“Learning how to sow seed, root cuttings, and divide perennials is only the beginning of Bradley’s encyclopedic guide. The more complicated techniques of layering and grafting are also covered and, with the assistance of detailed, step-by-step illustrations, explained in a fashion that make them easily mastered. An essential source for anyone interested in practical pointers for plant propagation.”— Booklist.
Even though it's about propagating, it's also helpful for just plain ol' growing know-how, which is a department I am learning more about. I'd reccommend it even if you have no intention to propagate, just grow a garden.
It's just in-depth enough to tell you what you need to know, whet your appitite, and learn easily - my type of garden book. It's good bus ride reading - quick chapters on various topics, nice pics and thin. Don't be fooled, there's a lot of info in here, so much so, I might buy me a copy for future reference. The SF public library owns it.
Honestly I can't tell you how everything works, but I did really like the book. It really was the basics and perfect for people like me. The only thing that I would have added to the book was more information in one of the last chapters about specific plants. I'd just like to have more plants included there, especially fruits and vegetables.
This book is inspiring with its dazzling images of plants in all stages and forms of propagation. The section on bulbs, corms and tubers was especially illuminating. The entire book made me want to get out there and start gardening.
Propagation Basics: Tools, Techniques, Timing by Steven Bradley (Sterling Publishing 2002) (635.9153) is just exactly what it purports to be: a simple (but thorough) intro to the basics of propagating plants. My rating: 6/10, finished 4/22/11.