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Illustrated Guide to Gardening

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Providing guidance on a wide range of garden types from small backyard plots to country acreage, an in-depth reference offers straightforward information on such topics as plants, pest-control, fertilizer, and environmental awareness.

672 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

10 people are currently reading
267 people want to read

About the author

Carroll C. Calkins

13 books2 followers

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5 stars
67 (40%)
4 stars
57 (34%)
3 stars
39 (23%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
16 reviews
January 5, 2012
I've had this book for years, but turn to it time and again - mostly for propagation. Comprehensive, well-organized, and clearly indexed, it is easy to find whatever gardening information you need. Excellent resource.
Profile Image for Michael.
293 reviews15 followers
March 3, 2008
I have had this book for many years. I often use it to learn how to prune, plant, fertilize, care and identify flowers, trees and shrubs.
2,105 reviews61 followers
February 23, 2017
This book is a good book for what it is. It is mostly concerned with ornamental gardening which doesn't interest me much. I'd estimate that only the last 20% dealt with fruits and vegetables.
Profile Image for Ida Wilcox.
1,855 reviews14 followers
April 22, 2024
As my I start my garden this book came in handy.

Love it
Profile Image for Lily.
68 reviews14 followers
February 10, 2014
This book has really great advice on a huge variety of plants. It has been on my shelf for many years and I refer to it almost every spring. My only disappointment is in the pictures. Generally, I prefer books with clean and crisp photographs of the veggies, fruits, flowers and other plants that they are describing, but this book has been so useful with tips that it has a permanent spot on my bookshelf.
Profile Image for Laura Gilfillan.
Author 6 books56 followers
April 12, 2025
This book was published quite a while ago, but still, gardening is gardening, which has certainly been around a lot longer than this book. So the tips are still relevant, and this book is very thorough and a handy source to refer to. I only wish I actually had more space to garden in. And more sunlight. I love the trees in our yard, and I appreciate their shade on a hot, summer day, but they do put a crimp on what I can grow.
Profile Image for Clarke.
1,323 reviews20 followers
June 22, 2015
Although this book is older the information is still helpful. I'm new to gardening and do container gardening so between the information overload and traditional in ground gardening approach it wasn't very helpful for my circumstances. If you have lots of space and want to cover everything from trees to veggies this book is for you.
Profile Image for Sarah Anderson.
45 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2016
In the age of YouTube videos and Pinterest, a comprehensive, all-in-one reference like this is invaluable. I was tired of search after search online to answer my neverending questions when I stumbled on this book. I already have it bookmarked and flagged, ready to carry out to the garden when needed.
27 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2010
Excellent book for the beginner gardener like me. Easy to read, photos of illustrations, good reference guide.
Profile Image for Sarah Ryburn.
681 reviews35 followers
July 17, 2011
borrowed from our neighbor, dora, whose sister owns a plant nursery. informative sections on cacti and other succulents as well as orchids.
Profile Image for Marcie.
25 reviews
June 5, 2014
Barely cracked this book and my roses are always benefiting! Can't wait to get into the vegetable section.
Author 0 books1 follower
October 28, 2024
I've learned a lot about gardening from this book. It's a wealth of knowledge.
Profile Image for Joanna.
2,144 reviews31 followers
November 12, 2007
Encyclodepic coffee table book for gardeners. Readable, informative, and gorgeous.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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