Incredible Edibles: 43 Fun Things to Grow in the City
Starred Review. Just because you live in an apartment doesn't you can't enjoy homegrown herbs and vegetables; accordingly, urban gardener Day (The Urban Gardener) gives city-dwellers tips on 43 edible plants that can be grown in backyard gardens as well as on rooftops, balconies and patios. Using an eye-catching layout, Day patiently and enthusiastically guides gardeners of all experience levels through the ins and outs of raising everything from exotic asparagus peas to zucchini, offering general tips on choosing the right containers, keeping harmful critters at bay, and bringing your bounty in for the winter. Though slim, each entry is packed with information and photos, including all the particulars (when, where and how to plant, common problems, how much to grow) as well as considerate looks at worthwhile alternatives (fast-growing Thumbelina carrots, Mojito Mint) and those to avoid (Brandywine tomatoes, for instance, are particularly prone to disease, and shouldn't be planted in areas with high humidity). Though recipes are scattered throughout, this is first and foremost a gardening book; still, gourmands and green thumbs alike should appreciate this guide to space-restricted gardening.