Fruits and Vegetables Books

I got this book as a "bargain" book at another big name book seller (bn) for about [cheap]. I'm glad I did. Unfortunately, I have yet to use any of the ideas in it, but I have to wait until I get a bigger yard! The book's set up is nice, spiral bound w/fold out pages, great illustrations. The author makes it look so effortless. The instructions that I have read are very thorough, right down to the supplies needed. Over all a nice set up.

I love this little gem!
This succinct guide contains 20 first class photographed and illustrated projects. Often garden "project" books suffer an utter lack of grace and refinement to the extent of becoming downright gauche. The ideas herein are delightfully decorative and infinitely tasteful.

As an artist and former art director, I respect the quality of illustration, handy layout design, and talented use of resources.

Mr. Bird offered a practical construction idea for cages that provide protection from birds and squirrels. He has a project for fruit trees in pots. A pear "tunnel" - a pergola, or archway covered with pears as a romantic garden feature.

He offers ideas on a charming bean arbor, decorative beds and borders, ways to use PVC pipe in large planters to disburse irrigation water more efficiently; and he offers plans for a very attractive double-groined trellis structure constructed with simple re-bar and installed as an apple arch.

Richard Bird has an innovative "step-over apple hedge" suitable for smaller gardens that is jaw-droppingly elegant. It essentially is an espaliered apple tree with just one horizontal tier that like most of his projects; it is not difficult - but it does require patience, and rewards they that wait.

For a pittance, this is a real jewel of a garden book. I am impressed.

KITCHEN GARDEN by Richard Bird is one of the many books I've acquired about growing comestibles outside the back door. When purchasing a book, I look for well presented, novel, and useful ideas. KG was printed in China and contains less than perfect but colorful and informative photos, and plenty of useful information. The book includes sections on: 1) vegetable (potager, salad bed), fruit (strawberry bed), and herb plots (taste of Asia); 2) container-grown fruit and vegetables for rooftops and patios; 3) climbing fruit and vegetables (bean arbors and pear tunnels); and 4) decorative beds and borders (apple border, herb border).

Each section includes a photo of a project, such as a potager, printed on a foldout page. Associated with each foldout page is a diagram of the project and other pertinent information including illustrations of various tasks required to execute the project, tool lists, plant lists, and other items. Although some of the presentations require more space than others, even folks living in townhouses with a space no larger than a deck or patio can benefit from the ideas offered in this book.

One of my favorites sections is the `Patio container garden.' You might ask what could anyone say about container gardening that has not already been said, but the answer is plenty. For example, Bird shows you how to secure your recently planted container so that birds and animals don't disturb the contents. Having watched a squirrel roll around one of my containers yesterday (apparently playing, there was nothing in it but soil), I can attest to the random, senseless, and wanton destruction of run-amuck wildlife. Bird also shows in his patio container section how to irrigate a strawberry jar. In all the years I've reviewed books and plant catalogues, I have never seen his novel approach depicted.

If you're looking for a cookbook approach to kitchen gardening, as opposed to an encyclopedia of possibilities where you supply the creative combinations, Bird's book of clearly described and carefully planned projects is a good place to begin. For intermediate gardeners.

The Organic Home Garden is a navigator to both growing an organic home garden and creating a sustainable lifestyle through hope and love. It resonates with life and will bring both inspiration and practical bounties to the reader. The photos are beautiful and the writing smooth and human. Its extensive organic techniques along with practical applications put this book above many of its kind. An inspirational and knowledgeable book that is first rate amongst my garden books.

Decent overview of general gardening. Not much info on zone specific gardening techniques or when is best to start different crops. A good book for beginners.

Newcomers to organic gardening will find Patrick Lima's Organic Home Garden an excellent, basic introduction which covers fresh and healthy foods and how to grow them with a minimum of additives. From selecting hardy varieties of seeds and seedlings to choosing appropriate compost and controlling pests and diseases through non-chemical means, Organic Home Garden is packed with charts, drawings, and even recipes.

