The Complete Idiot S Guide To Heirloom Vegetables

A garden of delight-and healthy, economical eating. In The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Heirloom Vegetables, readers will learn the rewards of growing heirlooms; find hundreds of descriptions and histories of a variety of available vegetables and find out how to make pollination work. ?Helps readers grow and eat locally, reduce or eliminate pesticides and additives, and save money along the way ?Includes step-by-step instructions for harvesting, drying, cleaning, and storing heirloom seeds ?For economical reasons-as well as concern for the environment and personal health-the popularity of gardening has grown in recent years

For the first time since 2002, home and garden sales are increasing - and the trend is expected to continue. There are articles in the news every day, in papers such as The Denver Post and The Washington Post, talking about how vegetable gardening is experiencing resurgence in popularity. Perhaps it's because of the uncertainty that surrounds the safety of produce purchased in the grocery store these days. Perhaps it's because people are looking for fun, inexpensive hobbies to dive into. Or perhaps it's because there's nothing like the taste of fresh fruits and veggies grown in the backyard. But whatever the reason, readers need advice on gardening now more than ever before. And The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Vegetable Gardeningis just the place to turn. In this book, expert authors Daria Price Bowman and Carl A. Price provide information on- Expert techniques for planning and plotting a garden Understanding what's necessary for soil nourishment Planting seeds and seedlings Growing fruits, vegetables, berries, and more Cultivating medicinal and healing herbs Recognizing and preventing the most common plant diseases Identifying and eliminating weeds Pruning and trimming plants Knowing when to harvest Deciding whether to can, dry, or freeze A comprehensive, easy-to-read book, The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Vegetable Gardening is an excellent resource for anyone interested in growing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

A garden of delight-and healthy, economical eating. In The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Heirloom Vegetables, readers will learn the rewards of growing heirlooms; find hundreds of descriptions and histories of a variety of available vegetables and find out how to make pollination work. ?Helps readers grow and eat locally, reduce or eliminate pesticides and additives, and save money along the way ?Includes step-by-step instructions for harvesting, drying, cleaning, and storing heirloom seeds ?For economical reasons-as well as concern for the environment and personal health-the popularity of gardening has grown in recent years

Mouthwatering heirlooms, exciting hybrids, sensational herbs, colorful flowers - you dream of a garden overflowing with vibrant, healthy plants. Turn your dream garden into reality with seeds you save and start yourself! With easy ideas on harvesting, storing, sowing and nurturing your seeds into flourishing plants, this helpful guide gives you a sure path from start to success. In it, you get: A look at seed and plant anatomy and how pollination works. Simple suggestions for identifying seeds to save, and for gathering and prepping seeds for next year's garden. Guidance on germinating seeds, indoors or out, using scarification or stratification. Tips for transplanting, thinning, hardening off, and protecting seedlings from weather, pests and disease. Easy ideas for cross-breeding plants and creating hybrids suited to your garden and climate. A comprehensive directory of botanical names and harvesting, germination, and sowing data for hundreds of plants. The Complete Idiot's Guide To Seed Saving And Starting is an essential resource to reap richer results with plants grown from your own seeds!

Creative strategies for gardens on balconies, ledges, fireescapes, planting beautiful borders and walkways, kids gardens, and much more!

How to save money, time, and the environment-on the urban frontier With The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Urban Homesteading anyone can learn how to live sustainably and responsibly—and save money and time—in any urban environment. Expert urban homesteader Sundari Elizabeth Kraft shares her hands-on knowledge of: growing organic foods and preserving them; composting; raising small livestock and chickens; generating electricity and biofuels; and other ways to cut costs and live green. This book has all the information required to become a successful urban homesteader in any city. • Practical advice on everything from composting to clean energy. • Sundari Elizabeth Kraft is an expert in urban homesteading.

Enjoy and benefit from the garden all year long. Whether it's onions in the summer, lettuce in the winter, or orchids any time, 'The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Year-Round Gardening', covers every step of the process of both outdoor and indoor gardening. From seeds, soil, compost, equipment, and fertilizers to all types of covers and greenhouses, and even gardening and harvesting in root-cellars during winter, this guide is a must-have for any dedicated gardener. Over 7 million households nationwide plan to grow their own fruits, vegetables, herbs and berries. The trend has recieved a boost from Michelle Obama's White House garden - aswell as from the desire to save money on food. The only book that covers both outdoor covered gardening and greenhouse gardening, as well as root-cellar gardening and harvesting, written by an expert in the field of greenhouse gardens.

Grow up, not out! Are you a gardener (or aspiring gardener) who is short on space? Vertical methods and structures for growing plants are an ideal way to maximize your real estate, and they're eye-catching, too. Vertical solutions deliver more yield in fewer square feet, especially perfect for the urban gardener. They're less work, too, so you can forget all-day weeding and watering. Some vegetables, such as tomatoes and pole beans, have been grown vertically for a very long time, but those who need to maximize space can grow almost any type of plant vertically—from melons and squash to carrots, peppers, and pears. Vertical growing isn't just practical, it's beautiful, too! Trellises, terra cotta towers, and hanging planters (to name a few!) transform an outdoor space into a magical garden. Vertical Vegetable Gardening is your thorough guide for growing all types of leafy, root, and other vegetables vertically. Included in the book are: • Creative ideas for structures and containers that will save you space, including DIY projects and repurposing suggestions • Profiles on dozens of plant varieties, including planting, tending, and harvesting instructions • How to make your own garden bed • Soil, seed, and gardening basics • Pest control guidance