All the Dirt on Gardening

I came to the party late on seeing "Year-Round Gardening" by Delilah Smittle and Sheri Ann Richerson - it was published and widely reviewed last year. But, it is still worth talking about because it is terrific. The authors have written an all-you-need-to-know paperback that will be appreciated by new gardeners of all ages. Even if you do not have a need or desire to garden year-round, this is one of the best books I've seen on basic growing techniques. It covers every one of the topics a new gardener needs to consider and it is clearly written without being dumbed down (despite the "Idiot" in the title). Each subject is covered in enough depth to get you through the first few years of gardening. "Year-Round Gardening" is in the usual "Idiot" format: black and white on newsprint, with boxes of tips scattered on the pages. Take a look at it next time you are in a bookstore. Used copies are only a penny on Amazon . Buy one for yo...

Sheri Ann Richerson is a best selling author. She teamed up with Delilah Smittle to produce The Complete Idiot's Guide to Year-Round Gardening. Richerson's website, here doesn't say much about the book so let me tell you what I've found. It is a very upbeat presentation of the many ways to extend your growing season. For example, row covers, cold frames, bubble wrap, and tunnels. The chapter on start with the soil, explains micro and macro nutrients such as nitrogen, the qualities of healthy soil, and how to improve what you have. Compost is explained, fertilizers recommended, and seed starting is covered. Some of the unusual ideas include placing heating cables at the bottom of a raised bed to get the temperature up when needed. One of the authors wraps her greenhouse in bubble wrap in the winter. And, she keeps finches in the greenhouse. Aspirin water is recommended for greenhouse plants. Dissolve 3 aspirin (80 mm) in 4 gallons of water and spray. If you are in the ...