Seven books in one deliver the dirt on gardening success

Your one-stop guide to a beautiful garden ? no experience required!

Puzzled by pruning? Anguishing over landscaping? Can?t tell a hosta from a hyacinth? Don?t worry! This all-in-one reference delivers all the know-how you need to transform an ordinary backyard into a glorious garden. Drawing on the expertise of the National Gardening Association, this garden primer shows you how to have fun playing in the dirt ? and start smelling the roses.

The Dummies Way

• Coverage of the essentials and beyond
• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Nifty navigational aids, such as thumbtabs and icons
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• A dash of humor and fun

Author: The National Gardening Association, Bob Beckstrom, Karan Davis Cutler, Kathleen Fisher, Phillip Giroux, Judy Glattstein, Mike MacCaskey, Bill Marken, Charlie Nardozzi, Sally Roth, Marcia Tatroe, Lance Walheim, Ann Whitman
Paperback:  744 pages
Company: For Dummies  (2003-02-28)
ISBN: 0764525557
List Price: $29.99
Amazon Price: $10.07
Used Price: $9.94

Tired of being lumped into the unwieldy category of a western garden? Frustrated by the lack of reliable, practical information about gardening in the Pacific Northwest? No longer! The Timber Press Guide to Gardening in the Pacific Northwest presents all the information a gardener?whether novice or expert?needs to keep their garden beautiful and thriving. With a combined 100 years of gardening experience in the Pacific Northwest, the authors clearly explain the unique challenges and joys of gardening in the region. By dividing the Pacific Northwest into seven subregions, they help readers to better understand the climatic and geographical factors that shape their gardens. This complete guide includes extensive profiles of plants that are ideally suited to the region, including perennials, ornamental grasses, bulbs, groundcovers, roses, shrubs, trees, and climbers. The month-by-month gardening calendar describes what weather patterns to expect, what's in bloom, and what garden tasks are best done in that month. With additional chapters detailing the most common gardening problems and recommendations for effective, nontoxic ways of dealing with them, this book is nothing short of essential.

Author: Carol W. Hall, Norman E. Hall
Paperback:  352 pages
Company: Timber Press  (2008-09-17)
ISBN: 0881928798
List Price: $29.95
Amazon Price: $19.77
Used Price: $18.29

Author: Patricia Lanza
Paperback:  244 pages
Company: Rodale Books  (1998-11-15)
ISBN: 0875969623
List Price: $17.95
Amazon Price: $9.07
Used Price: $8.94

Over 400 entries of the most practical, up-to-date gardening information ever, collected from garden experts and writers nationwide!

"Gardens are places to renew yourself in mind and body, to reawaken to the truth and beauty of the natural world, and to feel the life force inside and around you. And the organic way to garden is safer, cheaper, and more satisfying. Organic gardeners have shown that it's possible to have pleasant and productive gardens in every part of this country without using toxic chemicals. They make their home grounds an island of purity."--Robert Rodale


Paperback:  704 pages
Company: Rodale Books  (1993-04-15)
ISBN: 0875965997
List Price: $21.95
Amazon Price: $8.78
Used Price: $9.99

Author: Mel Bartholomew
Paperback:  352 pages
Company: Rodale Books  (2005-04-02) (2005-03-10)
ISBN: 1579548563
List Price: $19.95
Amazon Price: $10.02
Used Price: $8.30

The decline of cheap oil is inspiring increasing numbers of North Americans to achieve some measure of backyard food self-sufficiency. In hard times, the family can be greatly helped by growing a highly productive food garden, requiring little cash outlay or watering.

Currently popular intensive vegetable gardening methods are largely inappropriate to this new circumstance. Crowded raised beds require high inputs of water, fertility and organic matter, and demand large amounts of human time and effort. But, except for labor, these inputs depend on the price of oil. Prior to the 1970s, North American home food growing used more land with less labor, with wider plant spacing, with less or no irrigation, and all done with sharp hand tools. But these sustainable systems have been largely forgotten. Gardening When It Counts helps readers rediscover traditional low-input gardening methods to produce healthy food.

Designed for readers with no experience and applicable to most areas in the English-speaking world except the tropics and hot deserts, this book shows that any family with access to 3-5,000 sq. ft. of garden land can halve their food costs using a growing system requiring just the odd bucketful of household waste water, perhaps two hundred dollars worth of hand tools, and about the same amount spent on supplies - working an average of two hours a day during the growing season.

Steve Solomon is a well-known west coast gardener and author of five previous books, including Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades which has appeared in five editions.

