I’m not really into gardening books because in my opinion most are boring and don’t hold my interest. This made me a bit hesitant to read Grocery Gardening by Jean Ann Van Krevelen (@JeanAnnVK) since she is a friend of mine.
My beef with most gardening books is that they are usually written for people that are already into gardening and over the heads of people who are mildly interested. This book is written for someone who is curious about growing their own food or seeking out fresh locally grown sources.
You aren’t going to walk away from this book with detailed instructions of what to do, which is what I like about it. It doesn’t scare you away with all of the intricate details. Grocery Gardening provides high level information about planning, mulching, identifying pests in your garden and more.
Once you know what you’re interested in, you’ll have to seek more detailed information on it. My favorite part of the book, besides my fire escape garden being featured on page 20, is the breakdown of each edible.
For each herb and vegetable basic information is given on how to plant, grow, varieties of, seeking out the next best choices if you aren’t growing your own and how to preserve. Common pests and diseases for each herb and veggie are provided, which you can then reference back to the beginning of the book as to how to control.
Since it’s food that you’re growing, recipes are included to give you ideas of how to prepare the food once it’s been harvested.
If you are curious about growing your own food and looking for a book to read, Grocery Gardening is one that I’d recommend. It’s a simple read and will help to get you started on growing your own food.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg3U-a7WCCs
hmmm… I may have to look into this book…
Looks like an interesting book!
Grocery Gardening is one of my favorite gardening books. I love how it includes growing information and recipes for each vegetable, fruit or herb. It is nice having all that in one book.
I didn't know that was your fire escape garden. Nice!
It's worth looking into.
It certainly is for those that are first starting out.
Now the book is that much better…isn't it?
I'm gonna have to check it out… Borders keeps sending me coupons, I oughta use 'em.
Lemme know what ya thinks.
I was looking at that book yesterday. It does seem to have a lot of information and I wouldn’t mind adding it to my collection. Unfortunately, I went with Edible Landscaping for ideas to solve another problem I have. My landlord is fussy about the esthetics. Personally, I don’t think he likes me, but I pay my rent so I stay. When I first put my 4×4 raised bed in my driveway, he gave me a dirty look so I gave it four decorative corner posts and created a seating place near it. I need to make some changes for next year as I tend to want more and more plants. I am working on addng edible flowers with the vegetables to disguise things.
Have you ever had problems with a landlord that demanded their own esthetic code? What are your veiws?
Hm, that’s an issue that I’ve luckily never had. On one hand it is their property and can or demand what they want, but just because it’s edible doesn’t mean it has to be crappy looking.
Check what Shawna Coronado did in her frontyard with edibles.
http://thecasualgardener.blogspot.com/2010/07/sustainable-vegetable-garden-design-in.html