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Beginner's Garden: A Practical Guide to Growing Vegetables & Fruit without Getting Your Hands Too Dirty (IMM Lifestyle) Gardening Tips, Recipes, & Projects for Beginners; Includes Herbs & Small Spaces
This book offers a fun and lighthearted guide to growing your own salads, herbs, vegetables, and fruit, armed with little more than a trowel and some seedlings! Aimed at complete beginners, Beginner's Garden de-mystifies the gardening process with sound practical and seasonal advice, lots of hints and tips for successful growing, delicious recipes, and fun weekend projects to help you make the most of your outdoor area, however small. This completely new kind of gardening book is ideal for first-timers who have busy working lives but still want to grow their own produce—without spending all weekend digging!
160 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2018
2 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Alex Mitchell
99 books2 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 10, 2018
I have been growing vegetables for several years, and every year, certain aspects make me feel like a beginner. I try and add three new plants or varieties each garden season to replace some things that weren't successful in prior years. I am also fortunate to have a significant other who doesn't say a word when I take over more of the yard with additional raised beds. Where else would I go except to a beginner's guide to learn about plants I haven't grown before? My 2018 garden plan was finalized late last year but thanks to Alex Mitchell, I now have my three new plants to try next. I am intrigued by new salad potatoes, nasturtiums(edible flowers, who knew), and lemon verbena(for herbal tea).
There is a wealth of information in this book including starting from seed, understanding your soil, what you can grow in pots, composting and many selections for plants. I learned a lot from my failures and it wasn't until I got smart enough to spend time researching and learning from books like this that I started to have a more productive garden. I can see this being a useful resource no matter what your gardening skill level and I am thinking this will be a great gift for a friend of mine who swears she has a brown gardening thumb.
Thank you, Alex Mitchell, Fox Chapel Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary e ARC.
There is a wealth of information in this book including starting from seed, understanding your soil, what you can grow in pots, composting and many selections for plants. I learned a lot from my failures and it wasn't until I got smart enough to spend time researching and learning from books like this that I started to have a more productive garden. I can see this being a useful resource no matter what your gardening skill level and I am thinking this will be a great gift for a friend of mine who swears she has a brown gardening thumb.
Thank you, Alex Mitchell, Fox Chapel Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary e ARC.
August 18, 2018
Love this book! This author has written a very informative and easy to follow guide for starting a vegetable garden. I enjoyed the recipes and the weekend projects. Lots of great photos. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 5, 2018
A Beginner's Garden: A Practical Guide to Growing Vegetables & Fruit without Getting Your Hands Too Dirty is a beautifully illustrated tutorial for garden enthusiast who do not have a lot of gardening experience. The book is divided into sections according to the seasons, which is quite helpful. There are recipes included. I especially enjoyed the container combo tips, since I am an avid herb and container gardener myself. This book makes for an ideal housewarming gift. I received a copy of this book from Net Galley, but this did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.
February 5, 2020
I checked this one out from my local library. There is so much useful information, even for a long time gardener, that I'm ordering a copy right now. How did I not know about "chitting" potatoes?
April 10, 2018
This book has great information, but is sometimes too technical for a beginner's book. For example, it uses the technical names for different varieties within a family of vegetables. This information could be difficult to read for a novice, and would be better in a chart or bullets than in a long list in a paragraph. However, the way it is organized by season and vegetable is very useful, and it has a glossary and index for quick reference. The author has a wry sense of humor, which can be amusing but doesn't always fit the situation. She also gives some recipes to make excellent use of the food you grow. (Read via NetGalley)
April 21, 2018
This is the first April weekend in Kansas that we don't have snow or ice in the forecast, so my mind is wandering to the garden, which in my case is a collection of pots, some with last year's garden disasters still there. But this year I have more hope, because I have Alex Mitchell's Beginner's Garden.
Mitchell has been gardening and writing about gardening for 20 years. And although this was her first book, she recently went back to it to refresh it and update it for today's beginning gardener. She has lots of great tips for working in small spaces and makes it super easy to get started on a tasteful, tasty patio or balcony garden.
Beginner's Garden is packed with great ideas to get started quickly (or slowly) with ideas on specific plants to try, from veggies to herbs to flowers. Arugula and lettuces, new potatoes, beets, peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, even pumpkins and squashes can be grown by a beginner in a pot or a small raised bed.
Mitchell walks readers through the seasons, talking about what to do when. She includes very specific strategies for dealing with the bugs and diseases that can affect each plant and even about some of the other garden villains she encounters, such as slugs or cats.