Author: Steve Solomon
Paperback:  360 pages
Company: New Society Publishers  (2006-04-01)
ISBN: 086571553X
List Price: $19.95
Amazon Price: $12.21
Used Price: $12.07

Gardening at the Dragon?s Gate is fundamental work that permeates your entire life. It demands your energy and heart, and it gives you back great treasures as well, like a fortified sense of humor, an appreciation for paradox, and a huge harvest of Dinosaur kale and tiny red potatoes.

For more than thirty years, Wendy Johnson has been meditating and gardening at the Green Gulch Farm Zen Center in northern California, where the fields curve like an enormous green dragon between the hills and the ocean. Renowned for its pioneering role in California?s food revolution, Green Gulch provides choice produce to farmers? markets and to San Francisco?s Greens restaurant. Now Johnson has distilled her lifetime of experience into this extraordinary celebration of inner and outer growth, showing how the garden cultivates the gardener even as she digs beds, heaps up compost, plants flowers and fruit trees, and harvests bushels of organic vegetables.

Johnson is a hands-on, on-her-knees gardener, and she shares with the reader a wealth of practical knowledge and fascinating garden lore. But she is also a lover of the untamed and weedy, and she evokes through her exquisite prose an abiding appreciation for the earth?both cultivated and forever wild?in a book sure to earn a place in the great tradition of American nature writing.

Author: Wendy Johnson
Paperback:  464 pages
Company: Bantam  (2008-02-26) (2008-02-26)
ISBN: 0553378031
List Price: $25.00
Amazon Price: $14.43
Used Price: $13.00

Do you know what the best feature is in All New Square Foot Gardening?

Sure, there are ten new features in this all-new, updated book. Sure, it's even simpler than it was before. Of course, you don't have to worry about fertilizer or poor soil ever again because you'll be growing above the ground.

But, the best feature is that anyone, anywhere can enjoy a Square Foot garden. Children, adults with limited mobility, even complete novices can achieve spectacular results.

But, let's get back to the ten improvements. You're going to love them.

 

1)      New Location - Move your garden closer to your house by eliminating single-row gardening. Square Foot Garden needs just twenty percent of the space of a traditional garden.

2)      New Direction - Locate your garden on top of existing soil. Forget about pH soil tests, double-digging (who enjoys that?), or the never-ending soil improvements.

3)      New Soil - The new "Mel's Mix" is the perfect growing mix. Why, we even give you the recipe. Best of all, you can even buy the different types of compost needed.

4)      New Depth - You only need to prepare a SFG box to a depth of 6 inches! It's true--the majority of plants develop just fine when grown at this depth.

5)      No Fertilizer - The all new SFG does not need any fertilizer-ever! If you start with the perfect soil mix, then you don't need to add fertilizer.

6)      New Boxes - The new method uses bottomless boxes placed aboveground. We show you how to build your own (with step-by-step photos).

7)      New Aisles - The ideal gardening aisle width is about three to four feet. That makes it even easier to kneel, work, and harvest.

8)      New Grids - Prominent and permanent grids added to your SFG box help you visualize the planting squares and know how to space for maximum harvest.

9)      New Seed Saving Idea - The old-fashioned way advocates planting many seeds and then thinning the extras (that means pulling them up). The new method means planting a pinch- literally two or three seeds--per planting hole.

10)  Tabletop Gardens - The new boxes are so much smaller and lighter (only 6 inches of soil, remember?), you can add a plywood bottom to make them portable.

 

Of course, that's not all. We've also included simple, easy-to-follow instructions using lots of photos and illustrations. You're going to love it!

Author: Mel Bartholomew
Paperback:  272 pages Illustrated
Company: Cool Springs Press  (2006-02-14)
ISBN: 1591862027
List Price: $19.99
Amazon Price: $12.89
Used Price: $12.89

The most definitive practical gardening book on the market-now completely revised and updated -covers every aspect of growing healthy flowers, trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. No other gardening book is needed.

Author: Editors of Reader's Digest
Hardcover:  544 pages
Company: Readers Digest  (2000-03-06) (2000-03-02)
ISBN: 0762102764
List Price: $35.00
Amazon Price: $17.94
Used Price: $17.95

Discover the last W.O.R.D. in vegetable gardening with Ed Smith's amazing gardening system. By integrating four principles -- Wide beds, Organic methods, Raised beds, and Deep beds -- Smith reinvents vegetable gardening, making it possible for everyone to have the best, most successful garden ever. By following this complete system you cultivate deep, powerful soil that nourishes plants and discourages pests and disease. The result is fewer weeds, healthier plants, and lots of great-tasting vegetables. Plus, you'll enjoy gardening as you never have before. The Vegetable Gardener's Bible -- the last W.O.R.D. in vegetable gardening.

