5 comments about Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener.

1. This book is so bland and boring it is nearly generic. If you are at all excited by the prospect of things organic, don't buy this book. Look for something with juices flowing in the veins or you will find yourself semi-comatose and bored with organic before you begin.
   
   This book could have been more than just a [quite generalized] reference book. It could have been an inspiration. Fortunately it's recyclable.



2. This book was recommended by a friend and it is exceptionally informative and well written. I would recommend it to anyone seeking more info on organic gardening. It has ideas that are cheap to do that work wonderfully!



3. Chock full of useful information! This is probably the only book on gardening you'll ever need! I can't believe how informative this is! It truly is an Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening! Whatever your question or plant you are sure to find it here! This is a must have for any organic gardener!



4. I use this book so often. I have several gardening books about specific topics such as soil or companion planting or planting or pruning.. it's good to have specific books but this one has it all as a great general reference. I always check this out in addition to whatever other resource I am using. It is so comprehensive!



5. This is a great book, very informative whether you have just one potted plant or an acre of garden blooming in your backyard. It touches on just about any topic imaginable, including composting, rose care, types of garden pests and how to deter them, and tips on growing flowers, vegetables, and herbs. The information easy to understand and easy to follow. I highly recommend this book, and it would make a great gift for anyone aspiring to have a green thumb.

5 comments about Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places.

1. This is one fantastic book. It is loaded with information that has helped me find plants on my land that I would have never noticed. A must book to have.



2. I bought this book for my mom and for all the unknown plants around my house. And I find it a pretty good book for research and fast lookups of odd plants and what they do.



3. I've got an abundant weed in my garden and I'm wondering if I can eat it. So I bought this book as a reference to see if I could find the plant. It didn't help. The drawings are black and white line drawings and its not laid out as a reference book. I didn't find my plant after leafing through the whole book. I live in the desert southwest and the author states almost noone comes here. This is not a book for westerners.



4. This is a great book for new collectors of edible plants. What's most important for identifying plants? What it looks like in that particular time of year. This has a great layout for exactly that. This tells you exactly what's good for collecting (or appreciating) at the very moment you've decided to go looking.
   I think this is also great book for trying to figure out what to do with all the edible plants once you're finished collecting them. Some good recipies and basic medicinal uses.



5. I have kin people that was a Herb Doctor and I am very interest in all herbs and what nature has to give.

5 comments about The Complete Pool Manual for Homeowners and Professionals: A Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide.

1. I never knew it could be so fun and entertaining to read a book on pools. The Complete Pool Manual for Homeowners & Professionals: A Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide by Dan Hardy is a great book for pool professionals and homeowners alike. The author draws from his own personal experiences and he has seen it all and done it all when it comes to pools, spas and hot tubs.
   The book is written in first-person language and contains colorful personal stories that make it a very easy but informative read. The author is definitely not afraid to tell you his opinion on the best types of pools, equipment, and what to do and not to do in regards to pools, spas and hot tubs.
   It also has wonderful photos of pools and equipment that are both informative and entertaining. Reading this book is like having your own personal "pool technician" on hand to tell you all about different types of pools, water volumes needed, water chemistry, cleaning the pool, pool safety, and much more.



2. Pool maintenance remains one of my biggest chores. I've always felt I couldn't pass it off to my wife and kids--a burned out pump from low water levels or an algae outbreak from unbalanced chemicals was just too much of a risk. This book will lighten my load. It provides step by step guides and anyone (wives and children included) can follow with success.
   
   I'm meticulous with my own pool & heretofore I would NEVER have considered doing anyone else's pool - it just wouldn't be worth it, whatever it paid. Not only has Dan Hardy helped me ease my own workload, I'm confident that I could be a successful "pool guy." He'd done a great job with this book. Who could have imagined a book about pool maintenance could be interesting? We'll this one is, and it's a great reference to boot. It's earned a permanent spot on my shelf.