There are shopping lists so that you don't even up with a bunch of stuff you won't need (and don't need to waste your money on) as well as ideas for design and recipes, so that you can share your garden with all your friends. She gives lots of ideas for personalizing the garden and adding special touches like string lights (although I've always preferred the British term "fairy lights"), and then serving your friends and family a bruschetta topped with tomatoes straight from your garden or mojitos made with fresh mint.
All of Mitchell's years of experience come through in her down-to-earth advice, and her breezy writing style makes everything sound so simple and accessible. And she offers lots of options, so readers can feel like they can make their own garden path to best fir their space and their lifestyle. Although I tend to kill my garden every year either by over-or under-watering (I do get help with that from Mother Nature, so it's not all my fault, just mostly), I am inspired to try again. And I love her idea of setting up an automatic watering system, because that could give me a fighting chance against high summer in Kansas, which seems to scorch everything I plant (that I haven't already flooded).
So if you're like me, starting over every year, or if you're trying a garden for the first time, or if you just need workable ideas for you small patio space, then Beginner's Garden is an excellent resource. Highly recommended for anyone struggling to set up a small garden and keep it healthy through all the growing seasons.
Galleys for Beginner's Garden were provided by Fox Chapel Publishing through NetGalley, with many thanks.
Mitchell has been gardening and writing about gardening for 20 years. And although this was her first book, she recently went back to it to refresh it and update it for today's beginning gardener. She has lots of great tips for working in small spaces and makes it super easy to get started on a tasteful, tasty patio or balcony garden.
Beginner's Garden is packed with great ideas to get started quickly (or slowly) with ideas on specific plants to try, from veggies to herbs to flowers. Arugula and lettuces, new potatoes, beets, peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, even pumpkins and squashes can be grown by a beginner in a pot or a small raised bed.
Mitchell walks readers through the seasons, talking about what to do when. She includes very specific strategies for dealing with the bugs and diseases that can affect each plant and even about some of the other garden villains she encounters, such as slugs or cats.
There are shopping lists so that you don't even up with a bunch of stuff you won't need (and don't need to waste your money on) as well as ideas for design and recipes, so that you can share your garden with all your friends. She gives lots of ideas for personalizing the garden and adding special touches like string lights (although I've always preferred the British term "fairy lights"), and then serving your friends and family a bruschetta topped with tomatoes straight from your garden or mojitos made with fresh mint.
All of Mitchell's years of experience come through in her down-to-earth advice, and her breezy writing style makes everything sound so simple and accessible. And she offers lots of options, so readers can feel like they can make their own garden path to best fir their space and their lifestyle. Although I tend to kill my garden every year either by over-or under-watering (I do get help with that from Mother Nature, so it's not all my fault, just mostly), I am inspired to try again. And I love her idea of setting up an automatic watering system, because that could give me a fighting chance against high summer in Kansas, which seems to scorch everything I plant (that I haven't already flooded).
So if you're like me, starting over every year, or if you're trying a garden for the first time, or if you just need workable ideas for you small patio space, then Beginner's Garden is an excellent resource. Highly recommended for anyone struggling to set up a small garden and keep it healthy through all the growing seasons.
Galleys for Beginner's Garden were provided by Fox Chapel Publishing through NetGalley, with many thanks.
February 6, 2018
What a Gem of a Book, Beginners Garden: A Practical Guide to Growing Vegetables & Fruit Without Getting Your Hands Too Dirty
by Alex Mitchell is.
I loved this book. I've always wanted to grow my own Vegetables and this is a brilliant book to get started with. This book is a brilliant fun guide to grow your own salads, vegetables, herbs, fruit etc from seeds. It also tells you how to do this from the start and how to care for them to get lovely food from the seedlings, plants etc.
Throughout this book, it gives you clear guidelines on what to do, how to care and water your plants. It is aimed at beginners but its also good for people who know what they are doing in the garden.
It also has delicious recipes for homemade soup, salads, herb butter, drinks etc, which I am going to do. It also has fun projects for your outside space wether you have a big garden or a small area. This can be for the weekend or for holidays etc that can involve everyone in the family etc.
I loved the area of the book about flowers etc, every garden has to have flowers, how to grow them and care for these. This was also well illustrated and a bonus it informs you that you that some flowers are edible.
This is a Must for anyone who wants to start growing their own Vegetables etc. Plus, it would make a beautiful Birthday present for someone who wants to start to do this.
Big fat 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars from me.
Big thank you to Fox Chapel Publishing, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
by Alex Mitchell is.
I loved this book. I've always wanted to grow my own Vegetables and this is a brilliant book to get started with. This book is a brilliant fun guide to grow your own salads, vegetables, herbs, fruit etc from seeds. It also tells you how to do this from the start and how to care for them to get lovely food from the seedlings, plants etc.
