Spend less time guessing and more time gardening! This month-by-month guide will keep you on top of when to plant, water, fertilize, harvest, and much more.

Illinois gardeners now have a handy new tool for maintaining and improving their gardens throughout the year. The book combines the features of an almanac and a gardening journal. Twelve pages are dedicated to each month of the year. Beautiful full-color

“A Way to Garden prods us toward that ineffable place where we feel we belong; it’s a guide to living both in and out of the garden.” —The New York Times Book Review For Margaret Roach, gardening is more than a hobby, it’s a calling. Her unique approach, which she calls “horticultural how-to and woo-woo,” is a blend of vital information you need to memorize and intuitive steps you must simply feel and surrender to. In A Way to Garden, Roach imparts decades of garden wisdom on seasonal gardening, ornamental plants, vegetable gardening, design, gardening for wildlife, organic practices, and much more. She also challenges gardeners to think beyond their garden borders and to consider the ways gardening can enrich the world. Brimming with beautiful photographs of Roach’s own garden, A Way to Garden is practical, inspiring, and a must-have for every passionate gardener.

The state of Illinois provides an abundant and gratifying gardening environment, owing to its varied climate, fertile soil, and vivacious flora. Illinois's diverse topography-from verdant forests in the south to undulating plains in the north-creates an optimal setting for the cultivation of an extensive assortment of plants, vegetables, and florals. The state of Illinois boasts a continental climate, which is distinguished by its warm summers, frigid winters, and average annual precipitation. The climate of the state exhibits a gradient, whereby the southern regions experience warmer conditions and the northern regions experience lower temperatures. Comprehending these climatic subtleties is essential for horticulture success in Illinois. The soil composition in Illinois is well-drained and fertile, which are favorable conditions for promoting plant growth. Rich loams characterize the northern regions of the state, while clay soils predominate in the central and southern areas. By conducting soil tests, gardeners can gain insight into the unique qualities of their soil and adjust their gardening techniques accordingly. A wide variety of plant species flourish in the climate and soil conditions of Illinois. With regard to cultivated varieties and native species, cultivators in the state are presented with a wide array of options.

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.

Never garden alone! The Month-By-Month series is the perfect companion to take the guesswork out of gardening. With this book, you’ll know what to do each month to have gardening success all year. Written by authors in your state, the information is tailored to the issues that affect your garden the most.