3. Whether you are a pool novice or expert, this book makes understanding pool maintenance simple. Dan provides a detailed manual on pool construction to water chemistry. There are many pictures and diagrams that lend a visual aid to help understand pool and spa dynamics. The importance of regular maintenance is addressed by providing solutions for the busy pool owner. In addition, Dan integrates helpful tips for professionals on how to deal with problems like phosphates and green algae. This book alone will save a person hundreds of dollars in pool maintenance expense.



4. Interesting book with lots of tidbits and hints about all manner of pool history, pumps, volumes, filters, what he does or doesn't do in a given pool water crisis. Complete rundown of all pool chemicals and why to be wary of pool supply dealers. There is whole chapter on pool and pool-chemical safety. But where is the step by step maintenance of pool water chemistry that I bought the book for? He does say at one point to address "alkalinity before pH, always remember that!" And that is the only step I got, and it was only one step of what NOT to do. There are a bunch of randomly ordered, not step by step chemical-amount-to-use charts per gallon size in the back of the SAFETY chapter. This is easily found online information. Hoped to get, but did not find, an organized approach to the day to day maintenance of POOL CHEMISTRY in this expert's book.



5. We bought a house with a pool & spa and the previous owners were kind enough to take all of the materials pertaining to both. Never owning a pool before, we were clueless. This book has been very helpful! I highly recommend for the new pool owner and it could prove to be useful for the experienced pool owner as well.

5 comments about Jerry Baker's Giant Book of Garden Solutions: 1,954 Natural Remedies to Handle Your Toughest Garden Problems (Jerry Baker's Good Gardening series).

1. I would read this book even if I didn't have a garden! It is more than informative. I feel like I am listening to a favorite uncle telling stories of the good ol" days and how things were done simply and effectively. I love this book and highly recommend it. -Mary



2. I am enjoying this book very much. It has all kinds of solutions to problems I have in my garden.
   I will be using this book for years to come..



3. If you have a problem in your garden , this book will solve it. You would be surprised what you can do with products you have sitting around in the cabinet and fridge.



4. I gave one of these to my gardener mother who liked it so much she asked me to order another for her to give to my gardener brother! Since I'm the non-gardener in the family I can't report on why the book is so helpful, but I understand it offered solutions for some special problems that could not be found elsewhere.



5. this book gave me a lot of simple solutions for my garden. i recommend it, highly.

5 comments about Worms Eat My Garbage: How to Set Up and Maintain a Worm Composting System.

1. I must say that I knew most of the stuff contained in the book, since the web contains a LOT of information. Nevertheless, the online info is quite dispersed. Here you can have all the knowledge in one book. Also, I did not give it 5 stars, because I think it still lacks a bit of professionalism; the author indeed knew a lot from decades for worm composting, but still, a lot of her knowledge was empiric and seems unsure of some of the causes. For instance, she emphasizes a lot on cold climates and gives little info on hot climates.



2. Great classic explains everything a beginner needs to know to start vermicomposting outside/inside, wherever!
   
   I've started small and have it set up in a small container under my sink.
   
   No bugs.
   
   No smell.
   
   Just fantastic soil and liquid fertilizer for all houseplants!



3. I was encouraged to buy this book when I was talking about starting a worm farm for the output from my juicer. It is a great over view then detail explanation of what to do to get off to a great start. The observations and insights gave me enough comfort to just start a bin rather than over thinking it. I created my own version of a bin system that is expandable using 50 plastic barrels.
   What a great and interesting topic.
   Dave



4. Very good intro book on the worming composting process. My worms are happy and doing well. Very informative. We use the square worm tower with the 5 levels. We are working on the first one right now. Very easy was to compost and there is no smell.



5. Great little book that covers it all in an easy to read format. Explains the process and how to accomplish your own vermiculture products at home and at the same time reduce the amount of waste going to the dumps. It's an easy to learn win win situation.

5 comments about Great Garden Companions: A Companion-Planting System for a Beautiful, Chemical-Free Vegetable Garden.

