David Deardorff

I took out every vegetable gardening book I could from my public library in turn. This is the only one I bought a copy of (well, I would have bought a copy of the USDA Extension Service manual for gardening in my state, but that was too expensive at about $70 when copies are readily available at the library). The photographs are clear and specific. The information is well organized and well presented. Vegetables are treated individually and by families. Symptoms of various pests, infectious show more agents, and environmental conditions are logically and clearly explained and described. Problem solving is cogent, organic, and comprehensive. Well-worth it for anyone with a garden, even one as small as my planned 3'x3' raised bed. show less

Why didn't anyone think of this before?

Simply take a look at your sick plant, then compare its symptoms to photos and drawings in the book. The book is wonderfully well organized with a detailed index and myriads of cross-references throughout. Information on fixing problems is somewhat brief, but this book can't be beat when it comes to diagnosing garden problems.

A helpful book for any home gardener or casual fruit grower. The best part of this is the way that it is organized.

Favorite Feature: A pictographic problem quick guide at the very beginning of the book to help you diagnose your fruit's symptoms and easily find the solution in another section of the book. This is a much better set-up than having to guess the problem that is occurring and then look up that issue within the book, possibly to find out that it is not the issue you are having at show more all.

Plant Portraits sections: an easy way to find the information you need for the specific plants you grow; includes a brief description, temperature guide, soil, light and water needs, uses, pollination methods, pruning guides and where to go in the book to find solutions to problems in the other sections.

I was very happy that I was able to find all of the fruits that I grow were included in this book, especially the mulberry, which is often overlooked.

Family Problem Solving Guide: another pictographic problem guide to help you identify problems. You will be directed here from the Plant Portraits sections to help solve problems specific to that family of plant.

Organic Solutions to specific problems are also featured including shade structures, water retention systems and proper pruning techniques.

This book was provided for free in return for an honest review. show less

Photo guide to pests, diseases. Arranged by type of fruit, with pictures repeated as necessary. Excellent reference, although it is scary to see everything that could ever afflict an orchard all at once.