This book transformed me into a gardener, from a former self who would buy a few tomato plants or pepper seeds and watch nothing much happen. We've all read generic gardening books with nice photos and a long recitation of suggested, common methods for doing what needs to be done. One of the reasons that Square Foot Gardening is different is that the author has strong preferences. Start seeds in vermiculite! Plant oak leaf lettuce! Read the seed catalogs in December! --Because of Bartholomew's enthusiasm, these specific things are fun to start with, and because his method works so well, you wind up happy and with lots of vegetables. One warning though, I tried to build a Bartholomew style trellis from copper plumbing and string, a bit too close to a neighbor's property line. "I'm sorry, but this looks like a soccer net." I tore it down and worked considerably harder on something nicer. (But yes, do build the trellis, it's worth it.)

Reviewer: Elaine DiMasi from Miller Place, NY   -