Got a new book I really like: "The American Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Gardening Techniques" (published by Mitchell Beazley, 480 pages, $45).One of its best features is the many detailed, step-by-step line drawings showing exactly how to do things from nicking the coat of a seed before planting to digging a new bed, planting a moss-lined basket or espaliering a cherry tree. The projects range from brand-new beginner (planting a pot) to pretty far gone (building a greenhouse).
This is not entirely organic gardening. There are some recommendations for judicious and limited use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. But the emphasis is where it should be: On nourishing soil and keeping plants healthy to prevent pest problems rather than reflexively reaching for poison sprays. There's good advice for reducing the area of lawns and individual advice for the major vegetables.
Despite the name, this is an adaptation of a British book. With many books that's a danger sign; English authors have no clue what "winter" means in Chicago, for example, and can lead an American gardener dangerously astray. But this book has been thoroughly adapted to American conditions and it seems trustworthy to me.
Got a garden question? I recommend you call or e-mail the Plant Clinic of The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, the Master Gardeners of the University of Illinois Extension or the Plant Information Service of the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe .
All contents of this post are copyright Beth Botts. Feel free to link or share a brief excerpt with a link, but please do not reproduce photos or any other part of this blog without my express permission.
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