Perennial Vegetables

June 1, 2007
While there are many books available on growing well-known perennial vegetables like corn and peas, plant specialist Toensmeier's (coauthor, "Edible Forest Gardens") work is unique, as the author has grown, cooked, and eaten many of the more than 100 species of vegetables he profiles. In Part 1, he introduces perennial vegetables and discusses their benefits and drawbacks. He also includes design, selection, and general cultural information and addresses propagation techniques. Part 2 is a series of plant profiles arranged alphabetically by plant family. Major vegetables such as asparagus and rhubarb garner a general overview, a description, cultural information, information on pests and diseases, propagation, harvest and storage, usage, and preferred climate (with USDA hardiness zones). Comparatively minor crops rate an overview of a few paragraphs. In Part 3, Toensmeier lists these vegetables by preferred climate, recommended reading, and sources for plants and seeds, as they may be difficult to find. Dozens of color images, growing tips, and recipes round out this thorough, easy-to-understand book. Some of these vegetables may be an acquired taste, and some require careful cooking before eating; recommended for public, academic, and botanical libraries.Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL

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