Edward C. Smith (1) (1941–)

The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible- E.C.Smith
4 stars

“I do like a good garden book” Amelia Maugery -The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie society

Me, too. I like a good gardening book. Until recently, I didn’t progress much beyond reading books and seed catalogs. But, now that I have some time…. I was looking for some practical advice. Realistically, I’m unlikely to do any gardening that involves heavy labor. I live in a standard suburban tract that is encroaching on show more Southern California chaparral habitat. (Mea culpa.) Also, I don’t need to feed a family, but I like fresh vegetables. Add a pair of marauding dogs and a severe drought to the picture. Container gardening is perfect for my needs.

This book is full of excellent advice, step by step instructions with clear diagrams and beautiful photographs. Divided into three sections; part one introduces the rationale for container gardening along with advice on self-watering containers, soil requirements and other tools and accessories. Part two walks through the steps of gardening from seed to harvest along with trouble shooting advice. The third section is the most fun to read and look at. It is basically an alphabetized reference of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers that will thrive if planted in containers.

I tried the free sample of this book on my paperwhite, but black and white pictures did not inspire me enough. I’m enjoying the paper copy with its gorgeous pictures. It’s fun to thumb through when I’m not out playing in the dirt. show less

I checked out several books on vegetable gardening from the library recently -- "The Vegetable Gardener's Bible" is the only one I wanted to buy a copy of for myself. This book is a great gardening reference -- especially the crop by crop listing for each vegetable, which includes instructions on how to sow, good varieties and even the right time for picking. The book felt really accessible for a beginning gardener, as opposed to some of the other books I looked through at the library.

I found this gem at the local used bookstore the other day. Last night I started reading (skimming is more accurate) and made it all the way to the end. To me - a novice gardener at best - it was a treasure trove of great advice, a reference I plan to use regularly.

Chapter 1:
- His argument for wide, deep raised beds, reviewing size, angles, and the centrality of sunshine.
- He includes a section on what tools you'll use and how to pick good ones. (Extra good!)
- How to cut a perfect right show more angle.
- Extended section on how to prepare and build raised beds.

Chapter 2:
- How to plan the garden
- Picking your seeds, and what to plant
- Section on plant families and what plants are "friends" or "adversaries"
- Crop rotations and sample beds

Chapter 3:
- Starting seedlings indoors, how to
- Cold frames and greenhouses
- Sowing seedlings outdoors

Chapter 4:
- Strategies for keeping out the weeds; tools and how to maintain them.
- Mulching and ways to step up the weed-killing approaches
- How to fertilize
- The importance of watering and how to gauge the right amount for both seedlings and mature plants
- Tools for watering and irrigation strategies

Chapter 5:
- When to harvest
- How to store your harvest

Chapter 6:
- Understanding the minerals in the soil and how to know which nutrients your plants need
- Testing your soil, pH ideals, and changing the acidity of the soil.
- Worms and rototilling

Chapter 7:
- What is compost and how to make your own
- Browns and greens in your compost pile and getting started
- How to diagnose compost troubles and their solutions

Chapter 8:
- Natural pests - bugs, slugs, and animals - how to deter them
- Common diseases and some solutions

Part 3 includes a plant directory with specific details on tons of veggies and herbs.

All-in-all, a great resource for gardening. My only wish was a little more for warmer climates. Smith gardens in Vermont where snow and cold are the big weather worry. Here in central California, it's obviously different. But most of his suggestions were still helpful/applicable. show less

I've had this gardening book for years, maybe since around 2005 or so, and absolutely love how this is laid out. It is such an easy reference book to find what you need to know about how to plant and care for each vegetable you choose for your garden. It is definitely a keeper. I've used this book every winter to plan out my spring gardens over the years. My copy is very used, wrinkled and dirty, probably cause I take it out to the garden with me.