Throughout this book, it gives you clear guidelines on what to do, how to care and water your plants. It is aimed at beginners but its also good for people who know what they are doing in the garden.
It also has delicious recipes for homemade soup, salads, herb butter, drinks etc, which I am going to do. It also has fun projects for your outside space wether you have a big garden or a small area. This can be for the weekend or for holidays etc that can involve everyone in the family etc.
I loved the area of the book about flowers etc, every garden has to have flowers, how to grow them and care for these. This was also well illustrated and a bonus it informs you that you that some flowers are edible.
This is a Must for anyone who wants to start growing their own Vegetables etc. Plus, it would make a beautiful Birthday present for someone who wants to start to do this.
Big fat 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars from me.
Big thank you to Fox Chapel Publishing, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
March 13, 2018
This book takes you through the entire process and leaves a beginner like myself with no question unanswered.
The information is very basic, which is much appreciated, but make no mistake the amount of information contained within these pages is generous. I learned so much I never knew and things I didn't know I needed to know! The book is divided into seasons which is helpful. As far as the actual gardening, the author keeps the equipment required incredibly minimalistic which motivates you to get started quicker, without excuses. The section about planting in various containers was especially helpful for me. Containers do not seem as scary as a plot to me. I also love how the author added the "where have I gone wrong?" section with each vegetable, noting things to look out for, and even "villains" for certain crops.
The recipes sprinkled throughout the book are a nice touch and the photos are gorgeous! Simply written and easy to read, the Beginner's Garden would make a perfect housewarming gift and is a wonderful resource! Highly recommend!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fox Chapel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
The information is very basic, which is much appreciated, but make no mistake the amount of information contained within these pages is generous. I learned so much I never knew and things I didn't know I needed to know! The book is divided into seasons which is helpful. As far as the actual gardening, the author keeps the equipment required incredibly minimalistic which motivates you to get started quicker, without excuses. The section about planting in various containers was especially helpful for me. Containers do not seem as scary as a plot to me. I also love how the author added the "where have I gone wrong?" section with each vegetable, noting things to look out for, and even "villains" for certain crops.
The recipes sprinkled throughout the book are a nice touch and the photos are gorgeous! Simply written and easy to read, the Beginner's Garden would make a perfect housewarming gift and is a wonderful resource! Highly recommend!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fox Chapel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
March 12, 2018
For years I have been trying to figure out gardening on my own, with no luck. Having read this book, I now feel like I have a real shot at it. Beginner's Gardening does a fantastic job of explaining everything you need to know in a very simple, straightforward manner. After reading this book you will know what time of year to plant, what type of pot to plant in (or bed), how close together plantings can be, and how many seeds to put into each hole. Then, once you have sprouts it walks you through everything that needs to be done between now and harvest. If you don't know what to do after harvest, there are even some nice recipes you can try.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone trying to garden for the first time, especially those who think they can never do it because they just don't have that green thumb. You can do it, and this book can help.
I received this book from NetGalley to review.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone trying to garden for the first time, especially those who think they can never do it because they just don't have that green thumb. You can do it, and this book can help.
I received this book from NetGalley to review.
February 15, 2018
It's currently 21 degrees here. So, earlier this morning, I snuggled up on the sofa with a cup of tea and read this lovely beginner's gardening book. And while I am not new to gardening, I enjoyed this book.
Being that we have snow on the ground here, I found myself skipping around a bit while reading. I skipped forward to the section on winter jobs and then onto the section that promotes starting seed trays and pots inside in early spring. I then viewed the section on soil type and preparation. From there, I moved onto composting, planting and harvesting and paused for a while to check out the section on terracotta pots and flowers. I like to grow impatiens in terracotta pots.
Throughout the read, beautiful photos and tasty recipes lure one to want to begin gardening as soon as possible and there are some descriptions of pesky garden villains too. Book reviewed for Net Galley.
Being that we have snow on the ground here, I found myself skipping around a bit while reading. I skipped forward to the section on winter jobs and then onto the section that promotes starting seed trays and pots inside in early spring. I then viewed the section on soil type and preparation. From there, I moved onto composting, planting and harvesting and paused for a while to check out the section on terracotta pots and flowers. I like to grow impatiens in terracotta pots.
Throughout the read, beautiful photos and tasty recipes lure one to want to begin gardening as soon as possible and there are some descriptions of pesky garden villains too. Book reviewed for Net Galley.
