Seeds: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Successfully from Seed [Paperback]

Jekka McVicar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2003

If you have ever been frustrated by alpine seeds that refused to germinate, or basil seedlings that failed to thrive, or simply wanted to know how to grow specimens from seeds taken from your garden plants, the clear and straightforward instructions found in SEEDS will increase your chances of success every time.
SEEDS offers practical advice to help both first-time growers and experienced gardeners alike reap the benefits of nature's most miraculous process. In addition to basic information about different types of seeds, how they are pollinated and fertilized, and advice about when to harvest, and how to sort and store seeds, there is detailed information on over five hundred genera, encompassing entries for alpines, annuals, grasses, trees, herbs and vegetables.
Simple step-by-step planting methods emphasize a hands-on approach to growing based on organic principles, and planting directions include all the equipment and materials you will need, as well as the ideal time and conditions for sowing. These tried and tested techniques will give gardeners the confidence and knowledge they need to raise the plants they love. SEEDS is a vital guide for anyone who wants to make their growing space a lasting source of pleasure and satisfaction.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An extremely comprehensive book from an author more renowned for her Gold Medal winning herb displays and organic gardening. Every group of plant is covered from the more usual annuals, perennials, shrubs and vegetables through to cacti, ferns, palms and aquatic plants. Drawing on her own experience and that of fellow nurserymen, Jekka McVicar gives a concise picture of this fascinating method of plant propagation. Attractively illustrated with the photographs of Marianne Majerus, it is a clear, straightforward guide to seed propagation. The most helpful information included is germination times, something many previous books on the subject have omitted. Many a would-be propagator has thrown away an apparently 'dead' pot of seeds only to discover them suddenly germinating wherever the compost has been turned out! Following on from the A-Z listings of the various groups of plants is the practical information on the generalities of sowing from composts, equipment to seed collection and breaking of dormancy. Unfortunately the terminology in many instances appears to be aimed at the experienced grower rather than the novice and the repetition of the unnecessary 'substrate' as well as compost is particularly irritating. However, as Jekka McVicar says in her introduction, seed growing is a return to nature, the wonders of an emergent shoot never failing to astonish and amaze the sower. What better way to introduce a child to gardening than with a packet of calendula or nasturtium, easily grown and guaranteed to succeed, making an impression which may last a lifetime? This is one of the most in-depth guides to seed propagation recently published and will be an invaluable reference tool for gardeners for many years to come. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Looking for ways to sow and grow successfully? Take inspiration from Jekka McVicar's wide-ranging experience to produce outstanding results.
Seeds offers invaluable practical hints to help first-time growers and experienced gardeners alike reap the benefits of nature's most miraculous process. As well as basic information about different types of seeds, how they are pollinated and fertilized and advice about when to harvest, how to sort and store seeds, there is detailed information on over 500 genera, encompassing entries for alpines, annuals, grasses, trees, herbs, and vegetables.
Simple step-by-step planting guides emphasize a hands-on approach to growing based on organic principles, and planting directions detail the equipment and materials you will need, as well as the ideal time and conditions for sowing. If you have ever been frustrated by alpine seeds which refused to germinate, or basil seedlings that failed to thrive, or simply want to know how to grow healthy specimens from seeds taken from your garden plants, Jekka's clear and straightforward instructions will increase your chances of success every time.
Use these tried and tested techniques to give you all the confidence and knowledge you need to manage the plants you choose. Stunning illustrations, useful seed suppliers, and handy cross-references combine to make this book a vital companion for anyone who wants to make their growing space a lasting source of pleasure and achievement.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585748749
• ISBN-13: 978-1585748747
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #428,434 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #86 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Agricultural Sciences > Agronomy

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From ferns and herbs to annuals, December 13, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seeds: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Successfully from Seed (Paperback)

This thoroughly "user friendly" guide to growing successfully from seed covers a range of gardening concerns; from the season best to sow seeds to the resulting plant. Organized by type of plant, from ferns and herbs to annuals, this provides an in-depth coverage on the particular seed-starting needs of different species. Gardeners who regularly grow from seed may know all too well the challenges involved; this handbook will solve many a problem.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars No instructions, August 13, 2008

By 

Joe Hartley - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Seeds: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Successfully from Seed (Paperback)

This is just a list of plants with no instructions on how to grow them.