Theresa Youssef's Vegetable Gardening for Beginners [Paperback]

Theresa Youssef (Author), Wasfi Youssef (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2000

Theresa Youssef's Vegetable Gardening for Beginners explains in simple terms a layperson can understand the information you need to know to grow vegetables and herbs like a pro. It is divided into 6 parts.

Part 1, entitled "Basics," is divided into 9 chapters.

Chapter 1, entitled "the Benefits of Gardening," explains that gardening is not only a source of fresh, tasty, and nutritious vegetables and herbs, but also a therapy for the body and soul. Gardening activity is good physical exercise. The garden is a place where the family get together to enjoy, learn, explore, and have fun. It keeps youngsters occupied and out of trouble and is a pastime for seniors. Additionaly, growing your vegetables and herbs successfully seves money.

Chapter 2, "Essentials of Successful Gardening," explains the information you need to know to be a successful gardener. After a close reading of this chapter, you will know more about growing vegetables and herbs than many who have been gardening for years.

Chapter 3 explains how to plan for your garden. The minimum space each vegetable plant needs and the yield per plant are given. The vegetables are grouped according to their ability to withstand cold weather into "very-hardy," "hardy," "tender," and "very-tender." Also explained in this chapter how to plant more than one crop in one season even if you live in a cool area.

Chapter 4 explains the factors you should consider when deciding whether to grow vegetables from seeds or seedlings. Leftover seeds can be used in the following years.

Chapter 5 explains organic gardening, which is a method of growing vegetables and herbs without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Chapter 6 explains the benefits of earthworms and how to increse their number in your garden.

Chapter 7 explains how to grow vegetables and herbs in containers.

Chapter 8 discusses 2 major vegetable garden pests, animals and harmful insects.

Chapter 9 explains the contribution of home-grown vegetables and herbs to good health.

The following 22 chapters describe how to grow 18 of the most popular vegetables and 4 herbs. For consistency, the information is organized in the same order for all the vegetables.

The vegetables are grouped in 4 parts according to their hardiness and the herbs are grouped in another part.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

For the wouldbe vegetable gardener who feels that the beans are always greener on the other side of the street, coauthors Youssef provide all the information a novice would need to produce a bumper crop the first time around. In simple, straightforward terms, they explain how to establish and maintain a vegetable garden, select crops, and harvest spectacular results. Writing from obvious personal knowledge and sharing tips gleaned from years of practical experience, the authors discuss the most popular garden vegetables and several varieties of herbs. Their book is well organized, with individual crops categorized by their temperaturerange classifications, from "very hardy" to "very tender." Special attention is paid to such concerns as smallspace or container gardening, organic gardening, and the nutritional and economic benefits of growing your own produce. The title may, in fact, be a misnomer, as both fledgling and accomplished gardeners can benefit from the Youssefs' advice and encouragement. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Theresa and Wasfi Youssef have many years of gardening experience. Both love gardening very much and consider it a lot of fun and a therapy for the body and soul. Their enthusiasm clearly shows in the writing of this book. Wasfi always keeps his camera ready. All the 94 photos in the book and both the front and back cover photos are his. The photos of the baby rabbit that burrowed in their garden one year, those of their cat Alley rolling over after biting a catnip leaf, and that of Theresa holding a tray full of huge tomatoes (the front cover) are some of his favorites.

Product Details

• Paperback: 243 pages
• Publisher: Alpha Pub; 1st edition (December 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963242326
• ISBN-13: 978-0963242327
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,541,890 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.