The Vegetable Patch and Winter Reading

Posted by Jacqueline Cross Nov 10, 2008

Winter has already wrapped her icy fingers around part of the U.S. and is slowly creeping into the south with patchy frosts coming closer and closer together.

Gardeners who are still able to get outside without freezing their toes off are doing just that. Enjoying the last days of fall before the cold winds and freezing precipitation drives them indoors.

There is still time for some to get their vegetable garden patch cleaned up, repair and clean up garden tools and prepare the garden shed for next spring.

The holidays have snuck up on me this year. I've been busy with other things and simply lost track of time. Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday filled with family, friends and good food. A time to reflect on our lives and all the things we should be thankful for. There are many, even in the 'tricky' times we live in. A time to share stories about early settlers and those they met in this new land. Christmas is right around the corner with more family time and good food. Oh, my poor waistline!

When the time comes to wrap up in a quilt in front of the fire with a good book, here are a few worth a look. They should be on every vegetable, herb and wild food reading list.

"Seed to Seed" by Suzanne Ashworth

Ever wonder how to save your own seeds and grow plants the following season? Here ya go! An essential book for all heirloom gardeners.

"The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control" by Rodale

Natural insect & pest control is always best. Chemicals add nothing good to our plants, soil, air, children...

"The Sustainable Vegetable Garden" by Carol Cox & John Jeavons

Alot of helpful information that will save new gardeners time and energy by stopping common mistakes before they happen. A good read that you will refer to for yrs to come.

"Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants" by Bradford Angier

A must have for those planning to be more self sufficient

"Medicinal Plants of the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian Mountains" by John E. Warner

Over 200 color photographs of medicinal plants along with their names, where they are found, what part of the plant is used to make medicine, a description of the plant and its uses. This is one on the top of my list. Crossville area being God's country, in my humble opinion.

"Allergy Free Gardening" by Thomas Leo Ogren

For all those who suffer allergies and though they could not work in the garden.

"History of the the English Herb Garden" by Kay Senecki

Roman Times through Modern Age. Some good info in this one.

Any combination of these should keep a gardener busy all winter.