GARDEN DESIGN & PLANNING. Any outdoor space in an urban environment, however small, is an invaluable bonus. Here, expert garden designer Joe Swift shows us how to create an area that meets all your practical and style requirements whilst making the best use of every inch of available space. Familiar to many as the co-presenter of BBC's "Gardeners World", Joe's practical and attractive ideas will enable you to create your own personal Eden. It features chapters that take you through the initial assessment and planning stages, to selecting suitable plants and hard materials, quick makeovers and year-round maintenance to keep your garden looking at its best. Joe reveals how to make the most of existing elements, how to conceal less pleasing aspects, and how to create privacy and the illusion of space so that you can make the very most of whatever space you have. And, throughout, Joe remains cost-conscious, aware that redesigning a garden can be an expensive endeavour.

There are twenty million acres of lawns in North America. In their current form, these unproductive expanses of grass represent a significant financial and environmental cost. However, viewed through a different lens, they can also be seen as a tremendous source of opportunity. Access to land is a major barrier for many people who want to enter the agricultural sector, and urban and suburban yards have huge potential for would-be farmers wanting to become part of this growing movement. The Urban Farmer is a comprehensive, hands-on, practical manual to help you learn the techniques and business strategies you need to make a good living growing high-yield, high-value crops right in your own backyard (or someone else's). Major benefits include: Low capital investment and overhead costs Reduced need for expensive infrastructure Easy access to markets Growing food in the city means that fresh crops may travel only a few blocks from field to table, making this innovative approach the next logical step in the local food movement. Based on a scalable, easily reproduced business model, The Urban Farmer is your complete guide to minimizing risk and maximizing profit by using intensive production in small leased or borrowed spaces. Curtis Stone is the owner/operator of Green City Acres, a commercial urban farm growing vegetables for farmers markets, restaurants, and retail outlets. During his slower months, Curtis works as a public speaker, teacher, and consultant, sharing his story to inspire a new generation of farmers.

“A mouthwatering picture book.” —Toronto Tasting Notes No longer content with separating the plants they grow to eat and the plants they grow for beauty, gardeners are discovering the pleasures of incorporating both edibles and ornamentals into their home landscapes. The Kitchen Gardener's Handbook makes it easy. Whether she's sharing tips on planting radishes in spring, harvesting tomatoes in summer, or pruning perennials in winter, Bartley's friendly advice gives gardeners the tools they need to build and maintain a kitchen garden. Readers will learn how to plant, grow, and harvest the best vegetables, fruits, greens, and herbs for every season. They'll also find seasonal recipes that celebrate the best of the harvest, monthly garden chores, eight sample garden designs, and information on using cut flowers for decoration. The Kitchen Gardener's Handbook is a guide for gardeners who want it all—the freshness of fruits and vegetables and the beauty and simplicity of hand-picked bouquets.

Community gardens are "cropping" up all over, allowing neighbors to work together, grow together, and reap the delicious rewards of their labor together. As more and more people become interested in getting back to nature and growing their own food, the community-gardening movement is exploding in popularity, giving city and suburban dwellers an opportunity to try out their green thumbs. This colorfully illustrated guide to community gardening offers comprehensive planning and planting advice to those looking to start a community garden as well as to those interested in joining an existing garden. Inside The Community Garden Handbook: -Profiles of different types of community gardens around the world, such as community-supported agriculture, shared plots and individual plots, orchards, rooftop gardens, movable gardens, and more -Getting the whole family involved in the community's gardening efforts -Starting a community garden from scratch, including gathering a team, navigating the legalities, and securing funds -Organizing fun community events, such as seed swaps and workshops, to raise awareness of and draw participants to community gardens -Selecting a site, Planning the garden's layout, irrigation system, and division of plots -A season-by-season schedule of tasks to maximize growing and harvesting and maintain the garden in the off-season -A plant directory featuring detailed descriptions of close to 50 flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more that will thrive in a community-garden setting

