The Garden Primer Second Edition

The Garden Primer Second Edition

The most comprehensive, entertaining, down-to-earth one-volume gardening reference ever, and highly praised:

“Barbara Damrosch delivers the goods.”—Chicago Tribune
“Best of the crop.”—House Beautiful
“Barbara Damrosch’s writing has the snap of a good snowpea and the spice of an old rose.”—The Seattle Times/Post Intelligencer
“Covers just about everything you could think of and then some.” — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“An extraordinarily comprehensive guide.” — The San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle
“Takes your soaring visions of garden splendor and plants them firmly in the ground.”—The Toronto Star

Now the beloved classic is revised front-to-back. The new edition has gone 100% organic, which in Barbara Damrosch’s hands also means completely accessible. It reflects the latest research on plants, soils, tools, and techniques. There is updated and expanded information on planning a garden, recommended plants, and best tools. Ecological issues are addressed much more extensively, covering lawn alternatives, the benefits of native species, wildlife-friendly gardens, and how to avoid harmful invasive species. More attention is paid to plants appropriate to the South, Southwest, and West Coast, while cold-climate gardeners are given detailed advice on how to extend the growing season. Simply put, the book is a richer and fuller compendium than ever before, with more text, more illustrations and garden plans, expanded plant lists, and gardener’s resources. But Barbara Damrosch’s core of practical, creative ideas and friendly style remain—she is still an “old-fashioned dirt gardener” at heart.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Excellent “HOW TO ” guide for the beginning gardener
Wow, this garden guide is packed with a wealth of information, and at a terrific price from Amazon. The book begins with an in depth look at proper soil preparation - which is the key to plant growth. Need help planning your landscaping? Find out in chapter 2. Need to know what tools are necessary for gardening? Read chapter 3. Need advice on annuals vs perennials? Chapters 5 and 6 are a must read.

We were interested in building a couple of rasied bed gardens this year. The garden guy at Lowe’s recommended this book to us and raved for 20 minutes about his success using the tips found in the book.

If you are interested in planting a garden, but have little knowledge or experience, this book will be helpful. There are over 150 pages packed into chapter 7 on VEGETABLES. Detailed planting and growing info is given for just about any vegetable.

You can also learn how to successfully grow fruits, herbs, flowers, ground covers, vines, shrubs, trees, wildflowers, roses, bulbs, and even houseplants.

5 Stars Much More Than a Primer
At this price you are getting the basics and the details for success in the garden. The 800+ pages are anything but daunting. They flow as will you in your garden.Zen of Watering Your Garden Matt Cohen

5 Stars Garden Primer
I was so pleased with this book! I will be giving this book as a gift. The recepient will be so happy to receive it.

1 Star 100% Organic~NOT! See page 259
Although the front book cover has 100% Organic circled on it, she mentions several times to use treated wood in the garden. This of course would no longer make your garden organic as the chemicals to treat the wood would leach into the ground and feed your vegetables. The book doesn’t offer much information and is mostly regurgitated stuff from other books. The information offered is obvious and nothing new! I would not personally recommend this book. There are a lot more out there with better information.

5 Stars An excellent garden resource
This book is excellent! It has great, detailed information and is well organized. It’s a great addition to my books on gardening. I wish I’d bought it sooner!

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