March 2, 2018
Beginner's Garden: A Practical Guide to Growing Vegetables and Fruit Without Getting Your Hands Too Dirty by Alex Mitchell is a fun and lighthearted look at gardening with beginner's in mind. This is Ms. Mitchell's second edition of this reference book. There were 10 years between editions and much learning done by the author. She is only too happy to share her knowledge so that a begining gardener can feel confident.
The book is written in plain and easy to understand language without all the baggage of traditional gardening guides. This book is also great for those whose gardening attempts have been meager and want to strick out again with more success.
Well done.
I would like to thank Fox Chapel Publishing IMM Lifestyle Books, Alex Mitchell and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book is written in plain and easy to understand language without all the baggage of traditional gardening guides. This book is also great for those whose gardening attempts have been meager and want to strick out again with more success.
Well done.
I would like to thank Fox Chapel Publishing IMM Lifestyle Books, Alex Mitchell and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2018
Beginner's Garden Alex Mitchell I love growing plants, whether it be flowers or veggies. Some plants I have better luck at then others. Also I live in Florida and some plants just won't grow well here while others thrive. This book was extremely helpful in teaching me about the different types of plats, what they need in order to grow well, and the best planting times. The illustrations were great. The information in this book even though it says the book is for beginners would be helpful to anyone. I wholeheartedly believe you know know enough to stop learning.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
August 26, 2024
This is the book that really jump started my desire to grow my own vegetables! What I love about this one is how accessible it is. It explains gardening without all the fluff; straight and too the point. It should be noted that it’s not BORING to read, as the author inserts their own humor into the writing to make it seem as though you are having a casual conversation with a friend. If you’re a newbie like me who wants to learn how to grow their own food, give this one a try!
April 15, 2018
Great book for beginners like me!
May 5, 2019
Very informative gardening book for beginners. Colorful photos.
April 29, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Beginner's Garden is an introductory guide for new gardeners. Author Alex Mitchell has teamed up with Fox Chapel Publishing to produce an upbeat and encouraging guide for the less experienced gardener.
Especially slanted toward urban and suburban gardening, there's a lot of emphasis on easily grown crops which are suited to containers. The most common crops get their own listings with cultural info and are ranked with regard to difficulty with 1-4 trowels (1 is 'You couldn't kill it if you tried' :) The entire book is filled with full color photographs of everything including growing spaces, plants, bugs and food.
The book is split up into logical sections which start with an easily digested introduction and getting started sidebar. The introduction includes a short discussion of tools and supplies (which are few and easily acquired). The next chapters detail seasonal jobs and crops starting with spring and moving through the year to winter. There's an interlude chapter in the middle of the year which talks about entertaining and includes recipes which showcase the production from the gardener's efforts. I loved the inclusion of recipe themed containers: 'Salsa in a box', 'Patio Friendly Greek salad', 'Ratatouille riot', etc.
The end of the book has a short chapter on parasites and 'garden villains' and some info about how to identify and deal with unwanted critters in the garden. There are also reference and glossary sections which cover the basics. The index and resources sections finish up the book and include useful links for further reading.
Four stars, encouraging and supportive help for new gardeners with some interesting takes on common problems and recipes for the more advanced gardener. Very chatty and informal.
160 pages softbound, expected publication date: 12th March, 2018
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
Beginner's Garden is an introductory guide for new gardeners. Author Alex Mitchell has teamed up with Fox Chapel Publishing to produce an upbeat and encouraging guide for the less experienced gardener.
Especially slanted toward urban and suburban gardening, there's a lot of emphasis on easily grown crops which are suited to containers. The most common crops get their own listings with cultural info and are ranked with regard to difficulty with 1-4 trowels (1 is 'You couldn't kill it if you tried' :) The entire book is filled with full color photographs of everything including growing spaces, plants, bugs and food.
The book is split up into logical sections which start with an easily digested introduction and getting started sidebar. The introduction includes a short discussion of tools and supplies (which are few and easily acquired). The next chapters detail seasonal jobs and crops starting with spring and moving through the year to winter. There's an interlude chapter in the middle of the year which talks about entertaining and includes recipes which showcase the production from the gardener's efforts. I loved the inclusion of recipe themed containers: 'Salsa in a box', 'Patio Friendly Greek salad', 'Ratatouille riot', etc.
The end of the book has a short chapter on parasites and 'garden villains' and some info about how to identify and deal with unwanted critters in the garden. There are also reference and glossary sections which cover the basics. The index and resources sections finish up the book and include useful links for further reading.
Four stars, encouraging and supportive help for new gardeners with some interesting takes on common problems and recipes for the more advanced gardener. Very chatty and informal.
160 pages softbound, expected publication date: 12th March, 2018
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
June 9, 2020
Concise information with beautiful photos. The recipes are a nice touch.
