Where to start. There is such a wide variety and amount of knowledge to be gained in books from experts in the gardening world. But in all honesty, it is absolutely overwhelming on where to begin!
Here are my recommendations of books to get you started in zone 3:
The Prairie Gardeners go-to for Vegetables, Melrose & Normandeau
This is a great tool to have on hand for troubleshooting. Tomatoes going black? Tiny beets? What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate? Straight to the point and clear solutions to what could be causing your garden woes.
Vegetable Favorites, Herbs and Edible Flowers, Lois Hole
If you get any book by Lois Hole, you wont go wrong. Lois's books are straight to the point, with examples, and relevant information for our region.
Vegetable Gardening for Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba, Laura Peters
This comprehensive guide is a solid tool for the breakdown of each individual veggie you plant to grow. From starting, to growing to harvesting, recommended varieties and troubleshooting, this book is a one stop shop!
The Ruth Stout No Work Garden Book, Ruth Stout, Richard Clementine
Now that you have the basics down with the above three books, Ruth Stout has some great methods that keep gardening hassle free and low maintenance. Good gardening information never become old or outdated, the book may be old but the information is relevant more today than when she started. Key take away? Mulch! Mulch! Mulch!
There are some great local resources at your local library to read any of these options (most have e-books available now!), but there are other affordable ways to start your garden library!
Thrift/Second hand shops. The Salvation Army and Value Village have a great selection of books to get you going for a relatively low price. Just make sure to keep an eye out for coupons, as well as discount bins to help keep the costs low.
Estate Sales. As people move into smaller homes, books are usually the first to get paired down! Check out your local listings for upcoming sales to peruse! Also, keep an eye when your there on the garden supplies and outdoor tools, second hand tools and pots are a great start to any garden! (Just make sure to clean them thoroughly).
Borrow! Mom and grandma definitely have a few books at home that you can likely dig up to start the collection!
Take your time, Get your sticky notes out, and enjoy the process, there is lots to explore!
コメント