This is the ultimate beginner’s guide to establishing and tending an organic kitchen garden in any urban space, no matter how small, written by the YouTuber and TikToker known as Spicy Moustache. Do you live in the city and yearn for the space and time to grow your own food and live more connected with nature and the seasons? Rebel Gardening shows that anyone can grow a garden of delicious organic fruit and vegetables, wildlife-friendly wildflowers and abundant herbs in absolutely any urban space with a bit of know-how. Organic gardening expert Alessandro Vitale wants you to embrace the living soil and establish your own city eden where creatures and plants can coexist, in harmony with our modern lives. He shares his low-cost and organic approach with all the essential guidance you will need, including his top 50 plants for beginner gardeners, with a plethora of information on how to plant and look after them and how to make the most of all your produce. Learn how to make vegan honey with dandelions, establish a micro-orchard, or brew a natural antibiotic from garlic. Alessandro shares a plan for any type of space and how to tend it through the year. Learn about companion gardening, saving seeds, DIY raised beds and everything to allow your garden to flourish. The healing and planet-protecting power of gardening is within your grasp!

This national award winning book, now in its second edition, was developed especially for Master Gardener volunteers and home gardeners and is a primary source for research-based information on gardening and landscaping successfully in North Carolina and the Southeast. A fundamental reference for any seasoned gardener, the North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook is also written to appeal to beginners just getting their hands dirty. It explains the "why and how" basics of gardening from soils and composting to vegetable gardening and wildlife management. Advice on garden design, preparation, and maintenance covers all types of plantings including lawns, ornamentals, fruits, trees, and containers. This handbook provides color images, detailed graphics, diagnostic tables, case studies, frequently asked questions, and specific management strategies for insects, diseases, weeds, and other pests. Written by a team of the state's leading horticulture experts, it contains a wealth of information to support you in creating and managing thriving gardens, lawns, and landscapes. The North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook is an essential book for serious gardeners in North Carolina and the Southeast. Want to learn more? * Visit go.ncsu.edu/eg-handbook to view information contained in this book in an open access format. * Access free gardening resources from NC State Extension by visiting gardening.ces.ncsu.edu. * Find the Extension center in your county to speak with local experts by visiting www.ces.ncsu.edu/directory. * Become a Master Gardener volunteer and join an outstanding group of life-long learners working together to change the world. Learn how at ncemgv.org.

Dive into the flourishing world of urban greenery with "The Urban Gardener's Handbook" – your comprehensive guide to transforming any small space into a thriving, sustainable garden. Whether you have a cozy balcony, a sunny windowsill, or just a little corner in your kitchen, this eBook provides you with an abundance of inspiration and practical advice to embark on your gardening journey. Can you imagine the satisfaction of plucking fresh herbs right from your windowsill as you cook or harvesting vegetables from your very own rooftop garden? "The Urban Gardener's Handbook" will show you how, in clear, easy-to-follow steps. From understanding the microclimate of your urban oasis to learning how to cultivate edible landscapes with finesse and creativity, each chapter in this guide opens up new possibilities for the modern city dweller keen to delve into gardening. You'll delve deeply into the philosophy of small-space gardening, appreciating the intricacies of your unique urban environment. Learn to analyze sunlight, maximize vertical space, and master container gardening to create a lush retreat in the heart of the city. With dedicated sections on soil health, homemade compost solutions, and an entire chapter on clever container strategies, you're set to create a flourishing garden no matter the size of your space. Need to find eco-friendly techniques for watering or pest control? "The Urban Gardener's Handbook" covers that too! It equips you with the know-how for drip irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, companion planting, and encourages beneficial insects in your garden. You'll even find sage advice on selecting the perfect plants for your climate, planning your seasonal garden activities, and embracing community and social aspects of urban gardening. Whether you're planning to grow leafy greens in limited spaces, propagate herbs for your culinary adventures, or entice pollinators with a vibrant selection of flowers, this eBook has you covered for every season. You’ll learn how to harvest and store your produce for maximum freshness, extend your gardening into the colder months, and join a blossoming community of city gardeners forging a greener, more sustainable path. "The Urban Gardener's Handbook" isn't just a source of gardening wisdom; it's a call to action. It's a pledge to reclaim, cultivate, and revel in nature's bounty, no matter where you are. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to transform your urban dwelling into a testament to green growth and harmony – your garden awaits!