About the Author

Matthew Biggs lectures at the Royal Horticultural Society and around the world. He is the co-author of Complete Book of Vegetables.

Jekka McVicar has been awarded 59 Royal Horticultural Society gold medals. She is well known for her regular appearances on TV and radio gardening programs. She is the author of Jekka's Herb Cookbook.

Bob Flowerdew is an author and a lecturer for the Royal Horticultural Society. His previous books include Organic Gardening Bible: Successful Growing the Natural Way.

Reviews

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] This all-encompassing book combines the expertise of three leading gardeners to offer a prodigious range of information on more than 100 herbs, 70 vegetables and 100 fruits. Arranged in an easy-to-use alphabetical format from Aaron's Rod to Zucchini, the book is copiously illustrated with more than 1,800 color photographs and informative graphics. Readers learn how to select the plants best suited to their plant zone, and what to do to insure a successful crop.-- "New Living (Montauk, NY)" (4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] A comprehensive reference book on edible plants... information on hundreds of edible plants accompanied by more than 1,800 color photographs.--Viveka Neveln "American Gardener" (3/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] A garden book full of surprises... there's so much to discover... excellent information.--Patty Jessome "Edmonton Sun" (7/23/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] A well-organized overview that examiners each cultivar in depth... visually pleasing... the insight of some very diverse expert gardeners.-- "Backhome Magazine" (5/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Amazingly thorough encyclopedic look at edible plants.--George Weigel "Harrisburg Patriot-New" (4/27/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] An excellent source of information on growing and cooking edible plants.--Cathy Frisinger "Fort Worth Star-Telegram" (3/11/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] An indispensable resource, giving an amazing amount of information that will be of value to any gardener, whether planting a field or a window box.-- "Grainews" (4/10/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Bright color photos, clean layout, and handy hints make this hefty garden bible a treasure, and it's a great deal.--Dee Cherrie Ashman "Diversions" (4/1/2007 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] By far the most comprehensive book on the subject. A must-have for those growing edible crops ... Easy to use.--Connie Krochmal "Bee Culture" (12/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Comprehensive... a valuable reference for both gardeners and inquisitive chefs.-- "Science News" (1/28/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Every gardener -- novice or expert -- will find useful information.-- "Home Cooking" (5/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] For a complete reference on growing food crops, you can't go wrong with the new, up-to-the minute Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit.--John Van de Water "Newark Star-Ledger" (4/16/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] For the edible landscape, the best title by far is Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit... everything you need to know to grow, harvest, and use garden produce.--Connie Krochmal "BellaOnline" (3/25/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Good value for money ... very helpful.--Mary Fran McQuade "Beach Metro Community News" (11/28/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] I believe this volume will become a constant source of reliable information. Highly recommended.-- "GreatGardenInfo.com" (4/28/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Information on individual cultivars, as well as some very good recipes.--Vern Nelson "Portland Oregonian" (12/14/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] It is about as precise and concise a guide as you would ever wish to find.-- "Shelf Life" (8/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] It's a useful book for the gardener who is short on time and seeks easy-to-follow, no-fail instructions.-- "Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette" (5/22/2010 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Not only how to grow, but also how to harvest, preserve and use 70 vegetables... a comprehensive, quick-read encyclopedia.--Suzanne Hively "Cleveland Plain Dealer" (3/2/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Offers advice on cultivation techniques, dealing with pests and diseases, suggestions for companion plants, and culinary, medicinal and cosmetic uses.--Ken Smith "London Free Press" (7/22/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Satisfying ... There's an abundance of information and tantalizing pictures. Isn't it nice when peas are so neatly tucked into their pods in those very polite rows?--Dominique Browning "New York Times" (5/27/2010 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Solid gardening tips and tempting recipes... enough to teach even experienced gardeners new tricks... excellent index.--Diane M. Calabrese "American Reference Books Annual" (1/1/2007 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] This book is a handsome addition to the gardening library and an excellent value.--Chris Smith "Seattle Post-Intelligencer" (9/21/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] This comprehensive garden book goes beyond the dirt, offering tips on growing, harvesting, preserving and cooking.-- "Desert News" (2/22/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] This has become my 'bible' because it contains great photographs with bite-sized chunks of information that are easy to read, inspiring and comprehensive.--Sonia Day "Toronto Star" (12/4/2007 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] This is now my favorite source book for growing, propagating, harvesting, storing, and cooking all things edible. An A to Z-type reference guide, it is easy to use, has beautiful photography, and [has] details all gardeners need like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and companion plants. These three amazing authors have put together a must-have book for any vegetable grower.--Ursule Sabia Sukinik "Washington Gardener" (10/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] This reference book is as colourful as it is inspiring and will appeal to anyone who would like to grow edible plans. The authors leave no leaf unturned -- every topic is covered.... Best of all, more than 100 recipes are included to take advantage of your crop once it's time to harvest.... With more than 600 pages and 800 colour photos and illustrations, this book is definitely food for thought.--Liz Grogan "Good Times" (5/1/2009 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Well organized, easy to access information, and concisely written. A good reference book!-- "Making Scents (Magazine of the International Aromatherapy and Herb Association)" (3/1/2007 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] What is not included in this definitive and beautifully illustrated sourcebook on edible landscape?-- "The American Herb Association vo. 21:4" (4/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous hardcover edition: ] Whether you utilize it to learn how to use soapwort to treat skin conditions such as eczema or for the recipe for curried parsnip soup, it is valuable to novice and experienced horticulturists alike. Written by a trio of garden experts, this is a must-have resource for any gardener or chef.--Tricia Landry Wallace "Country Accents" (9/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)

