Subtitle: 26 Herbs Everyone Should Grow and Enjoy by Charles Smith (ISBN: 9781603425285)
Another book picked from the library shelf based on its title and availability - and a great find! For anyone looking to learn about herbs this is a well put together book. Most of the book focuses on the 26 herbs, though the concise introduction written by Edward Smith (author of "The Vegetable Gardener's Bible) covers basic growing information. This really is a focused guide for beginners. Mixed in with the individual herb listings are many recipes to incorporate these herbs into your kitchen. Each herb listing has a description, photo, guides to growing and harvesting, uses and preservation. The author even includes commonly accepted companion planting information (when available)and culinary connections.
The herbs features are not specific to the Midwest, the USA, or even N. America. They were chosen because of the frequent occurrence of the herb in our kitchens or plant nurseries. A possible negative of this book is that it may not contain the herb you're interested in growing. But with so many books suffering from too many listings and not enough individual information, this book is a refreshing change.
Pros: Great introduction in growing and using these 26 herbs.
Cons: Only covers 26 herbs.
Bottom Line: If you're looking for a quick guide to what herbs to focus your energy on, pick up this book. It's exactly right.
Would I buy this for my library? Yes. The information is concise, well presented, and detailed. It's now on my list.
Which 26 herbs are in this book? These: anise hyssop, basil, bay laurel, bee balm, borage, calendula, caraway, catnip, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel, garlic, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon, thyme.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Book Review "Herb Gardening for the Midwest" by Debra Knapke
Another run to the library, another selection of books I've formed opinions about! Today's selection is "Herb Gardening for the Midwest" by Debra Knapke and Laura Peters.
I selected this book because it was compact and titled to indicate being specific to our region. I must say, I love the binding and cover, a water and tear resistant material. The paper is a high gloss, making the photos really stand out. The majority of the book is devoted to an alphabetical listing/description of individual herbs (with a little cross over from hard to define plants like Arugula). Each entry is fairly detailed, with each herb getting their own introduction, features, growing, tips, recommended varieties, harvest/processing, and uses. Some entries even include recipes for things like soap, oils, and lotions. The information is a concise overview for the herb.
I'm not rushing out to acquire my own copy, however. Once again, this is a good introduction book but isn't going to last long as a useful reference guide. There isn't enough information about specific growing conditions. The book is titled "...for the Midwest" but nothing in the book gives reason for that distinction. The only hint is found in the introduction which includes a zone hardiness map but the selection printed is now out of date (due to some very recent changes by the USDA) and, more importantly, doesn't include 5 states commonly accepted as "midwest." One of the missing happens to be Missouri.
The biggest reason for not recommending this book is the fact that unless you're willing to read through 200 pages of herb listings, there's no way to intelligently decide which herbs you want to focus on. The information in the book is readily available in many locations (including online).
Pros: Detailed, well organized entry for each herb listed in the book.
Cons: Not enough specific growing information, nothing specific to midwest
Bottom Line: If you know what herbs you cook with but no idea how to grow them, this book would be a good place to start - but borrow it if possible. If you can't borrow it, just check the 'net.
Would I buy this book for my library? No.
I selected this book because it was compact and titled to indicate being specific to our region. I must say, I love the binding and cover, a water and tear resistant material. The paper is a high gloss, making the photos really stand out. The majority of the book is devoted to an alphabetical listing/description of individual herbs (with a little cross over from hard to define plants like Arugula). Each entry is fairly detailed, with each herb getting their own introduction, features, growing, tips, recommended varieties, harvest/processing, and uses. Some entries even include recipes for things like soap, oils, and lotions. The information is a concise overview for the herb.
I'm not rushing out to acquire my own copy, however. Once again, this is a good introduction book but isn't going to last long as a useful reference guide. There isn't enough information about specific growing conditions. The book is titled "...for the Midwest" but nothing in the book gives reason for that distinction. The only hint is found in the introduction which includes a zone hardiness map but the selection printed is now out of date (due to some very recent changes by the USDA) and, more importantly, doesn't include 5 states commonly accepted as "midwest." One of the missing happens to be Missouri.
The biggest reason for not recommending this book is the fact that unless you're willing to read through 200 pages of herb listings, there's no way to intelligently decide which herbs you want to focus on. The information in the book is readily available in many locations (including online).
Pros: Detailed, well organized entry for each herb listed in the book.
Cons: Not enough specific growing information, nothing specific to midwest
Bottom Line: If you know what herbs you cook with but no idea how to grow them, this book would be a good place to start - but borrow it if possible. If you can't borrow it, just check the 'net.
Would I buy this book for my library? No.
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