1. The concept of plant families from a compatibility standpoint is such a useful way of explaining what to plant where. For even an experienced gardener this is an excellent book.



2. I love this book. It is filled with loads of useful information explained in a clear and concise manner. Not only is it a great book to own, but it is also a great book to give as a gift.



3. I am findingg this book to be very interesting and helpful My goal is to not have to use any pesticides and garden in a very small space. This book is giving me many helpful ideas.



4. I checked this book out through inter-library loan - had to return it last week & am really missing it! So needless to say will be buying my own copy soon. I had read some other books on companion planting but they weren't as thorough or impressive as this one. Excellent resource, especially for beginners. The bulk of the book is about companion planting but she also discusses the marits of mulching, composting, beneficial bugs & more in an easy to read format. I personally have never been to fond of the separate "garden plot" - off, alone by itself (never mind that we don't currantly have the space on our city lot for one anyway :). Have already put some of companion planting to practice & so far am having success (you should see my leafy lettuce & spinach!). This is a great book for many reasons - it's a budget friendly, green guide to gardening! Blessings...



5. i checked this book out from the library, and let my neighbor borrow it. she liked it so much didn't want to give it back. as soon as i started reading it, i understood why. it's very approachable, and has lots of crucial information for first-year and experienced gardeners alike. and it's got nice pictures and clear diagrams. i really like the "top crops and how to grow them" section.
   so i bought my own copy, and i've been showing it to everyone who stops by to see my veggies. i like her "messy-looking" technique of interplanting all different kinds of vegetables. altho i should have paid more attention to how far apart to plant seeds, i had a veritable tomato forest under my squashes.
   i bought another copy for my stepmom, and she loved it. she's a top notch gardener. she wrote to say this book had answered some of her longtime questions, and she had only owned it for a few hours. she said the book was "awesome" and she uses it frequently.
   i have half a dozen gardening books, but this is the one i re-read most often.

5 comments about Creative Concrete Ornaments for the Garden: Making Pots, Planters, Birdbaths, Sculpture & More.

1. Super book with detailed information on creation from beginning to end! Super for beginners and seasoned artists.



2. I can't say enough how thorough Ms. Warner-Hunter's books are - they are step-by-step, material suggested, inspirational, and illustrated (photographic)! As an artist, this book was helpful in clarifying issues I had with materials: and, as a teacher, I believe even a middle or high schooler could follow this manual. Lark books are fabulous and this one of the best!



3. Start with her first one, Making Concrete Garden Ornaments, then try this one to expand you skills. An excellent way to get a feel for this art form!



4. This book is filled with inspiring ideas and recipes. I am excited to get started - Only problem is that it is always raining on the days I can work!



5. This book contains many "recipes" for making concrete containers and concrete art. The book contains many full color photographs to guide you through each project step by step. The instructions are thorough and easy to follow. I've already made the hypertufa planters and stepping stones. The author also included numerous photos (and website links) of other artists' works. I found this book to be very inspiring.

5 comments about Gardening at the Dragon's Gate: At Work in the Wild and Cultivated World.

1. This book springs from rich earth. It digs into an era through the gardening and Buddhist practice of Wendy Johnson. It's so detailed and beautifully blended that, after a session of reading, I would marvel at the mere undertaking of writing this part-gardening, part-spiritual-journey and part-history of the times memoir. A real joy to be relished slowly.



2. Just a great book I felt I was walking in the garden with her. You just have to read this one.



3. This book is simply amazing, I could not wait for next time I could get into bed with it and a cup of tea and follow along with Wendy Johnson on her rich path of discovery through the garden and through life as a Zen person. The writing has a few too many words at times, but the fact that this was simultaneously a how-to book on gardening and a spiritual memoir full of deep Zen teachings makes it something very special. Wendy Johnson shows herself to be the real deal here, willing to take chances with her life and willing to get her hands dirty for the benefit of others and for the benefit of the planet.



4. This beautifully written book is full of wisdom and good information. It is an inspiring work that has had me smiling as I read and looking forward to getting my hands dirty in the garden.



