Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit: An Illustrated Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

Solid gardening tips and tempting recipes... enough to teach even experienced gardeners new tricks... excellent index. (Diane M. Calabrese American Reference Books Annual 2007)

A garden book full of surprises... there's so much to discover... excellent information. (Patty Jessome Edmonton Sun 20060723)

A complete reference on growing food crops, you can't go wrong with the new, up-to-the minute 'Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit.' (John Van de Water Newark Star-Ledger 20060416)

For the edible landscape, the best title by far is Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit... everything you need to know. (Connie Krochmal BellaOnline 20060325)

An indispensable resource, giving an amazing amount of information that will be of value to any gardener. (Grainews 20060410)

Well organized, easy to access information, and concisely written. A good reference book! (Making Scents (Magazine of the International Aroma 200703)

Bright color photos, clean layout, and handy hints make this hefty garden bible a treasure, and it's a great deal. (Dee Cherrie Ashman Diversions 200704)

An excellent source of information on growing and cooking edible plants. (Cathy Frisinger Fort Worth Star-Telegram 20060311)

A comprehensive reference book on edible plants... information on hundreds of edible plants accompanied by more than 1,800 color photographs. (Viveka Neveln American Gardener 200603)

Every gardener -- novice or expert -- will find useful information. (Home Cooking 200605)

Exceptional. (David Hobson Kitchener-Waterloo Record 20060411)

What is not included in this definitive and beautifully illustrated sourcebook on edible landscape? (The American Herb Association vo. 21:4 200604)

By far the most comprehensive book on the subject. A must-have for those growing edible crops ... Easy to use. (Connie Krochmal Bee Culture 200612)

Information on individual cultivars, as well as some very good recipes. (Vern Nelson Portland Oregonian 20061214)

Amazingly thorough encyclopedic look at edible plants. (George Weigel Harrisburg Patriot-New 20060427)

Prodigious range of information.... easy-to-use alphabetical format, it is illustrated with more than 1,800 color photographs and informative illustrations. (Michigan Gardener 200607)

This book is a handsome addition to the gardening library and an excellent value. (Chris Smith Seattle Post-Intelligencer 20060921)

A well-organized overview that examiners each cultivar in depth... visually pleasing... the insight of some very diverse expert gardeners. (Backhome Magazine 200605)

Offers advice on cultivation techniques, dealing with pests and diseases, suggestions for companion plants, and culinary, medicinal and cosmetic uses. (Ken Smith London Free Press 20060722)

Good value for money ... very helpful. (Mary Fran McQuade Beach Metro Community News 20061128)

Written by a trio of garden experts, this is a must-have resource for any gardener or chef. (Tricia Landry Wallace Country Accents 200609)

These three amazing authors have put together a must-have book for any vegetable grower. (Ursule Sabia Sukinik Washington Gardener 200910)

Comprehensive... a valuable reference for both gardeners and inquisitive chefs. (Science News 20060128)

Not only how to grow, but also how to harvest, preserve and use 70 vegetables... a comprehensive, quick-read encyclopedia. (Suzanne Hively Cleveland Plain Dealer 20090428)

This comprehensive garden book goes beyond the dirt, offering tips on growing, harvesting, preserving and cooking. (Desert News 200904)

Contains great photographs with bite-sized chunks of information that are easy to read, inspiring and comprehensive. (Sonia Day Toronto Star 20100527)

I believe this volume will become a constant source of reliable information. Highly recommended. (GreatGardenInfo.com 20100522)

The authors leave no leaf unturned -- every topic is covered....This book is definitely food for thought. (Liz Grogan Good Times )

This all-encompassing book combines the expertise of three leading gardeners to offer a prodigious range of information... Copiously illustrated...and informative. (New Living (Montauk, NY) )

It is about as precise and concise a guide as you would ever wish to find. (Shelf Life )

Satisfying ... There's an abundance of information and tantalizing pictures. (Dominique Browning New York Times )

A useful book for the gardener who is short on time and seeks easy-to-follow, no-fail instructions. (Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette )

The demand for locally sourced organic foods continues to rise. This resource is a prime reference for the many who are growing or wanting to grow their own vegetables, herbs and fruits.

The book features superb full-color photographs and illustrations and an easy-to-use A-Z directory. Comprehensive growing, harvesting and preserving tips and a wealth of recipes are a boon to gardeners and cooks alike.

Practical aspects of gardening are explained in detail, with in-depth sections on creating a garden, pollination, soil fertility and greenhouse growing. Some of the topics covered are:

Nutritional values

The most useful and most recommended varieties

Plant hardiness, propagation and growing guidelines

Cropping, harvesting and storing

Weed, pest and disease control

Ornamental and wildlife value

Pruning and training

Companion planting

Container growing.

A yearly maintenance calendar, glossary, further reading section, seed sources list and detailed index round out this outstanding book.

(20090222)