From Library Journal
The Poissons, experienced New England gardeners, present their system for continuous food production. Inspired by French intensive gardening techniques that originally utilized bell-shaped glass jars called cloches to protect tender plants and extend the growing season, the Poissons have developed solar gardening "appliances," including the Solar Cone, the Solar Pod, and the Pod Extenders. Use of these mini-greenhouses, combined with other gardening techniques such as intercropping, crop rotation, and careful site and soil preparation, can make it possible to harvest fresh vegetables year-round. Details are given on how to build the solar appliances, followed by information on 90 garden crops grouped by three main categories: heat-loving, cold-hardy, and cold-tolerant vegetables. Although only those with considerable space will be able to implement fully the American Intensive system (a garden area of 40' 3 40' is needed for a family of four), the Poissons provide useful gardening tips for all organic gardeners. Highly recommended for all vegetable gardening collections.
Virginia A. Henrichs, Chicago Botanic Garden Lib., Glencoe, Ill.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"American intensive" gardening is what the authors call a continuous food-producing system that provides an ideal growing environment for the entire plant. By creating and maintaining a deep, well-balanced, fertile soil, the system optimizes growing conditions below the ground. By using heat-assisting devices to create beneficial microclimates for seedlings and mature plants, it ensures optimum growing conditions above the ground. The authors have designed solar devices--insulated pods, cones, and pod extenders--to ensure fresh harvests even in winter. These solar structures capture and retain the sun's heat in winter and diffuse strong sunlight and protect tender plants in summer. The book gives step-by-step instructions on building the solar devices and offers a month-by-month gardening guide for the three main North American growing zones--northern, moderate, and southern. There is advice on garden sites and soil, harvesting, storage, and seed-savings, as well as growing tips on 90 vegetables divided into heat-loving, cool-hardy, and cold-tolerant.
George Cohen
