Yates Garden Guide

by Arthur Yates

Gardeners throughout New Zealand know that for clear, reliable information, you can't go past the industry icon book, the "Yates Garden Guide". All of the features that are so important to this book fundamental information on garden planning, soil composition, nutrients and fertilisers; advice on controlling pests, diseases and weeds; money-saving chapters on raising plants from seeds and cuttings. Chapters on specific plants have been expanded, so that lawns, flowers, bulbs roses, perennials, vines, trees and shrubs are joined by entries on bromeliads, cacti, succulents, proteas and ornamental grasses and foliage plants. And for those who don't live in the perfect environment for gardening, a welcome addition will be the chapter on gardening in special coastal areas, shady areas, dry regions, wet, boggy conditions, and heavy clay soils. There will also be a feature that reflects modern housing how to make the perfect courtyard garden.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Reference

Paperback

First published January 1, 1895

Reviews

[Arjaye-Rose Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book on what seasons/months to start planting, which plants thrive next to each other. With information on flower gardens, vegetable gardens, herb gardens and planting fruit trees etc.

It’s such a great guide that will be referred back to time and time again by our family especially since we’ve started teaching the children to garden too.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to read something where they know what they're talking about!

[Oznasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For many years while living in Australia, I kept a copy of Yates Garden Guide as a reference book for anything I needed to know about gardening. That old copy is falling apart now. I wondered if it was worth keeping. In the library a few weeks ago I noticed the latest (44th) edition. It’s about twice as thick as my old one and well bound. I decided to borrow it and check it out.

The Yates family have been in the seed business since 1826 when George Yates started selling seeds in Manchester, England. A few years later another member of the family, Arthur, began selling seeds first in Auckland, New Zealand and later in Sydney, Australia. The business is now owned by Dulux Paints but continues under the Yates name.

I’ve come across other books which appear to be written to promote the products of the sponsoring company. They may or may not also support the interests of the reader. This book does include chapters that may not always promote Yate’s products which now include fertilisers and pest-control products. The book includes a chapter, for example, on organic gardening. While organic gardening is not promoted outside this chapter it is given a fair hearing within the chapter. Those of us who prefer to garden organically need to double check products recommended in other chapters to ensure they fit with our principles.

Despite the promotional aspects of this book I consider it to be very professionally written and produced. It carries chapters on just about every aspect of gardening relevant to the Australian gardener. It is useful as a reference book and also has many chapters that are worth reading as background to help us to improve our skills as gardeners. Highly recommended.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This trusty book comes out every time I plant something. I have just planted kale, zucchini, capsicum, lettuce, tomatoes, basil and bok choy in containers in my little city garden. I always grow herbs, but i find vegetables to be a bit more of a challenge given space issues!

I've had this book since I was 22 and planted my first little vegetable garden. Doesn't always tell me what I want to know, but I love it anyway. Mine has a different cover. A bit newer I think.

[mr. chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

go ahead, dig your fingers in some soil and tell me it isn't fun.