5. This is more than a book about gardening. It is almost like reading poetry. For those of us who want to enjoy the language as much as the content, this books is most satisfying.

5 comments about Water Storage: Tanks, Cisterns, Aquifers, and Ponds for Domestic Supply, Fire and Emergency Use--Includes How to Make Ferrocement Water Tanks.

1. Wow! This book has a ton of usefull, usable information packed into such a thin booklet! No wasted space, which makes me feel that I've not wasted my money on this book! If you are serious about helping to save this planet, or even just surviving the next tragedy that may befall upon us: Get. This. Book.
   Can I just say again: WOW!



2. This book is well written and complete. I feel that after reading this book I can safely capture rainwater and I know all the details to think about when designing our system, specific reasons to place pipes etc in specific places ... an excellent detailed referrence book and enjoyable read; I read the entire book and enjoyed it. If you are seriously considering to have a rainwater catchment system this is a must read.



3. I Built a 10,000 Gal tank straight out of this book for US$ 1,500.
   It looks good & it doesn't leak.
   What more can you ask for ?



4. This book can help you for how to planning the different water systems in rural and urban areas, the best is how to make ferrocement water tanks.



5. I love all those oasis manuals. Once again Art Ludwig surprises us with a manual full of info reagarding water catchment and storage. Although I'm working in this field for more than 10 years, I always find something new and interesting in Oasis manuals and ther are a fundamental part of my permaculture-libary

5 comments about How to Pick a Peach: The Search for Flavor from Farm to Table.

1. This is a useful book that has given us advice on picking as well as storing fruits. Clues not previously known



2. I've heard that the juice of a really good peach will run down your arms all the way to your elbows. One acturally did make it almost to my elbows the other day. Not the kind of peaches you most often find in a supermarket, with only one peach in many having any juice or flavor.
   
   The question is, "How do you select and store fresh fruits and vegies to insure the mzxium excllence in taste and texture?" The answers are found in Russ Parsons' well written book, "How To Pick a Peach." He classisfies each fruit and vegetable by season and not only tells you how to pick the best ones, but also how to store and prepare them. Russ also gives you several simple receipies for using each fruit and vegetable.
   
   Some fragile vegies such as peas, corn and green beans should be eaten right after they are purchased. Some vegies, such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes and winter squash should never be refrigerated. When refrigerated the starch in potatoes turns to sugar and they lose flavor. This was new to me.
   
   He gives an intersting short history of each fruit and vegie. He also gives a history of industrial farming and the cost of compromise when big farmers take over the production of our porduce, which I really enjoyed. Now that I have read "How To Pick a Peach" it will make a valuable referance tool.



3. As others have mentioned, this book is a nice reference and fun to read. I have tried only a few recipes, but they have all been WONDERFUL. To me, they give the ideal kinds of insights for simple ways to prepare food more effectively which can be extrapolated beyond the exact recipe. After trying the beet/cuc/feta salad, and not having much experience with beets, I continued to make a cold beet salad for my 3yearold all summer, at her request! Also, after preparing eggplant in ways I was accustomed and accepting that my daughter didn't like it, I tried his recipe for steamed eggplant (go figure!) and again my 3yearold loved it! (So did I. It's now my favorite eggplant preparation as well.)



4. This book has a few interesting chapters but overall it misses the mark. Each chapter describes a different fruit or vegetable along with a few recipes. Any food lover will be disappointed and not learn much.



5. Great food always starts with great ingredients. According to my teachers at the Culinary Institute, the aspiring home cook can learn no more important lesson. The CIA spends a great deal of time teaching students how to do just that, but their books tend to be large and filled with lots of additional information.
   
   My paperback copy of How to Pick a Peach: The Search for Flavor from Farm to Table by Russ Parsons captures much of that information in a very handy volume. Parsons is a staff writer and the former food editor for "The Los Angeles Times." His approach is similar to that of Harold McGee (see On Food and Cooking, for example): direct, practical, informed and very readable.
   
