Gardening with Ed Hume: Northwest Gardening Made Easy

by Ed Hume, James Hume (Photographs)

In addition to hosting the weekly syndicated radio program Gardening with Ed Hume, the author is the host of Gardening in America, the longest-running television gardening show in the U.S. In this, gardening expert Ed Humes first book, he gathers his experience and wisdom into a single encyclopedic manual. His gardening motto? Keep it simple. Hume shows readers that anyone can have a gorgeous garden that blooms in spring and summer and looks great in fall and winter a garden that doesnt need constant tending. The book contains special chapters on lawns, perennials, bulbs, fertilizers, and ground covers; includes 100 color photos, lists such as the best plants to grow under evergreen trees and a list of fragrant flowers; and offers tips on protecting plants during cold weather. A thorough, user-friendly guide to gardening in the Pacific Northwest that covers all the basics in a friendly, non-technical way and a good read regardless of zip code.

Genres: Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2003

Reviews

[PoligirlReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good reference guide for the Pacific Northwest gardener (west of the mountains). I've followed Ed Hume since I was a little kid gardening with my grandma (indeed, I was surprised to find he was still alive!), and I've come to rely on him when I want sensible advice on gardening. He does not disappoint here!

Hume starts with Landscaping and works his way through perennials, groundcovers, annuals, vegetables, and composting/fertilizing. He goes over the best plant varieties for the Northwest, and gives advice on where and when to plant.

I could've used more pictures, and a larger vegetable planting section, but overall, I was quite pleased, and will happily refer back to this when spring arrives.

[Joani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great gardening book, especially if you live west of the mountains in the PNW. As usual, I would have liked more pictures and charts because I find them helpful and inspiring. Ed Hume really knows his stuff though and there is plenty of great info to glean from the pages of this compact book.