The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Midwest

“Anyone can learn to be a gardener,” Michigan farmer VanderBrug advises early in this upbeat, accessible compendium intended for Midwestern amateurs and experts who want to get started with vegetable gardening. Regional do’s and don’ts—choosing which crops to plant and when, determining soil type, calculating frost-free days by understanding an area’s microclimate, and knowing when to harvest—are straightforward; illustrations and a hardiness-zone map accompany the writing. Fertilizer information and plant care have a strong organic focus; however, VanderBrug advocates spraying for disease, though “only as a last measure.” There are in-depth instructions for starting seeds indoors, moving plants outside, saving seeds, composting, watering, building rain barrels and trellises, selecting tools, and dealing with wildlife. The handbook’s month-by-month structure is easy to follow, helping the reader plan, prepare, plant, and harvest. Profiles of 30 edibles, from arugula (“it can stand up to funky cheeses and balsamic vinegar”) to zucchini/squash (“especially fantastic when stuffed with cheese and fried”), provide growing and harvesting info by zone. This guide has solid information packed with common sense. [em](Dec.) [/em]