Review / Comments:
Smith, who raises nearly 100 varieties of vegetables in his Vermont garden, recommends a method of gardening that calls for wide, raised, deep beds, resulting in more vegetables with less work. In part 1 Smith explains how this is achieved, giving instructions on selecting a site, acquiring the correct tools, laying out the beds, interpreting the information in seed catalogs, and starting seeds indoors. He also offers instructions on crop rotation, sowing seeds outdoors, installing a trellis, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, watering, harvesting, and growing plants in cold frames and greenhouses. Part 2 deals with soil requirements, making and using compost, and pest and disease control. Part 3 is an A-to-Z listing of vegetables and herbs, with details on growing, harvesting, and storing. Each entry has a list of the plant's best varieties. There are 550 color photographs that complement the informative text. George Cohen --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
James A. Baggett, Executive Editor - Country Living Gardener
"Clear, straightforward information on earth-friendly vegetable gardening that reads like sound advice from a friend, plus a wealth of useful information on higher yields with less work, making and using compost, and how to have a weed-and-pest-free garden that promises the most bountiful of harvests. The Vegetable Gardener's Bible is an impressive accomplishment by a seasoned expert. It is destined to end up dog-eared in the potting shed."
"Smith gives insight into the gardening world through pictures, sidebars and a thick easy-to-use section on nurturing vegetables with names from A-Z. Smith also covers tools, what to consider when mulching, and many other details that an amateur might overlook when planting. The book takes the reader through an entire growing year, with photographs of Smith's garden to illustrate the wonderfully conversational text. This is a well-organized piece in caring for vegetable plants and an asset for any gardening section."
"Like other garden books of comparable length, it is practical. It is also a clear coverage of comprehensive garden care. Smith will please those who want to learn about the many aspects of gardening and also have clear and accessible reference material. His advice, hints, illustrations and charts will benefit any gardener."
The New York Times
"One of the most American gardening tomes ever published...the principles Smith advocates are completely sound, as is his practical advice."