, Univ. of South ern Mississippi, Hattiesburg
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.


Review

“…not only for organic gardeners but for all gardeners.”–Library Journal

“Rodale’s aim was to provide a comprehensive, readable, and practical book on nonchemical gardening and farming. This update succeeds admirably in meeting that goal–just as it continues, like its predecessors, to inspire responsible stewardship of the land.”–Linda Yang, The New York Times
— Review
–This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Description

Ever since she was old enough to help her grandmother in the garden, Sharon Lovejoy has spent her life working with plants-and along the way, through “trowel and error,” she’s accumulated hundreds and hundreds of remedies, tips, short-cuts, and cure-alls. Now Ms. Lovejoy-author of Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots and the award-winning Sunflower Houses-does for the garden what Heloise or the Queen of Clean does for the household. TROWEL AND ERROR collects all of her homespun garden advice into an inviting, environmentally friendly, whimsically illustrated yet dead-on helpful book that will benefit every gardener, beginner or experienced.

Cure plant viruses with spoiled milk. Steep a natural and effective insecticide out of fresh basil. Place flat stones under squash or melons to hasten ripening. Recycle an old apple corer as the perfect dibber for muscari and other small bulbs. Start rosemary cuttings in a green glass bottle. Sprinkle baby powder over seedlings to discourage rabbits. Crush a garlic clove and apply it to your skin as an insect repellent. From urging the reader to take an occasional shower with the houseplants to giving all-natural gardenside first aid, TROWEL AND ERROR is a direct line to the kind of practical wisdom that comes only after a lifetime of experience. The book is indexed by problem, plant, pest, and solution, and includes a list of tools and common household items-borax, cornmeal, vinegar-that completes the gardener’s arsenal.

About the Author

SHARON LOVEJOY is an award-winning garden writer and naturalist. She is also a contributing editor to Country Living Gardener magazine, a frequent guest on HGTV, PBS, and the Discovery Channel, and a lecturer at conferences, botanic gardens, arboreta, and gardening organizations. She lives in northern California and Maine.

Amazon.com Review

Burpee has created a truly encyclopedic, but non-intimidating, guide to organic vegetable gardening that can be used and appreciated by anyone, whether or not they’ve ever stuck a seed in the ground. All the essential information is here–how to condition the soil, how and where to plant, sprouting schedules, what kind of yield to expect from each plant variety, and harvesting tips–in beautiful, bountiful, illustrated detail; the book’s largest section, “Plant Portraits,” contains explanations of the many cultivars of each vegetable and herb. If you’re a novice vegetable gardener or new to organic gardening and can only afford one gardening guide, this may be your best value.

Product Description

A Backyard-Gardener?s Guide to Growing a Bountiful, Great-Tasting Harvest

The Complete Vegetable & Herb Gardener features:

• A full-color encyclopedia of over 100 vegetables and herbs with detailed, expert advice on growing them successfully from planting to harvest
• Planting and growing techniques that keep maintenance to a minimum
• Entries on how to grow unusual edibles, such as refreshing mesclun for salads, colorful edible flowers, spicy mustards, and more
• Descriptions and photos of a host of succulent vegetables, both hybrids and heirlooms, from common to exotic
• Complete information on improving even the poorest garden soil using safe, organic techniques, plus practical advice on making compost
• Recommendations on garden tools you need–and those you don?t
• Information on controlling pests and diseases organically, without resorting to poisonous sprays
• Spectacular full-color photographs of vegetables and herbs, food gardens, and edible landscapes, plus 30 black-and-white line drawings

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