My Tiny Veg Plot: Grow Your Own in Surprisingly Small Places

Leendertz (Family Garden) insists in a chipper tone that “nowhere is out of bounds” when it comes to gardening, and after reading this lively book, made colorful and believable with Diacono’s succulent photographs, readers will see possible produce plots everywhere. Leendeertz organizes her ideas spatially, from high (rooftops) to low (kiddie pools) to underplanting, and follows each chapter with practical hints. She introduces small-space gardeners around the world who plant produce in wheelbarrows, tires, and glass jars, and touts her own portable plants: herbs growing from tea kettles that go camping with her in her van. Leendertz introduces veggies that American readers may not know (ulluco, yacon, and tulbaghia) or recognize from their British (courgettes, aka zucchini). She promotes planting vegetables by adults and by children, and especially encourages small children to sprout seeds in small jars so they see the fruits of their labor quickly. Leendertz’s suggestions are delectable—and doable. Color photos. [em](Feb.) [/em]