Backyard Harvest: A Year-Round Guide to Growing Fruits and Vegetables

Backyard Harvest is written for the gardener who has limited space and money to spend on gardening as well as those who wish to maximize the garden space they already have. Maximizing the garden space to grow food they can enjoy everyday all year round whether preserved, fresh or out of storage in the major focus of this book. Using colored photographs and multiple design ideas the chapters lay out simple yet detailed instructions to help the gardener find just the right method for them. Right from the start Backyard Harvest begins the reader with a very strong message, "Be realistic in your gardening". The idea is to explain common mistakes a gardener may make, from planting to much of one crop, trying crops that may not do well in their area, crops they may not enjoy eating, and going crazy with too many crops for the space they have. The message is laid out in simple features on how to maximize space, select crop varieties and prolonging the growing season for each. Information can be found on the pros and con of renting a space, using containers in a window, raised beds. There is even a special place that highlights gardening for those who love flowers. This section tells of the benefits of vegetables grown right in with flowers, from the array of foliage, beautiful blooms, colored harvest crops and pest control, each brings a unique design to the location.Throughout the pages select areas give details on the selection of plants and crops. Many of these pages feature colored photographs of actual products along with descriptions that include where it grows best, taste, storage options and many other details. They serve to introduce the reader to many wonderful varieties of common crops such as strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes to name a few. However, some of the drawbacks are that some of the varieties previewed are not readily available, well know or do not grow well in some areas.The twelve chapters that begin the month to month garden plans are packed full of many useful ideas. The first thing the reader will see is a two page layout diagram that gives an at glance view of what can be used from storage, or harvested that month. Each chapter includes three main ideas, what needs to be done, what to sow and what to harvest. In what needs to be done, helps the gardener with each area including how to fertilize, prepare for planting and selecting what to plant. What to sow begins the gardener on which crops to seed whether indoors, in a green house or directly in the area to be raised. What to harvest, details what crops should be ready to harvest, and how to make each crop yield longer. Another section that helps the reader is what to do. This section details pruning, composting, training crops, transplanting seedlings, and additional space preparations.As the book advances into the year more features are added including growing bean sprouts, making pickles and cordials, drying fruit, saving seeds and training trees or vines. Additional information within the chapters includes building cold frames, raised beds, container gardens and compost stations. Many of these instructions include colored photographs and special ideas for using what you have on hand. There are also highlights on knowing and testing soil, fertilizing, water, tools and their use and even recipes.The book ends with sections that give detail photographs and clear descriptions of problems, diseases, common pest that can affect gardens along with solutions on how to handle each are included. An alphabetical listing of crops and their best time for planting and harvesting is listed in planner form in the back; along with a list of places a gardener may find crops and supplies for their garden.The entire book is linked together in a well designed and easily understood text. Simple explanations, real photographs and how problems are addressed make this a valuable reference for every gardener. Easy to follow table of contents, chapters and index make checking on any of the covered material fast. This book, although for the vegetable garden, would also lend well someone planning a flower garden or orchard.

I've only read July and August, the latter of which obviously not containing much since the season is coming to an end. I do like this book, it's full of useful info of when to plant what. I don't get much use out of all the fruit references because I pretty much only grow veggies. And a lot of the recipes (yes it has RECIPES!!!) are fruit-based instead of veggie based. But I still get a lot of use out of this.

This book is excellent for new gardeners! Everything is organized by month, so you know what/when to sow, when to harvest, when to trim back plants, and when/how to store your excess crop. It gives you great ideas to do with all of your new fruits and veggies like how to pickle cucumbers or how to make fruit preserves. It gives excellent tips and information, this book is single-handedly responsible for my new passion for gardening. Other books present a ton of information and expect you to retain everything. This book is organized and laid out so intuitively and makes step-by-step learning really easy. I highly recommend this book!

My mom says the pictures and explanations are very informative and she has learned a lot from it. She says she feels confident to do her own gardens now. That's what I was hoping for so I think it's good even though I never physically held the book.

This book is easy to follow, everything is organized very well. Great pictures, I actually had checked this out first and then I ended up ordering a copy.

Excellant for the beginner or experienced. I received this as a gift and just can' stay out of it. I had to order one for my daughter who has the same response. I have been gardening for 20 years, my daugter for 3 years. It really puts all you need to know in a very easy to read, understand and put into action.

Lots of pictures...limited information. A beginners gardening book.

I bought this book as a gift for my brother who is starting to grow fruits and vegetables in his yard. He has found it a very helpful resource and referred to it frequently while planning his crop.

This book is a good starter for beginners like me. There are many interesting details and facts and most of all it's not only theory but there are also many pictures and good tips what to be careful about.The book is divided by the different seasons of the years; it telsl you what you can plant in a certain month and what to harvest. A big plus are the "home made tips" - the book gives you many tips how to preserve the homegrown vegetables or how to make some nice plum wine for example.All in all, a very nice book - I am happy with it.

very good