More than 50 new or revised illustrations
A color insert of great plants and climate maps for Canada and the United States
A new Part of Tens chapter for northern gardeners
Following the classic For Dummies format, this book gives you the most basic gardening information you need, organized and presented in an easy-to-follow, modular manner. Although you can read from cover-to-cover, you don’t have to. This book can function as a reference work, so you can jump in, find what you need, and get back to your stand of birch trees or the koi pond or the garden center or wherever else you’d like to be.
After reading this book, you may not be an expert, but you should be well on your way to taking on most gardening tasks with new confidence. Gardening is part science and part art, and how you mix them up is a very personal thing. After getting a handle on the basics presented here, you can move on to develop your own style and techniques that work best for you.
As you advance in gardening, you find that in certain branches of horticulture (like perennials, some trees and shrubs, and orchids), you’re confronted with dreaded scientific names (usually Latin, sometimes Greek). People use such names in these plant categories for very legitimate reasons, and you can choose to follow the path to those reasons later. For now, I spare you that step by mostly using common names for the plants throughout this book. When I do provide the scientific name, I give common plant names first, followed by the botanical name.
Even though I sometimes use the word “dirt” in this book, I must say that I remember one of my horticulture professors admonishing my class when we used this word to describe soil. He always said, “Dirt is what you sweep off the floor. Soil is that miraculous material that you grow plants in.”
Foolish Assumptions
Because you’re reading this book, I assume that you’re ready to really love gardening. Here are some other things I assume regarding your possible background and interest in gardening:
You’ve seen other folks’ gardens that have inspired you, so now you want to bring your own gardening skill to the next level.
You’re concerned about a fresh and organic diet and want to grow some of your own herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
Your lawn is looking on the tattered side, so you want to spruce it up a bit.
You’ve moved into a new place, and the landscaping is nonexistent or dreadful, so you want to change it.
You love outdoor living and you want to improve the space around you.
You like the idea of gardening but don’t know where to start.
You want to know how to multiply your own plants.
Icons Used in This Book
Icons are the cute little pictures that show up in the margins of the book, right next to certain blocks of text. Here’s what those icons stand for:
Where to Go from Here
A great thing about For Dummies books is that you can start anywhere you want — one part or chapter doesn’t depend on any other. For example, if you’re interested in growing your own fruit, head right to Chapter 18. No need to start anywhere else! Scan the Table of Contents or the index, find a topic that piques your mind, and flip to that chapter.
That said, if you feel more comfortable getting a basic grounding (so to speak) in gardening before plunging right in, start with Chapter 1. If you’re re-evaluating or starting your garden from scratch, then any of the other chapters in Part 1 are good places to begin. After that, where you go is really up to you, based on your most pressing gardening needs or pleasures.
Of course, keeping your plants alive and making them look their best involves a lot of preparation. You can then read the chapters in Part 1 if you really want your plants to grow, thrive, and look their absolute best. Spending time and effort in preparation at the outset will save you lots of time and effort down the line.
If you want to read more, go to www.dummies.com and search for “Gardening Basics For Dummies Cheat Sheet” to read a handy Cheat Sheet that you can refer to again and again.
Part 1
Preparing Yourself (and Your Garden) for Planting
IN THIS PART …
Understand the important first steps to fully realizing your garden potential.
Examine all the types of flowering plants that add color and interest to your garden as well as trees, shrubs, and vines that are important garden components.
Design and create a landscape that is the envy of your neighborhood and make a plan that fits your needs, style, and budget no matter how big or small your property is and whether it’s in the sun or shade.
Understand your climate and see how you can extend your growing season.
Give your plants what they need to grow and flower to their best.
Buy the right tools for the job and know how to use them.
Chapter 1
Getting Ready for Gardening
IN THIS CHAPTER
No matter what your main gardening interest