   Parsons recognizes the reality of many grocery aisles: "tomatoes that taste like cotton; peaches that will never drip; strawberries that could bend a fork." He has written short chapters on fruits and vegetables from apples to winter squash, together with over a hundred recipes. His writing shines: "With its overlapping rows of hard prickly petals, [an artichoke] seems only one step removed from a stick with a nail stuck in it."
   
   The book covers 42 categories of fruits and vegetables arranged by season. The organization is a little confusing, but the excellent Index makes navigation easy and accurate. The index is particularly helpful in distinguishing the several biographies of the ingredients and the practical hints to choosing high quality ingredients.
   
   Parson's recipe for parsnip soup is particularly good and representative of his style:
   
   "This is a somewhat plainer version of a recipe by the San Francisco chef Jeremiah Tower. (He garnishes his version with shaved white truffles.) It's also really, really good with sour cream.
   
   Ingredients
   1 lb. parsnips
   1 Tbsp. butter
   1 onion, chopped
   1 medium boiling potato, peeled and diced
   ~ Salt
   3½ cups water, plus more if needed
   1 sprig tarragon
   1 sprig parsley
   ¼ cup sour cream
   
   Steps
   
   1. Working lightly with a vegetable peeler, peel the parsnips, then cut off the bottoms and tops. Continuing to use the vegetable peeler, cut away and save the rest of each parsnip down to its woody core, catching the thin slices in a wide pot. The color of the vegetable will change from creamy white to ivory when you get to the core. Discard the core.
   
   2. Add the butter, onion, potato, and 1 teaspoon salt to the pot, along with cup water. Place the pot over low heat, cover it tightly, and cook slowly, "sweating" the vegetables until they begin to become tender, about 15 minutes. Stir from time to time to keep the vegetables from sticking and scorching. If necessary, add a little more water.
   
   3. Add the tarragon and parsley and continue to sweat for another 5 minutes. Add 3 cups water, increase the heat to medium, and cook, uncovered, until the vegetables are completely tender, about 10 minutes.
   
   4. Discard the tarragon and parsley sprigs and, using a slotted spoon, transfer as much as you can of the solids from the pot to a blender. With the lid of the blender removed, pulse to chop the vegetables. If necessary, add a little water. Once the vegetables are chopped, blend on the lowest speed and gradually work your way up to the highest. At first the vegetables will jump up the sides, but then they'll subside and remain at much the same level no matter the speed of the blender. With the motor running, add the rest of the liquid and any vegetables left over in the pot and purée until completely smooth.
   
   5. Wipe out the pot to remove any bits of vegetables, then pour the puréed soup back into it. Heat through over low heat. Taste for salt.
   
   6. Beat the sour cream with a spoon to soften it. Divide the soup among four warmed soup bowls, drizzle in a bit of sour cream in a decorative pattern, and serve.
   
   And here are a couple of samples of Parson's hints on finding great ingredients:
   
   A good watermelon should "sound hollow when thumped lightly." The reason: large cavities form inside the ripened fruit. An additional personal hint: if you buy a watermelon already cut, perhaps covered with clear plastic wrap, pick watermelons with large cavities, not the ones that are smooth and completely flat.
   
   When selecting citrus and tomatoes, go for items that feel heavy for their size; lighter ones will have lost moisture and have a pulpy mouth feel.
   
   "Mature fruit that hung on the tree long enough to develop the sugar will have a distinctive orange cast . . . trust your nose: fruit that is ripe and delicious will always smell that way." In particular, "When you buy [peaches] at the right time of year, however, when the local farmers have filled the markets with them, these fragrant treasures go for pennies. They'll even be cheap enough that you can afford to buy the very best. And that's the time you want to pick a peach."
   
   Altogether, I found this a very handy book to refresh my memory of what constitutes excellent ingredients, particularly handy in the paperback size when shopping.
   
   
   Robert C. Ross 2008