Two Must-Read Gardening Books

During Covid-19 Lockdown, many of us have turned to hobbies. Here in the South, gardening is a natural choice given the weather and climate. It doesn't matter if you have a large yard, a raised bed, or a clay pot on a balcony. When it comes to gardening, it's the know-how and will power which matter most.

If I was going to do this, I thought I've got to up my game. I had the time to read. Why not take a moment to do the groundwork? I thought. After all it has never been more true: we reap what we sow.

To that end, here are the two books I recommend. 

The Southeast Native Plant Primer, 225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden by Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross, Photographs by Will Stuart.

Learn how to garden with native plants. A valuable investment that provides a habitat or a tidbit for the three Bs (wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and bees). These animals rely on native insects and/or native vegetation. An added benefit, unlike exotics, natives require much less work to upkeep. A win-win for this gardener! Definitely, a 5-star book.

A bounty awaits.

My next go-to gardening resource is Grow Great Vegetables in Tennessee by Ira Wallace. Renown co-owner of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and blogger at Mother Earth News. There is no greater green-thumb when it comes to sowing, growing, or harvesting from seed to table vegetables. 

Grow Great Vegetables series.

I was impressed by the tremendous amount of information that is truly easy to digest. From planting seeds by season, to transplanting, and garden maintenance, at each step outlined in the book, I found myself thinking how useful, and yet equally important: how I would personally apply the information to benefit my new gardening space in Knoxville. For years, I've always been of the ilk of growing flowering plants and trees. In truth, it's taken a pandemic to make me change my ways. Like many folks, out of necessity, I've been forced out of my comfort zone. So far my vegetable garden expertise has been rather limited. Sure I've done tomatoes, peppers, and once by accident I managed to harvest several butternut squash when a rogue seed grew into a producing plant all by itself. My oh my, times have changed. Three weeks ago, I cleared a 10 x 20-foot space. From seeds, I started corn, beans, radishes, lettuces, beets, broccoli, butternut and summer squash, a host of herbs, and yes, lots of different tomatoes and peppers. Those darlings have gone on to become seedlings, staged and transplanted into the garden. A huge step for us both!

Thanks to Ira Wallace, I've managed to set up this garden. Yes, there have been mistakes along the way as well as uninvited guests. To day, I have an ongoing fight over green space with a family of slugs. But after reading, I learned to sow and plant more than I would have without these authors' prodding. A big mindset I've broken away from: my garden is one without rows. Why? Because for those of us with small sunny vegetable gardens, plant in squares. Squares are a much better use of space. Hah! Who knew? Another 5-star book!

Anyway, I like most novice gardeners with more time on my hands that horse sense want something to show for when it's said and done, and life returns to the new normal come August...or September... or whenever. Being alone does not have to equate to lonely and bored. 

Thank you Ira Wallace, Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross. No matter what comes, being on the path where I've gained ability to grow my own food is so beautiful. Anyone who grows vegetables and fruits knows the benefits are beyond the harvest. The bounty of gardening provides a sense of confidence, patience, excitement to get outside to see what awaits, as well as an increase in respect on what it takes to till the Earth. 

What's growing in your garden? What part of the world do you till the Earth? Anyone with a tip on how to grow lettuce where slugs love to inhabit, kindly leave word. 

Thank you for visiting. Stay safe!

Happy trails,

Casey

Note:If you don't live in the Volunteer State, no worries. Grow Great Vegetables in Tennessee is part of series that caters to gardeners all over the US by geographic region.  Check out Timber Press for a gardening book for your region.

These honest book reviews were provided in exchange for free advanced reader copies by way of NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read both books.