Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"In
Fresh from the Garden, John Whitman folds together the joy of gardening and a love of cooking with wit and wisdom. Addressing the challenges and rewards of our cold climate, he shares his vast experience, deep knowledge, and passion for nature’s bounty. This is a monumental work—inspiring, instructive, timeless."—Beth Dooley, author of
In Winter’s Kitchen: Growing Roots and Breaking Bread in the Northern Heartland"The extensive individual plant profiles...are in-depth and extremely helpful."—Library Journal
"An excellent resource for home gardeners at any level, especially beginners, offering a thorough introduction to the basics of organic gardening."—Booklist
"This book is an invaluable resource not just for gardeners who live in the North, but for any gardener who wants to extend both ends of the growing season."—Country Gardens
"A marvelous book. While Fresh From the Garden is invaluable for gardeners in cold areas, the basic information is relevant anywhere."—Rhobin’s Garden
"Whitman’s almost encyclopedic seed-to-table approach in “Fresh from the Garden” covers every aspect of the growing enterprise."—Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener
"Whitman is full of such practical advice, offered in straightforward prose. This handy book is much like having a master gardener at your elbow, whispering words of wisdom."—Midwest Home
"Will provide you with a single, encyclopedic source of detailed, time-tested, organic gardening advice that will help you raise your best produce yet."—The American Gardener
"After decades of gardening, Whitman is still discovering new horticultural frontiers."—Columbus Dispatch
"It really is quite an achievement, with a refreshing candor that you don’t often find in reference books."—Cold Climate Gardening
"It’s the perfect gift for the fanatical vegetable grower in your life."—Portland Press Herald
Table of ContentsContents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I. The Basics of Growing Vegetables, Berries, and Herbs
1. Where to Plant
Tips on Choosing a Garden Site
Types of Gardens
Soil
2. Planting Seed in the Garden
Buying Seed
Planting Seed
Spacing
When to Plant
Mail Order Sources
3. Starting Vegetables From Seed Indoors (Transplanting)
About Seed Starting Indoors
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Seeds Indoors
Buying Potted Plants
4. Caring for Vegetables, Berries, and Herbs
Watering
Mulch
Fertilizing
Support
Weeding
Thinning
Pruning
Winter Protection
Extending the Growing Season
5. Propagation
6. Solving Growing Problems
Basic Tips That Help Reduce the Use of Pesticides
Using Organic Chemicals
Insects
Disease
Crop Rotation
Solarization
Marauders
Physiological Problems
7. Harvesting and Culinary Uses
Harvesting
Yield
Storing
Culinary Uses
Nutrition
8. Tools, Materials, and Gardening Aids
Part II. Vegetables, Berries, and Herbs
Individual Listings
Amaranth (see Greens)
Artichoke, globe (see Unique Plants)
Artichoke, Jerusalem (see Sunchoke under Unique Plants)
Arugula (see Greens)
Asparagus
Asparagus bean (see Yardlong bean under Unique Plants)
Asparagus pea (see Unique Plants)
Aubergine (see Eggplant)
Aztec Red Spinach (see Lamb’s Quarters under Greens)
Basil
Batavian endive (see Endive under Greens)
Bean
Beet (beetroot)
Belgian endive (see Unique Plants)
Bitter melon (see Gourds under Unique Plants)
Blackberry (see Raspberry)
Black-eyed pea (see Cowpea under Unique Plants)
Black salsify (see Salsify under Unique Plants)
Blueberry
Bok Choi (see Chinese cabbage)
Borage (see Herbs)
Borecole (see Kale)
Boysenberry (see Raspberry)
Broad bean
Broccoflower (see Cauliflower)
Broccoli
Broccoli raab or rabe (see Greens)
Broccolini (see Chinese broccoli under Greens)
Brokali (see Chinese broccoli under Greens)
Brussels sprouts
Burdock (see Unique Plants)
Bush bean (see Bean)
Cabbage
Cantaloupe (see Muskmelon)
Cape gooseberry (see Ground cherry under Unique Plants)
Capers (see Nasturtium for substitute)
Caraway (see Herbs)
Cardoon (see Unique Plants)
Carrot
Catgrass (see Greens)
Cat mint (see Catnip under Herbs)
Catnip (see Herbs)
Cauliflower
Celeriac (see Celery)
Celery
Celery, bulb (see Celery)
Celery, stem (see Celery)
Celery cabbage (see Chinese cabbage)
Celery root (see Celery)
Celtuce (see Lettuce)
Ceylon spinach (see Malabar spinach under Greens)
Chamomile (see Herbs)
Chard (see Swiss Chard)
Chervil (see Herbs)
Chickpea (see Unique Plants)
Chicory, Belgian endive (see Belgian endive under Unique Plants)
Chicory, Italian dandelion (see Italian dandelion under Greens)
Chicory, Radicchio (see Radicchio under Unique Plants)
Chicory, Witloof (see Belgian endive under Unique Plants)
Chinese broccoli (see Greens)
Chinese cabbage (see Greens)
Chinese flowering cabbage (see Chinese cabbage under Greens)
Chinese kale (see Chinese broccoli under Greens)
Chinese mustard (see Greens)
Chinese spinach (see Amaranth under Greens)
Chives (see Herbs)
Choi (choy) sum (see Chinese cabbage under Greens)
Chrysanthemum (see Greens)
Chop
