Gardening For Dummies^® , 2nd Edition

by Mike MacCaskey; Bill Marken

• ISBN13: 9780764551307
• ISBN10: 0764551302
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-02-01
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Gardening is one of the most popular, least exclusive hobbies of all. Everybody can garden. Gardening is good for the body; an hour or two of daily yardwork provides just the right kind of light exercise we all need. Responsible gardening also does good things for the environment: materials get recycled, and empty lots become community gardens. Gardening also can boost your mental health; it delights the eye and fuels the soul with a connection to the earth.Even if you've never repotted a plant, you have the heart of a gardener if you love the taste of garden tomatoes or close your eyes when you sniff a blossom. Gardening For Dummies, 2nd Edition, will help novices get off to a solid start and help seasoned gardeners broaden their breadth of knowledge.This book is for you if you want to Create a garden for the first time Know how to mow your lawn the right way Find out which bugs are eating up your plants Determine when and how much to water your garden Attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your yard Grow your own herbs and vegetables Find your way around the garden center by knowing which soil amendments to buy, which tools to use, which plants to choose, and how to use pest controls. You can turn that brown thumb into a green one by exploring these other topics: Creating a landscape design: Know what you have; define areas and flow Exploring annuals, perennials, bulbs, and vines: Choose healthy plants; water and feed for longevity Buying and planting roses: Understand classifications, pruning methods, and winterizing Putting in a new lawn: Buy seed; remove sod; explore mowers and trimmers Planting seedlings, trees, and shrubs: Transplant from cell packs and larger containers; get bare-root or balled-and-burlapped plants into the ground Pruning and propagating: Understand the purpose; look at tools, techniques Dealing with weeds and disease: Identify damage; control spread Gardening For Dummies, 2nd Edition, offers a slew of lists, illustrations, and color photographs to guide you as you garden. No matter what size your planting area, from sunny windowsill to patio to yard, you can nurture and grow a glorious garden.

Author Biography

Michael MacCaskey is the editor-in-chief of The National Gardening Association's bi-monthly National Gardening magazine. Bill Marken is editor of Rebecca's Garden Magazine and former editor-in-chief of Sunset Magazine. He is the recipient of the American Horticultural Society's prestigious Horticultural Communication Award.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(6)
Part I: Getting Going with Gardening	7	(38)
Chapter 1: Just a Few Ground-Level Questions and Answers	9	(8)
Chapter 2: Zoning Out: What You Can and Can't Grow	17	(12)
Chapter 3: Planning Your Landscape	29	(16)
Part II: Color Your World	45	(60)
Chapter 4: Annuals	47	(14)
Chapter 5: Perennials	61	(14)
Chapter 6: Bulbs	75	(12)
Chapter 7: Roses	87	(18)
Part III: Sculpting with Plants	105	(60)
Chapter 8: Trees and Shrubs	107	(22)
Chapter 9: Lawns and Ground Covers	129	(24)
Chapter 10: Vines	153	(12)
Part IV: At Ground Level	165	(42)
Chapter 11: Understanding and Improving Soil	167	(16)
Chapter 12: Raising Plants from Seeds	183	(12)
Chapter 13: Choosing and Planting Seedings, Trees, and Shrubs	195	(12)
Part V: Caring for Your Plants	207	(72)
Chapter 14: Feed Me, Seymour! Watering, Feeding, and Composting	209	(20)
Chapter 15: A Snip Here, a Snip There: Pruning and Propagating	229	(10)
Chapter 16: Fighting Pests, Diseases, and Weeds	239	(28)
Chapter 17: Tools of the Trade	267	(12)
Part VI: Special Gardens	279	(52)
Chapter 18: Food Gardens	281	(18)
Chapter 19: Container Gardens	299	(18)
Chapter 20: Gardens for Birds, Bees, and Butterflies	317	(8)
Chapter 21: Gardening in Tight Spaces	325	(6)
Part VII: The Part of Tens	331	(20)
Chapter 22: Ten Quick Projects	333	(10)
Chapter 23: Perfumed Garden Flowers	343	(8)
Appendix A: Gardening Resources	351	(16)
Appendix B: Mail-Order Resources	367