The Ever Curious Gardener: Using a Little Natural Science for a Much Better Garden

Reich, a gardening columnist, author (Weedless Gardening), and former USDA agricultural scientist, shares his knowledge of natural science to improve the productivity, beauty, and plant health of his readers’ gardens and to help readers become more resilient gardeners. Intending the book to be reference for gardeners, Reich focuses chapters on subjects including propagation and planting, soil, flowering and fruiting, stress, and even sensory details (touch, smell, color and flavor); each chapter stands on its own and readers can dip in and out as needed. Throughout, he writes in a personal, conversational style that makes his work both fascinating and accessible. Even readers without scientific backgrounds will understand his explanations of how pigments affect leaf color in the fall and soil nutrients influence the color of hydrangeas. Readers will benefit from his advice on topics such as microclimates in gardens and why annually moving plants around the garden can help to limit the growth of insects and parasites. Highly informative and practical, the book is packed with lots of useful facts and science for gardeners of all levels of experience. (Apr.)