The origins of food plants is a fascinating subject in its own right while the light it shines on human history is a splendid bonus. Knowing that barley and wheat came from the Fertile Crescent of Mesopotamia in the Middle East helps to explain why civilization first arose there and not somewhere else. Those foods helped to sustain a "surplus" population that could devote itself to the arts and invention, leading to the modern world. Indeed all wealth has as its base the growth and storage of food in excess of that which is needed for the sustenance of the food producers, resulting in non-food producing people who can devote themselves to competing schemes of how to steal the wealth and how to protect it (i.e., war). Looking at the history of art through still life and other works of art centering on fruits and vegetables is also fascinating. Essentially this is what Jonathan Roberts has done in this very attractive, richly illustrated book.

To give you some idea of his intent consider pages 122 and 123. On the right-handed page there is a photograph of "Banana Skin c. 1500" from the "Museum of London Evacuations, London Bridge, Southwark, U.K., 1999" showing the black skin of a banana with the obvious import that the banana had already reached the London produce market in c. 1500, just eight years after Columbus's first voyage. Remarkable. Then on the left-handed page there is an image of the oil on canvas painting, "Bananas, 1952" by Lucian Freud, showing an entire stock of bananas still on the tree. Roberts employs a number of famous works such as Van Gogh's "The Potato Eaters" and Botticelli's "Madonna of the Pomegranate" to illustrate the text; indeed there is art work from the Twelfth Egyptian Dynasty through Greek and Roman times to the still lives of the Renaissance to William Hooker, Gauguin, Cezanne, etc., to moderns like Edward Burra and even examples of Russian propaganda art and American advertizing.

The text is a little repetitive and there are some boilerplate phrases that appear several times, but there are only a few typos and I noticed no errors of fact (which isn't always the case in books like this: Roberts himself notes copious errors in, for example, Gerard's "Herball" 1597). Still, I think Roberts did a good job of going beyond the normal range of "coffee table" text while not being too technical. What really appeals, though, is the artwork.

I enjoyed this book although as always I would like more information; indeed an entire book devoted to each and every fruit and vegetable featured here (there are at least sixty, from apples and avocados and pears to beans, carrots, melons, to peppers both black and red, to pumpkins and zucchini, the latter not mentioned in the text, but there is an unmistakable illustration on page 141)--and more--would be ideal.

Mr Roberts's talent in explaining foods' beginnings make this elegant 228-page volume a real page turner.

This book is an excellent overview of the natural history of fruit and vegetables-where they originated, how they have changed and developed over time, and how they have influenced history. The first part details various aspects of our most common fruits (as least 29 main types are discussed), the second part that of vegetables (at least 25).

It is interesting to trace the place of origin of our most cherished delicicies. Tomatoes (western South America), potatoes (western South America), strawberries (the modern is a hybrid from a Chilean variety and a Virginian variety), banana (SE Asia), apple (South East Asia and Eurasia), orange (SE Asia), cracked black peppercorns (Southern India), carrots (Eurasia-probably Afghanistan), maize/corn (America-possibly the Andes originally), fermented grapes (Eurasia-possibly even fermented by homo erectus), watermelon (Africa), cucumber (India), pumpkin (Americas), leek (Central Asia), onion (Central Asia), avocardo (modern types come from Central Amercia), lemons (Eastern Himalaya), kiwifruit (Southern China) and many others. Beetroot grows wild near the sea in the Mediterranean. A tomato native to the Galapagos Islands has evolved resistance to seawater, but the seeds must be digested and 'voided' by tortoises-giant ones-before they will germinate. Charles Darwin would have been impressed.

Readers might be interested to know that the Romans and Greeks, for example, would have never even heard of such delights as tomatoes, potatoes, and corn, as these were all native to the Americas. Oranges, which are a cross between a pumello and a mandarin, didn't reach Europe until the Dark Ages, and neither did our modern apple.

With increase in trade and exploration over time many subspecies were crossed and produced vigorous hybrids, which in conjunction wih selective breeding and vagaries of taste over time, has produced many of the modern forms we see today. It is interesting to note here that not all modern forms are necassarily the best -the Jonathan apple for example, became very popular simply because it is bright red and looks good in the supermarket-but it is not the best eating apple.

Another interesting aspect is the carrying of many original types from the east by Islamic ventures, and to the east by Christians and various explorers. Cross-fertilisation thus eventuated by accident. Subsequently, many species were further cross-fertilised with North and South American types after the expansion into the Americas by Europeans after 1492.

