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Gardening for Dummies
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by:
MacCaskey, Mike
Marken, Bill
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Publisher:
For Dummies
Published: February 1, 1999
ISBN: 0764551302
Format:Paperback
Pages:432
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Book Description
Amazon.com
Starting off with ultrabasics, like "how do I get my plants to live rather than die?" Gardening for Dummies is a terrific textbook for the novice gardener. Explanations are laid out simply, and all terms are defined as soon as they are first
used--if you've never grown so much as a houseplant, this is the book to get you started. Emphasis is on choosing proper plants for your zone (it's OK--the color map will show you which zone you're in) that are fairly low-maintenance and high-success.
Large sections on both seeds and bedding plants will give you lots of options and specific instructions for getting good results--seeds, especially, are treated as persnickety little critters that require some extra effort in exchange for low cost and
large variety. The big downside to this book is its lack of pictures. There are lots of line drawings, but they tend to show particular stages of a process, rather than each step. Color photos are limited to two sections, and most of them are close-ups
of various plants. While it's nice to see what the bark of a paperbark maple looks like, it doesn't particularly add to the value of the book. For folks who learn best with straightforward reading, the sections on mulching, pruning, soil preparation, and
tool choices are all extremely helpful. With bullet-point lists, icons for highlighting categories like ecofriendly or time-saving, and simple tables and charts, how-to photos aren't essential, but if pictorial aids are what you need for learning, look
elsewhere. --Jill Lightner
Product Description:
Gardening is one of the most popular, least exclusive hobbies of all. Everybody can garden. Gardening is good for the body; an hour or two of daily yardwork provides just the right kind of light
exercise we all need. Responsible gardening also does good things for the environment: materials get recycled, and empty lots become community gardens. Gardening also can boost your mental health; it delights the eye and fuels the soul with a connection
to the earth.
Even if you've never repotted a plant, you have the heart of a gardener if you love the taste of garden tomatoes or close your eyes when you sniff a blossom. Gardening For Dummies, 2nd Edition, will help novices get off to a
solid start and help seasoned gardeners broaden their breadth of knowledge.
This book is for you if you want to
Create a garden for the first time
Know how to mow your lawn the right way
Find out which bugs are eating up your plants
Determine when and how much to water your garden
Attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your yard
Grow your own herbs and vegetables
Find your way
around the garden center by knowing which soil amendments to buy, which tools to use, which plants to choose, and how to use pest controls. You can turn that brown thumb into a green one by exploring these other topics:
Creating a landscape design: Know what you have; define areas and flow
Exploring annuals, perennials, bulbs, and vines: Choose healthy plants; water and feed for longevity
Buying and planting roses: Understand classifications,
pruning methods, and winterizing
Putting in a new lawn: Buy seed; remove sod; explore mowers and trimmers
Planting seedlings, trees, and shrubs: Transplant from cell packs and larger containers; get bare-root or balled-and-burlapped
plants into the ground
Pruning and propagating: Understand the purpose; look at tools, techniques
Dealing with weeds and disease: Identify damage; control spread
Gardening For Dummies, 2nd Edition, offers a
slew of lists, illustrations, and color photographs to guide you as you garden. No matter what size your planting area, from sunny windowsill to patio to yard, you can nurture and grow a glorious garden.
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