Planters, Containers, & Raised Beds: A Gardener's Guide

Provides advice on building and adapting containers and raised beds for gardening, and discusses soils, fertilizers, and specific useful and ornamental plants for growing in containers

Contained gardening, the Crandalls point out, is for urbanites who live in high-rises with only a balcony, terrace, or rooftop to raise plants or who live in townhouses with very small lots, as well as for suburbanites with little time to create a conventional garden. The Crandalls provide designs for constructing planters, window and porch boxes, conventional containers (including hanging baskets), and unconventional containers (such as whiskey barrels and fruit and vegetable crates), as well as designs for building raised beds. The authors also suggest a variety of flowers, shrubs, trees, herbs, fruits, and vegetables suitable for above-ground gardens. They give advice on soil mixes and fertilizers, along with information on basic planting and garden care. All illustrations are in color. Goerge Cohen

As the popularity of gardening increases, interest in container gardening has grown. The Crandalls (Flowering, Fruiting, & Foliage Vines: A Gardener's Guide, Sterling, 1995) demonstrate how people with little time or space, seniors, and the physically challenged can develop beautiful gardens using built-in and portable planters, conventional (and unconventional) containers, and raised beds. For the do-it-yourselfer, there are some construction plans and a bit of advice on meeting building and safety requirements. For others, there are tips on working with contractors. Inexperienced container gardeners will appreciate the discussions of soil and fertilizer requirements; appropriate plants, shrubs, and trees; and general care (including organic methods). Color photographs illustrate correct construction techniques, good use of containers, and attractive plant combinations that will inspire gardeners. Much of the information here can be readily found in other sources such as Suzanne Frutig Bales's Burpee Container Gardening (Prentice Hall, 1993), but the book is well done. Recommended for public libraries.?Bonnie Poquette, Arthur Andersen, Milwaukee
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.