The Edible Container Garden: Fresh Food from Tiny Spaces

by Michael Guerra

It wouldn't matter whether or not a single strawberry or tomato raised in the pots pictured in this book ever made it to the table--they are beautiful ornamental plantings, worth growing just for their looks. But author and British permaculture expert Michael Guerra promises fresh-tasting, pesticide-free produce, and the chance to grow a luscious array of fruits and vegetables not available at the supermarket, all in small raised beds, pots, or window boxes. Whether you garden on the balcony of a condominium, the deck of a houseboat, or just choose to pack your garden with ornamentals rather than edibles, this book brings hope that you can easily harvest homegrown food, including herbs and edible flowers.

"Gardening is like learning to cook," writes Guerra. "Start with the basics and with practice your menu will increase." He starts out with clear instructions about the basics of raised bed construction, soil enrichment, and maintenance of edibles. The most useful and unique parts of the book are the chapters entitled "What Shall I Grow?" that suggest the best varieties of salad greens, berries, peas, and peppers, as well as a great many more, for smaller gardens. Enlivened by color photographs and featuring detailed lists to aid in plant choices, this is a fine introduction to urban food gardening on even the smallest property. --Valerie Easton

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Food, Agriculture

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2000

Reviews

[Emma Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the first books I read on gardening, and it's still one of my favourites. The author turned a suburban back garden into an edible paradise, and there's lots of useful information here for novices and keen gardeners alike.

Throughout the book the photos are inspirational, full of ideas on how you can make even the smallest of plots productive. Guerra takes you through the basics - soil and compost, tools, hard landscaping, pests and diseases - and shows you how to grow not only vegetables and herbs but fruit as well.

At the back of the book there is an invaluable guide to which size of container suits each crop, lists of suggested plants and a detailed plan of the author's garden that shows you just what is possible - and it's all done in an environmentally friendly way, following permaculture principles.

Definitely one to have on the shelf if you're thinking of growing crops in pots or small spaces.

[Jenn S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good for design in different areas, whether it's your square back yard, balcony, patio, etc. Gives some good information on companion plants and also the minimum depth soil requirements for different plants that are good for containers, and little blurbs on how to take care of them. Probably not enough information though on growing specific plants. Great for the other things I mentioned though.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't always had yard space to put in a garden so I've often relied on containers. This book provides the inspiration and know-how for such a project. There's a bunch of useful charts at the back that tell you how much soil various plants need as well as other helpful lists. The setup I've employed is by no means ideal, but I've been surprised a few times by how well things worked out.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is aimed more at those with a small yard rather than a window box or less it was still very useful and fairly informative, although a bit jumbled if you are looking for something specific. It provides a good basis on which to start and gives a comprehensive bibliography from which you can develop you growing skills further

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is super informative for any small space dweller who wishes to grow his or her own food. While it might not be the most comprehensive guide, it gives you the basics and has a very useful bibliography as well as starting points for online information gathering.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty informative about using small spaces, but nothing was in order it seemed. It also dealt mostly with specifics, so if you are just beginning, terms that you wouldn't necessarily understand. However, there are charts and a lot of details to help with that. Good book.

[Liz De Coster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this book seemed a high-level (soil mixtures, etc.) for new gardeners, but I appreciated the chapter in the end listing good plans for containers and the specifics of growing them (light and water requirements, etc.)

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fast and easy read, but is mostly pictures. The pictures are not usually relevant to what he's talking about and not used to make his construction ideas clear. Sometimes a little repetitive, the parts I found most interesting were almost hidden facts or tips that I'd never heard before.

[JayBee · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's just all I want to do wherever I am: Grow food for my family!!! We are all about it, and I am not used to growing food in containers, so we will see... Just started the book...

[Kim]

There is a perennial onion - Egyptian Tree Onion. It grows back into the ground. More to come.

[Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great ideas for small budgets and tight spaces.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful book, full of tips for growing your own when you don't have much space.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Despite the title there is quite a lot of focus on growing in gardens as well as containers, which might be quite frustrating for a reader with no outside space.

[Kathryn McKendry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good ideas and info. Just wish there was a little more detail on certain projects

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to remember this book for reference when I am planning my garden this coming fall or spring. A great guide that illustrates how easy it can be to produce your own food on a small scale.

[Ricky · Rating 2 out of 5]

beautiful, inspiring images, not super helpful text.