Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Gardening

Heavy competition in recent years makes this old workhouse look a bit long in the tooth. However, it still has a clarity and spareness that make it useful to the novice and experienced garderner alike. For a one volume book, this one is hard to beat, although I am partial to the regional guides from Creative Homeowner's Press, and the Cool Springs Press.

This book is a very technical and detailed overview of gardening practices. All issues of interest to gardeners are addressed, and a thorough reading of the book will amply prepare the newcomer to gardening. Seasoned gardeners can view the book as an excellent reference source. Particularly well-written are: 1. The sections on landscaping and how to grade slopes for correct drainage. 2. How to provide proper drainage and air circulation when planting trees on a grade. 3. The discussion on lawn grass diseases and their control. 4. The very detailed overview of ground covers, shrubs, vines, and trees. 5. The proper method to prune trees and shrubs.6. A long listing of perennials and the proper methods for care. 7. The entire section on roses. Being a rose fanatic, I paid particular attention to the discussion. For winter care, the book recommmends covering at locations where temperatures fall below 20 degrees F. Some rose experts recommend against this, except for climbers. A brief discussion of rose pests and diseases is given. For rose lovers of the Midwest, who face severe humidity, not enough attention is paid to black spot. It would have been helpful to have specific recommendations on the best commercial applicant to use. This is a fascinating time to be involved in horticulture with the advent of genetic engineering. Techniques from genetic engineering will allow more robust varieties of trees and plants, with resistance to many of the diseases and pests discussed in the book. Gardening will indeed become even more exciting in the 21st century......

As a new homehowner I find this book very helpful and easy to use and read. It covers lawns, shrubs, fruits and vegetables, and flowers. It's a great reference guide.

This is a excellent guide for everyone from the first time gardener to the experienced pro. The book covers all types of plants, shrubs, trees, and vegetables imaginable. It gives one a solution to problem areas by listing plants and giving layout guides. It discusses diseases and how to treat them and how to garden in small spaces. With this book you will need no other!

This is a nice book, covering wide areas of gardening. Considering it is under 20 dollars is another plus. Could use more pictures to discribe plants.