Author: Edward C. Smith
Paperback:  320 pages
Company: Storey Publishing, LLC  (2000-02-15)
ISBN: 1580172121
List Price: $24.95
Amazon Price: $13.60
Used Price: $13.58

MULTI TOOL, GENUS, CLAM PACKAGING

Tools & Hardware:  6061-T6 Anodized Aluminum Body w/Stainless Steel Bypass Pruners and Rotating/Locking Handle, Razor Sharp 420HC Stainless Steel Clip-point Knife, Straight and Phillips Screwdrivers to meet your needs, Multiple implements like a Saw, Bottle Opener & Soft-wire Cutters that will handle any task that comes your way, Genus is covered by Leatherman's 25-year guarantee
Company: Leatherman 
List Price: $99.00
Amazon Price: Too low to display
Used Price: $79.48

Pruners that Work as Hard as You Do: The Hybrid Line from Leatherman
Gone are the days of carrying quality bypass pruners and multiple tools and having to search for them one-by-one. With the new Hybrid pruner, gardeners have the stainless steel pruners they need with the most commonly used tools-of-the-trade right in one convenient location: on their belt loop. With quality carrying sheaths designed to accommodate individual hobbies and users, this new line of pruners from Leatherman is truly a cut above.

About the 830556 Hybrid Pruner
The Hybrid puts convenient, high-quality, multitool capabilities right at your fingertips. The compact folding tool frees up space and cuts out unnecessary time spent searching for stand-alone tools, and its user-friendly design lets you access all the tools you need quickly and safely.

The Hybrid's non-slip handles and well-placed bumpers provide a comfortable, solid grip that helps reduce hand fatigue, and the strong, ultra-sharp pruning shears deliver a quick, clean cut every time. Open or closed, the handle ensures smooth, easy placement into the belt sheath. These pruners have been tested and recommended by the National Home Gardening Club.

Multitool Capabilities:

• Bypass pruners
• Wire cutters
• Weed remover
• Grafting knife
• Bark lifter
• Phillips screwdriver
• Saw
• Flat screwdriver
• Sprinkler tool
• Bottle opener
• Ruler

Key Technical Specs:

• 100 percent stainless steel blades and tools
• Non-slip handles
• Length closed: 4.74 inches
• Length open: 8.13 inches
• Weighs 8.7 ounces

Optional Accessories (not included)
Add even more functionality to your Hybrid with a Removable Bit Driver. The set comes with a driver, five double-sided tool steel bits and a standard nylon or leather sheath.

Warranty:
Close inspection reveals the quality and attention to detail that make Leatherman products more useful and effective. Using the best stainless steel, ingenious design and rigorous tolerances, Leatherman makes the useful products that customers want, and backs them with a 25-year guarantee. A genuine Leatherman tool is always ready when you need it.

What's in the box:
Leatherman Hybrid pruner and a nylon sheath.

Tools & Hardware:  Pruner with convenient built-in garden tools, Features bypass pruner and other all-steel tools, Non-slip handle and bumpers for solid grip and reduced hand fatigue, Built-in tools include wire cutters, weed remover, saw, screwdrivers, and more, 8.13 inches when open; 4.74 inches closed; 25-year limited warranty
Company: Leatherman 
List Price: $51.74
Amazon Price: $31.71
Used Price: $41.12

Kneeling Pad This great kneeling pad is a great solution for reducing knee pain and lower back stress. Protects knees when kneeling on hard surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, grating, gravel or wood. These ergonomic mats have many uses in a commercial environment and will help increase worker productivity and lower the risk of injuries. For personal use, these kneeling mats can also be used when bathing young children, gardening or when doing handy work around the house. Also ideal to keep in CAR Trunk for the need to Change A Flat Tire! * 3/4" thick foam. * Material is non-conductive. * Minimal water absorption. * Flammability: self-extinguishing material. * Built-in carrying handle. * Hangs up easy for storage or merchandising. * Lightweight - easy to maneuver in and around working areas. * Size: 15" x 12" * Color: Green.

Misc.:  Lightweight 15" X 12.5" Size, Ideal for Gardening, Floor Scrubbing and Other Household Jobs, 3/4" thick foam, Hangs up easy for storage, Minimal water absorption, Built-in carrying handle
Company: JMK 
List Price: $19.99
Amazon Price: $5.40

The Fiskars garden bucket caddy features clever, durable design to make gardening easier. In addition to its deep, large pockets for hand tool and glove storage, the caddy has a space for seed storage to keep seeds dry and protected, as well as a beverage holder and even a cell-phone pocket. The durable cloth caddy fits snugly around a 5-gallon bucket. Tools and bucket are not included.