Not all fruit and veges stand the test of time. The ancestor of the bean appears to have gone extinct, and some apple varieties seem to be going that way, crowded out by the Golden Delicious, and the ever-red Jonathan. Others took a long time to get going-such as the tomatoe. For long its association with the poisonous Mandrake stifled its development in the European Middle Ages. Today it is one of the most versatile and most widespread fruits grown. (It is actually a fruit or berry, rather than a vegetable, as is commonly believed).

This book is more than just an excursion into delectable dishes. The nature and origin of fruit and vegetables has profoundly affected culture and history. The potato famine of Europe and Ireland in the 1840s is described, (with at least 1.5 milion deaths in Ireland alone, out of a population of 8 millon). The development of agriculture in humans thousands of years ago was facilitated by mutant strains of such things as almonds, wheat, peas, and bananas (one of the oldest harvested fruit).

Magnificent, and pass me the pepper! Don't underestimate the power of food on primates. Nations have risen and fallen on the vagaries of corn, potatoes, fermented grapes, grain and the like, and their resistance to disease, peoples taste and historical oddities.

There are some beautiful paintings, inscriptions, and archealogical illustrations throughout, inspired by some of history's greatest artists and cultures.

Highly recommended for the lover of food and dining.

This is an excellent book. Written the way she teaches a workshop. My first impression of her as a person was that she was an intelligent woman, this book is well thought out and a great help to anyone wishing to paint still life.

The author is a warm and intelligent painter who expresses her passion for painting. and inspired a sense of excitement and possibilities in me. The chapter on drawing is extremely helpful. Although the paintings shown are mainly traditional in composition, there is a filip of creativity in subject matter and composition that is moving forward. I believe I can transfer the lessons to painting that I attempt here in the cold and rawness of Canada, Europe being beyond my reach....

Generous with sumptuous photographs of her work; generous with sharing her techniques and colors and study sources; generous in giving me the feeling that I can paint stills as wonderful as hers. Thank you Joe Anna.

I really like this book. I love to grow plants from seeds and this book helps me understand how that works and how I can grow even more things from seeds. As well as grafting and other techniques I've never tried. It is a bit technical, but I am only a home gardener so it's pretty easy to work out.

I was pretty disappointed with this book. There`s a lot of methods described to make more plants, but I don`t feel any of them is described in a lot of depth. Furthermore, the author uses a LOT of chemicals when growing and propagating plants, which is something I feel opposed to as a organic grower. I really can`t see why this book was elected one of the 75 best books by The American Horticultural Society?

My mum turned me on to plants when I was quite young, and I had tried to read some of the horticulture books that she had in her library (boring!). I bought this book for myself, because I wanted to learn more about propagation, so at first, I did not think this book would be much help since I prefer hard covers to paperback (personal choice), but even before I finished reading it, I was putting some of what I had read to use, and have on numerous occasions been asked questions that I could answer thanks to this books information. This book is full of useful information on how-to that you can put to use almost immediately, and it is not a dull read.

I have recently had a co-worker and a close friend of mine ask me about grafting, and I have referred them to this book. My friend liked the material on grafting that I spoke with him about so much that he wants to borrow my book for more information on the subject, and I have since put another copy of this book on my wish list to give it to him as a gift for his library.

I would like to purchase this book but I am challenged by all your leads off the subject.

I read this book the month it came out in 1994. I'm not sure how I found out about it but oh well...

Tomatoes are one of god's gifts and if you have the least bit of interest in this amazing fruit, get this book. The history of the tomato and how it arrived on people's plates after centuries of neglect is way more interesting than any Bond film. The author's research is meticulous.

Also, the back of this book has historic recipes from the 1800's that use tomatoes. This of course could spur someone to pursue a career in archeological gastronomy. The bottom line is I love this book and it is one of my top 5 most prized books.

-- Indiana Tomato Lover

The author is a hard working person. So it's very convinient for readers to read the aspect of hitory. However, it's merit also is it's weakness. We could not get any personal viewpoint of the author. We could only get the results of author's research.

Excellent book. Learned much. Plan to expand my traditional orchard. Will keep on my reference shelf.

