THE ORGANIC HOME GARDEN: How to Grow Fruits & Vegetables Naturally

Lima's fourth gardening book shares his extensive knowledge of agriculture gleaned from years of tending Larkwhistle (his own home garden in Ontario, Canada) without use of chemicals or pesticides. Larkwhistle, Lima states, "grew out of a flat, sandy hayfield thick with twitch grass and weeds. Seasons of organic care and cultivation have transformed the field into a lush and productive garden." Scanlan's mouthwatering full-color photos of Larkwhistle and its harvest certainly add to Lima's credibility. Lima talks would-be gardeners through the planting of the first seedlings—early and indoors—and explains how to feed the soil with compost and natural fertilizer. He advocates designing the garden around small beds rather than long, tedious rows, and offers specific tips for fruits and vegetables from apples to zucchini, always providing line drawings to illustrate finer points. The book covers natural, effective methods of pest prevention and removal, and includes a comprehensive seeding, sowing and transplanting schedule to ensure fresh foods year round. Lima even tosses in several simple recipes in which to use the resulting bounty. The author's passion for natural gardening is infectious, and his language often borders on poetic ("Watermelons sit there, fat and inscrutable"). His knowledge provides an invaluable source for those just beginning their organic garden, as well as more experienced growers looking for some new tricks. (Apr.)