[Review of previous paperback edition: ] Now issued as a more affordable paperback edition, this work is ideal for gardeners looking to grow their own vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Solid gardening tips and tempting recipes mix, quite naturally.... Visually, the book is a match for the mind's eye of any gardener.--Diane M. Calabrese "American Reference Books Annual 2014" (9/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

Included in this beautifully illustrated book is a brief introduction to the origins of farming and gardening and the different types of gardens that have existed throughout time. The introduction also discusses botanical names and their importance in identifying plants. The vegetables and herbs featured in the book are categorized A-Z, and included with each entry are the different varieties available, all the ways to properly tend to them, and recipes that can be prepared with them. The fruits that are featured in the book are divided into sections by how they are grown. For those who are interested in the possibility of setting up their own garden, the section on gardening includes tips on where to position specific varieties, preparation of the soil, and actual planting. In addition to the above sections, the book includes a useful guide to sourcing seeds, an expansive glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Diagrams in the gardening section, a chart about crop rotation, and information about pest varieties and control will all be extremely helpful to both novice and experienced gardeners.--Holly Skir "Booklist" (2/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)

It would be difficult to find an herb, fruit, or vegetable not listed in this massive and comprehensive volume. The first book in this series was released more than a decade ago. Each new edition adds so much more to previously published works. The three authors have combined to present more than 700 pages of all things edible, many of which you can create in your own garden. Whether you have massive space for planting or minimal soil, you can still get great results by following advice given here. There are hundreds of entries in the book, including some items you may be unfamiliar with. That is no reason not to consider adding them to your garden. Photos are included for every entry to assist in identification. Information in the book tells the reader when to grow, where to grow, pests and diseases that threaten, maintenance, cultivation, and harvesting. Medicinal benefits are also noted, adding even more importance to the book... By the time you finish the book (and that may take a while), you will be an expert in all things gardening, able to plant circles around friends, creating the basic and the exotic. The book is an ideal gift for the gardener.-- "Shelf Life Magazine" (6/1/2018 12:00:00 AM)

This book is very practical and fun. There are lovely color photographs on every page. A reader will be anxious to become a gardener, try out a new herb, or become hungry just paging through the encyclopedia. Since plants are the basis of the food chain most libraries would find the book well used.--Georgia Briscoe "American Reference Books Annual" (3/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)