Tools & Hardware:  Garden bucket caddy featuring unique and clever design, Fits snugly on 5-gallon bucket, Sturdy canvas construction, Includes cell phone, beverage, and seed packet holders, Deep pockets for various hand tools
Company: Fiskars 
List Price: $11.99
Amazon Price: $14.64

Tools & Hardware:  Heavy-duty tool bag, Contains an aluminum transplanter, Contains a fork and trowel, Contains a bypass and anvil secauteurs with a soft grip
Company: Garden Angels 
List Price: 
Amazon Price: $39.53

This year, get comfortable while planting, digging and weeding. Designed for work in the garden or the yard, the Garden Hopper is a durable work seat with smooth-rolling wheels and a comfortable seat base. Keep all of your supplies and garden tools close at hand by putting them in the convenient, easy-to-reach storage compartment (supplies not included). Also comes with a molded-in carry handle and a built-in beverage holder. Measures approximately 23" x 13" x 12.5".

Tools & Hardware:  Combination garden stool and storage tool with large underseat compartment, Wheeled storage container with hinged opening top and molded carry handle, Fully assembled; rustproof plastic, Stool, 7-inch wheels, 14 by 12-1/2 by 22 inches; 9 pounds; no warranty
Company: Step 2 
List Price: $34.99
Amazon Price: $23.75

Easy to use garden scissors feature serrated stainless steel cutting blade with a 1 2" diameter cutting capacity. Soft, comfortable, nonslip grips with easy to use locking switch is easily accessible for left or right hand user.

Lawn & Patio:  Garden scissors for indoor and outdoor pruning, Durable, serrated, stainless-steel cutting blades, 1/2-inch-diameter cutting capacity provides excellent cutting power, Soft, non-slip grip; conveniently located, ambidextrous locking switch, Measure 8 by 1 by 3 inches
Company: OXO 
List Price: $16.97
Amazon Price: $11.60

Tools & Hardware:  3-piece gardening set for more efficient, more comfortable gardening, Includes knee pads, gardening apron, garden gloves, Kneepads feature foam-flex cushioning and tough outer fabric, Jersey-fabric gloves include Micro-dot palms; apron includes 4 pockets for garden necessities, Great gift for any gardener
Company: John Deere 
List Price: 
Amazon Price: $9.00

Tools & Hardware: 
Company: The Toro Company 
List Price: 
Amazon Price: 

Tools & Hardware:  Compact- folding garden seat, Includes removable bag for transporting tools and produce
Company: Garden Angels 
List Price: 
Amazon Price: $27.41

Author: Editors of GARDENING HOW TO Magazine
Single Issue Magazine: 
Company: CURTIS CIRCULATION CO  (2008-02-10)
List Price: $4.95
Amazon Price: $4.95

Author: Editors of GARDENING HOW-TO Magazine
Single Issue Magazine: 
Company: CURTIS CIRCULATION CO  (2008-07-10)
List Price: $4.95
Amazon Price: $4.95

Since 1942, Organic Gardening has been delivering well-researched, practical and timely information and useful products and services. As the essential resource for any gardener, it provides current and authoritative information, with a focus on making the process of gardening fun and easy.

Magazine:  Magazine Subscription, Print
Company: Rodale Inc 
List Price: $96.76
Amazon Price: $23.94

Bi-monthly publication includes articles covering all aspects of interest to home gardeners in Florida.

Magazine:  Magazine Subscription
Company: Florida Gardening Press Inc 
List Price: $29.70
Amazon Price: $21.00

Discusses alternative and traditional crops, livestock, and direct marketing, designed to help make small and family farmers profitable and sustainable.

Magazine:  Magazine Subscription
Company: Missouri Farm Publishing Inc 
List Price: 
Amazon Price: $23.95

Iowa Gardening is a quarterly, regional, gardening magazine that focuses on interesting gardens, food from the garden and farmer's markets, nurseries, wholesalers, growing techniques, plants, design, and other topics of interest to gardeners.

Magazine:  Magazine Subscription
Company: Pioneer Group 
List Price: 
Amazon Price: $14.95

Author: Editors of ORGANIC GARDENING Magazine
Single Issue Magazine: 
Company: RODALE PRESS  (2008-06-01)
List Price: $3.99
Amazon Price: $3.00

Author: Editors of EASY WEEKEND GARDENING Magazine
Single Issue Magazine: 
Company: AUGUST HOME  (2008-07-05)
List Price: $9.95
Amazon Price: $9.95

Hands-on advice, information and inspiration on garden design, intriguing plants, reliable techniques and practical landscaping projects.

Magazine:  Magazine Subscription
Company: Taunton Press 
List Price: $41.94
Amazon Price: $29.95

Georgia Gardening is an essential resource for anyone who wants in-depth, timely advice on local growing conditions. All stories are written by Georgia and southern gardening experts, so readers read only about plants and ideas that work for their garden.

Magazine:  Magazine Subscription
Company: Team Advertising & Publishing 
List Price: 
Amazon Price: $24.95