This is a very well written book. There are 23 chapters, each devoted to a single fruit or berry -- all of which are considered "lesser known" to at least the American gardening culture. The chapters all contain a lot of information on lore, characteristics, planting, culture, propogation, and harvest.

What is missing are: listings of particular cultivars that do well in certain regions of the country, certain microclimates, etc. Further, little attention is paid to climate in general with the exception of a few references to USDA zones.

Still, I recommend this book to you with the caution: find out (from a grower or a high-quality nursery in your area) which cultivars are known to work in your area. Consider a line drawn from Monterey CA to Jacksonville FL. For those living above this line, the only real concern is which varieties taste better. For those living below this line, you have the additional question of which varieties will bear fruit and actually survive.

Lee Reich has complied a wonderful, detailed listing of "the fruits less planted". His style is very readable and the photos and illustrations compliment the written material very well. Detailed information on plant descriptions, cultivation, propagation and recommended cultivars. His vivid plant descriptions are enough to make your mouth water, and he has purposely focused on fruits that are relatively low maintenance and disease free. Plants also vary in size, so there are options for those who use containers to those who have room for full grown trees. I enjoyed the book very much, and look forward to adding many of these plants to our homestead.

I've gleaned much useful information from this easily read item.

The how-to illustrations are clear and should be easily understood both by old-timers like myself and novices in the greatest hobby known to mankind, HOME GARDENING.

As the title suggest, this book takes you from seed to oven. The gardening information is aimed at the novice, but is fun reading for the advanced. The recipes are great, too. It covers veggies, herbs, fruits and flowers, so has something for everyone. The pictures are beautiful, both the illustrations and photographs are works of art.

I may not enjoy cooking but I love to read cookbooks. At night before I go to sleep, I will devour a cookbook, salivating as I read the recipes and any information that might be included. And I've found a wonderful cookbook that is filled with delicious food and fascinating information about the food.

Grow It. Eat It. by Linda Larson is more than a cookbook. It contains essential information for gardeners, both the experienced and the novice. Larson discusses how to grow and then cook fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. And it is fascinating!

I suggest, if you love apples, you try the Sticky Apple Coffeecake. If blueberries are your thing, you might want to cook up some Blueberry Banana Bread. One of my favorite vegetables is asparagus. The Asparagus with Cashews is quick, easy and so delicious. I admit to fixing the Creamy Cucumbers and snacking on them one afternoon. And since potatoes are a personal favorite, I must mention the Garlic Mashed Potatoes. They are heavenly.

Armchair Interviews says: Grow It. Eat It. is so much more than a cookbook. We think you'll keep it close at hand in your kitchen.

My 3 year old slightly autistic son has never really taken to books about colors. I have tried for over a year to find a book that will excite him about colors. This book has done it for some reason. I don't know if it's because he can identify with the fruits and vegetables we pick out at the grocery or just what it is. He points to the pictures in the book and tries to say their color! To me it is a huge breakthrough! I love it that when we are done reading it and I tell him all done he says "again" so hopefully. We are currently reading this book at least 4 times a day. So, not only is this book teaching him his colors but it is a plus for speech for a non-verbal child.

I don't know exactly why, but my two-year-old really likes this book. If it were solely up to me, I'd rank it with one star less, but because of its enthusiastic reception by a member of its target audience, it graduates in my opinion from an "okay" book to a "good" one. The format is simple: a small photograph shows how each item of food grows, a large one shows a close-up of the produce, and the name of the color it represents is written- in that color- in big, bold letters on the page. There is one color/fruit or veggie featured per two-page spread. The variations from traditional associations were interesting and perhaps potentially confusing (purple string beans, brown bell peppers), but I'll tell you what-my toddler remains pretty jazzed about shopping for-and trying out-all kind of fruits and vegetables now, as well as having had his color concepts reinforced.

I have been introduced to wellness and new ways of living a healthier and wealthier life. This book coupled with Queen Afua?s books have been great ways for me to begin. As a mother of a happy toddler, there are so many recipes within this book that I can cook to satisfy my son?s nutritional needs as well as his palate.

I read this the day I got it and found it to be useful for those just becoming vegan. I have been for four years so alot this was not new to me however it did have some good recipes in it. i plan to buy the sister book to this real soon. Give it a try!