Rodale's Vegetable Garden Problem Solver

Starred review from January 8, 2007
This encyclopedic collection of gardening advice is, in the Rodale tradition, purely organic, albeit with a no-nonsense, 21st-century attitude. Extensive attention is given to tantalizing techniques such as cover cropping and dealing with deer damage (including what to protect, repellants and scare devices, and 10 kinds of antideer fences). The vegetable entries are equally comprehensive, with sections detailing "Crop Basics," "Secrets of Success," "Preventing Problems," "Regional Notes" and "Troubleshooting Problems." Drawings of pest-infested plants are helpful, and Bradley covers the gamut of solutions, from timed planting to crop rotation, barriers to repellants, wisely advising prevention as the first tactic and using (organic) insecticides as a last resort. The book is extensively illustrated with attractive drawings, although the choice of what to depict is sometimes mysterious; the image of flowering arugula is lovely, for example, although readers may wish they could see a picture of, say a disease called "aster yellows." the "new growth... pale and bushy, forming a witch's broom." For any gardener who needs to keep track of "crucial care" for squash, how to control cucumber beetles with a vacuum cleaner or any of the myriad details that arise every day in the garden, this book is a must.

January 1, 2007
Freelance writer Bradley (formerly a Rodale garden book editor) has penned a comprehensive, authoritative guide to organic vegetable gardening suitable for beginning to experienced gardeners. The engaging, easy-to-understand entries are arranged alphabetically and cover vegetables, plant pests and diseases, and gardening techniques ranging from beneficial insects to composting. Each of the 60 vegetable entries contains cultural information, secrets of success, regional notes, and tips for preventing and troubleshooting problems; each of the 30 pest entries includes a pest profile and control methods; and each of the 30 disease entries features a description of the disease as well as information on how to fight it and how to help prevent it. Bradley arranges the control methods starting with the least invasive in addition to explaining what to do if things go wrong after treatment. Gardeners are referred to other entries that offer additional information relevant to the topic, while "Beyond the Basics" boxes share information for more experienced gardeners. Black-and-white illustrations enhance the text, and a detailed diagnostic guide to vegetable problems concludes the book. Highly recommended for all libraries serving vegetable gardeners.Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.