The New Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit ─ An Illustrated Encyclopedia

Praise for the previous edition:

"These three amazing authors have put together a must-have book for any vegetable grower."
-- Washington Gardener

"What is not included in this definitive and beautifully illustrated sourcebook on edible landscape?"
-- The American Herb Association

"Satisfying ... There's an abundance of information and tantalizing pictures."
-- New York Times

The first edition of Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit was published in 2006. All editions and formats sold more than one million copies and it quickly became a classic reference. A decade later, this edition adds a new jacket, updates the design, and expands by 60 new pages for a total of over 70 vegetables, 100 herbs and 100 popular fruits. The most current information on plant varieties and cultivation techniques make it the essential sourcebook for all food gardeners, especially for anyone who would like to start growing their own produce and who feels they need some expert advice.

The coverage is phenomenal -- from the care of asparagus through the seasons to the huge number of apples that can be grown in even the smallest spaces. Lavish illustrations in an accessible layout, and clear and accurate text applicable to all regions invites readers to browse and try growing something new.

Each listing opens with a large photograph of the plant and a descriptive paragraph. The topics include: species and common names; recommended varieties; cultivation techniques (propagation, growing, maintenance); container growing; harvesting and storing; pests and diseases; companion planting; medicinal uses; culinary uses, with recipes; and other uses and warnings. Additional images show other parts of the plant during the seasons, as well as recipe photographs.

Matthew Biggs lectures at the Royal Horticultural Society and around the world. He is the co-author of Complete Book of Vegetables.

Jekka McVicar has been awarded 59 Royal Horticultural Society gold medals. She is well known for her regular appearances on TV and radio gardening programs. She is the author of Jekka's Herb Cookbook.

Bob Flowerdew is an author and a lecturer for the Royal Horticultural Society. His previous books include Organic Gardening Bible: Successful Growing the Natural Way.