The Impatient Gardener

This is a hands-on manual for the gardener who imagines he has a brown thumb, will murder a houseplant by looking at it the wrong way, and couldn't grow mold on bread. Jerry Baker, one of America's best-known garden experts, has written a book with a sense of humor that covers all your current or potential gardening issues: a green lawn, productive fruit tress, healthy shrubs and trees, and when and where to plant what. He offers shortcuts that can save you time, work, and money; home remedies for healthy plants; and many tips on growing lavish flowers and healthy vegetables and fruit.

Thoroughly indexed for ease of reference, this has to be one of the most comprehensive gardening books ever written for the beginner, and Baker's wisdom and humor make it an entertaining read, as well. When friends compliment you on your lush lawn, your spectacular flowers, or your yummy vegetables, you don't have to tell them after the fact that Jerry Baker is responsible, and you'll be glad you found this great guide and problem solver. But if you share the secret, you'll want your friends to get their own copies, as you will not want to let this book slip out of your easy reach for long. --Mark A. Hetts