Complete Idiot's Guide to Gardening Books Review

Gardening is tricky. I think that every year we have a garden, we learn something new, and we learn something that we should have done better last year. It is a constant learning process. But, I think it is a fun and exciting journey.

One of the best ways to learn more about how to garden is from other expert gardeners. The Complete Idiot's Guide has published several books on this topic written by gardening experts such as: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegetable Gardening by Daria Price Bowman and Carl A. Price and my other favorite The Complete Idiot's Guide to Year-Round Gardening by Delilah Smittle and Sheri Ann Richerson.

Let me take each book and tell you some of my favorite things about them. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegetable Gardening is so comprehensive, covering topics from soil types and how to turn bad soil into good soil to safe weed control methods. The authors are master gardeners with tons of experience on these topics. I especially loved the chapter on growing herbs, because I love, love, love fresh herbs. I learned that I have to divide my chive plant every 3-4 years in order for them to produce more and to keep the clumps healthy. I just wish they would have given me some ideas on how to use the million mint plants that have cropped up all over my garden. Any ideas, anyone?

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Year-Round Gardening is another fabulous gardener's must-have! Who wants to only enjoy fresh produce and herbs during the summer? I dream of having a year round garden, but in Michigan where I live, that is nearly impossible. That is why I was very excited to get some tips and ideas on how to grow fresh produce longer. This book covers everything from composting and fertalizing all year round to seed-saving methods (which I have been dying to do) to year-round greenhouse techniques for growing produce and ornamentals. Perfect! What I found out was that the key to winter gardens is choosing cold-tolerant varieties, sowing seeds at the right time, adn using inexpensive covers to protect plants. Intrigued? Excited? You have got to read this book and extend your garden. I am still a bit nervous about how this will all work out for me, but I want to try!

Another thing I love about these books is that they are not stuffy or boring, they are organized, interesting, and hold your attention. Since they are Idiot's Guide books, you know that they are easy to follow and, dare I say, fun to read? They are fun to read!!

I highly recommend both of these books whether you are a new gardener or have been gardening for years! I know you will learn a lot regardless of how much experience you have in the garden. You can purchase them both at the Idiot's Guide bookstore online.

*I was provided product to review, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.*