December 7, 2017
A great guide for the beginner gardener, or someone who just wants to stretch their food budget. A year round guide provides the reader with suggestions for what to plant, how to take care of them and how to deal with pests that may stop by. Projects can be simple or more difficult and there are even some things to try in the winter. This describes what to do with a small piece of land for a backyard, and offers some tips for apartment options. Recipes in the back include a wide variety of things to try. This gives me some new ideas for seeds to order.
January 3, 2018
An excellent book for the gardening wannabe - one that I truly savoured reading it from cover to cover. Full of useful ideas, and also very good to read, it would be a super gift for a nervous gardener or housewarming present.
The last section of the book is on recipes - simple things that won't give you anxiety attacks, just showcase the produce from your garden, from soup, salad and bruschetta, to herb butter, drinks and dips. Super yum.
I love, love, LOVE the idea of the container combos, and will certainly be planning my planting around these ideas - I'd be happy with just a book of these, along with some recipes.
The last section of the book is on recipes - simple things that won't give you anxiety attacks, just showcase the produce from your garden, from soup, salad and bruschetta, to herb butter, drinks and dips. Super yum.
I love, love, LOVE the idea of the container combos, and will certainly be planning my planting around these ideas - I'd be happy with just a book of these, along with some recipes.
February 14, 2018
An interesting book, not exactly my cup of tea but an interesting read for the unconventional gardener.
March 23, 2018
I love gardening but don't really have the room to spread out. There's just something about growing your own food and the author gets that. I don't live in the same zone as the author, but many of the tips can be incorporated into my own climate. Well worth reading!
March 30, 2018
As a new gardner I am so happy I came across this book! The author guides the reader in an easy to understand way. I loved learning about the best time of year to plant as well as what types of pots work best for the herbs/plants your potting. I didn't have too much information when I began to read this book but now after I read this I have already planted my herbs and am very excited to watch them grow and I will be refering back to the book. A true gem!
April 13, 2018
Beginner's Garden is a great book for exactly what is just that - a beginner's guide for gardening. It is divided into sections which is great with unbelievable illustrations, and also gives you some recipes - and that is awesome. I love the tips on herbs because I am a cook and use them daily so I was excited about that section - but there is a section for everyone - enjoy.
June 8, 2018
#Beginner'sGarden #NetGalley #Harvest #Garden #Summer 2018
The best companion book for new gardeners. It comes with A to Z techniques and information: the type of soil, the veggies and plants of each season of the year, the pest and more useful content.
The best companion book for new gardeners. It comes with A to Z techniques and information: the type of soil, the veggies and plants of each season of the year, the pest and more useful content.
July 3, 2018
Beautiful and informative book for anyone who has or wants a garden.,
I've been gardening on a small scale for a long time but there are always things I have questions about and need an easy answer.. Not only will this book encourage you to pick you a seed catalogue or two but it helps you get a good understanding of what to grow, when to try to grow it and where to grow it too. Then there are the recipes, great ideas on what to do with all of the wonderful things that come out of your garden.
The book is split into seasons, so no matter when you pick it up there is relevant information . This book shows you how to garden with the basics, no need to run out and spend lots of money or to even have a large amount of space. Great ideas on companion plantings and container gardens.
No matter how much time or space you have, with this book you'll be ready to start growing your own food
I've been gardening on a small scale for a long time but there are always things I have questions about and need an easy answer.. Not only will this book encourage you to pick you a seed catalogue or two but it helps you get a good understanding of what to grow, when to try to grow it and where to grow it too. Then there are the recipes, great ideas on what to do with all of the wonderful things that come out of your garden.
The book is split into seasons, so no matter when you pick it up there is relevant information . This book shows you how to garden with the basics, no need to run out and spend lots of money or to even have a large amount of space. Great ideas on companion plantings and container gardens.
No matter how much time or space you have, with this book you'll be ready to start growing your own food
February 14, 2019
I am reviewing this book for Alex Mitchell, Fox Chapel Publishing, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
I have been meaning to start groing some of my own fruit and veg fr ages now and this is th perfect guide for elping me do so. It is broken down into what could be planted each season and includes practical and easy to follow instructions of how to do this and also some recipes.
I never realised so many plants culd be grown indoos and in small tubs.
I'm hping by next year I'll have various tubs in variou stages of production.
Excellent book.
I have been meaning to start groing some of my own fruit and veg fr ages now and this is th perfect guide for elping me do so. It is broken down into what could be planted each season and includes practical and easy to follow instructions of how to do this and also some recipes.
I never realised so many plants culd be grown indoos and in small tubs.
I'm hping by next year I'll have various tubs in variou stages of production.
Excellent book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews