from Growing Great Vegetables in New Jersey, image courtesy Timber Press
sun warmed, satiny smooth skin wrapped around juicy flesh. There's just no comparison.
You can even grow some tomato varieties in a large pot, no garden necessary. And then, and then - maybe you want to grow some basil to go along with the tomatoes. Cucumbers, trellised up a fence. The sky's the limit. Some good advice when you are starting down the edible garden path is very helpful and can be very reassuring. A new series from Timber Press offers regionally appropriate help with separate volumes for New York and Massachusetts, and also the Garden State of New Jersey, the Keystone State of Pennsylvania, all four authored by Marie Iannotti.
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Growing Great Vegetables in New Jersey and Growing Great Vegetables in Pennsylvania, images courtesy Timber Press
Comparing New Jersey and Pennsylvania you'll see that there is some duplication of basic information. Which should not be a matter of concern.Gardeners will, of course, buy the title specific to their state so these basics are necessary information. For example
explanation of various terms and suggestions for efficient use of garden
space, provided in an easy to follow layout, are everywhere applicable.
from Growing Great Vegetables in Pennsylvania, image courtesy Timber Press
There is concise and easy to follow text explaining what you need to know. Such as hardiness zones. These are important whether you are growing vegetables or flowers. Based on winter low temperature and each with a 10 degree Fahrenheit difference from the next one, they provide guidelines for the length of the growing season and planting dates - when to expect the first frost in autumn and the last frost in spring. That's critical for planning when to start cold hardy vegetables such as broccoli, and when to bring in the last winter squash in the fall. New Jersey has two zones, 6 and 7. Pennsylvania sprawls over three zones, ranging from colder zone 5 in the north and along the Poconos, much of the state - Pittsburgh and Allentown, for example - in zone 6, and even has a small area - Philadelphia - in zone 7.
Once beyond the basics, there is a month by month throughout the year, with the month indicated on each right-hand page. Sound, useful information and very helpful lists - seed germination rates (did you really expect 100%?) and how long the seed is viable. Along with that, how to test older seed for viability. Each month has a page of quick tips
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from Growing Great Vegetables in New Jersey, image courtesy Timber Press
so the anticipatory gardener can start up in January, for example, moving along month by month. Compare it with October, and appreciate it continues on to year's end.
from Growing Great Vegetables in Pennsylvania, image courtesy Timber Press
Advice on laying out the garden so all plants have the optimum conditions -
perennials such as asparagus don't interfere with annual vegetables, and
tall vegetables such as corn don't shade the shorter ones. Takes planning!
There is information on learning to identify pest problems, and coping with all sorts of pests: slug and snail control, companion planting to deter certain pests, attracting beneficial insects, homemade pesticides such as garlic oil or a tomato / potato leaf spray to repel aphids.
Then, once you get through what to do and when to do it for the year's circle of seasons there is the good part: edibles from A, artichokes, arugula, and asparagus, through kohlrabi, okra, tomatoes and tomatillos, to Z for zucchini. This section begins with simple bar charts for planting and harvesting, organized by zone.
Well organized with good information for the novice, and offering practical tips for organizing the chores and choices necessary to cultivate a productive vegetable garden. There's useful information for those ready to move on from just growing a tomato plant in a flower pot.
from Growing Great Vegetables in New Jersey, image courtesy Timber Press
Grow Great Vegetables in New Jersey and Grow Great Vegetables in Pennsylvania,
by Marie Iannotti
Paperback, $19.95, ISBN 978--60469-885-5, Paperback, $19.95, ISBN 978--60469-884-8
Published by Timber Press, Portland, Oregon
Review copies of these books were provided by the publisher
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