The New Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit: An Illustrated Encyclopedia - Hardcover

Biggs, Matthew; McVicar, Jekka; Flowerdew, Bob

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1770857982 ISBN 13: 9781770857988

Publisher: Firefly Books, 2016

Synopsis

Praise for the previous edition:

"These three amazing authors have put together a must-have book for any vegetable grower."
-- Washington Gardener

"What is not included in this definitive and beautifully illustrated sourcebook on edible landscape?"
-- The American Herb Association

"Satisfying ... There's an abundance of information and tantalizing pictures."
-- The New York Times

The first edition of Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit was published in 2006. All editions and formats sold more than one million copies and it quickly became a classic reference. A decade later, this edition adds a new jacket, updates the design, and expands by 60 new pages for a total of over 70 vegetables, 100 herbs and 100 popular fruits. The most current information on plant varieties and cultivation techniques make it the essential sourcebook for all food gardeners, especially for anyone who would like to start growing organic produce, and who feels they need some expert advice.

The coverage is phenomenal -- from the care of asparagus through the seasons to the huge number of apples that can be grown in even the smallest spaces. Lavish illustrations in an accessible layout, and clear and accurate text applicable to all regions invite readers to browse and try growing something new.

The listings open with a large photograph of the plant and a description. The topics include: species and common names; recommended varieties; cultivation techniques (propagation, growing, maintenance); container growing; harvesting and storing; pests and diseases; companion planting; medicinal uses; culinary uses, with recipes; and other uses and warnings. Additional images show other parts of the plant during the seasons, as well as recipe photographs.

About this title

About the Author:

Matthew Biggs lectures at the Royal Horticultural Society and around the world. He is the co-author of Complete Book of Vegetables.

Jekka McVicar has been awarded 59 Royal Horticultural Society gold medals. She is well known for her regular appearances on TV and radio gardening programs. She is the author of Jekka's Herb Cookbook.

Bob Flowerdew is an author and a lecturer for the Royal Horticultural Society. His previous books include Organic Gardening Bible: Successful Growing the Natural Way.

Review:

It would be difficult to find an herb, fruit, or vegetable not listed in this massive and comprehensive volume. The first book in this series was released more than a decade ago. Each new edition adds so much more to previously published works. The three authors have combined to present more than 700 pages of all things edible, many of which you can create in your own garden. Whether you have massive space for planting or minimal soil, you can still get great results by following advice given here. There are hundreds of entries in the book, including some items you may be unfamiliar with. That is no reason not to consider adding them to your garden. Photos are included for every entry to assist in identification. Information in the book tells the reader when to grow, where to grow, pests and diseases that threaten, maintenance, cultivation, and harvesting. Medicinal benefits are also noted, adding even more importance to the book... By the time you finish the book (and that may take a
while), you will be an expert in all things gardening, able to plant circles around friends, creating the basic and the exotic. The book is an ideal gift for the gardener. (Shelf Life Magazine 2018-06-01)

[Review of previous hardcover edition:] 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)

[Review of previous hardcover edition:] Solid gardening tips and tempting recipes... enough to teach even experienced gardeners new tricks... excellent index. (Diane M. Calabrese American Reference Books Annual)

[Review of previous hardcover edition:] A well-organized overview that examiners each cultivar in depth... visually pleasing... the insight of some very diverse expert gardeners. (Backhome Magazine)

[Review of previous hardcover edition:] Good value for money ... very helpful. (Mary Fran McQuade Beach Metro Community News 2006-11-28)

[Review of previous hardcover edition:] By far the most comprehensive book on the subject. A must-have for those growing edible crops ... Easy to use. (Connie Krochmal Bee Culture)

[Review of previous hardcover edition:] For the edible landscape, the best title by far is Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit... everything you need to know to grow, harvest, and use garden produce. (Connie Krochmal BellaOnline 2006-03-25)

[Review of previous hardcover edition:] 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 2006-03-02)

[Review of previous hardcover edition:] Whether you utilize it to learn how to use soapwort to treat skin conditions such as eczema or for the recipe for curried parsnip soup, it is valuable to novice and experienced horticulturists alike. Written by a trio of garden experts, this is a must-have resource for any gardener or chef. (Tricia Landry Wallace Country Accents)

[Review of previous hardcover edition:] This comprehensive garden book goes beyond the dirt, offering tips on growing, harvesting, preserving and cooking. (Desert News 2009-02-22)

About this edition

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1770857982
• ISBN 13: 9781770857988
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 704