Buy used:
$13.92
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery:
Get free shipping
Free shipping within the U.S. when you order $25.00 of eligible items shipped by Amazon.
Or get faster shipping on this item starting at $5.99 . (Prices may vary for AK and HI.)
Learn more about free shipping
Saturday, Dec 11 on orders over $25.00 shipped by Amazon. Details
Used: Good | Details
Sold by AJ's Pop-up Shop
Fulfilled by Amazon
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: Minimal signs of wear. Corners and cover may show wear. May contain highlighting and/or writing. May be missing dust jacket. May not include supplemental materials. May be a former library book. Ships direct from Amazon!

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Enter your mobile phone or email address

Processing your request...

By pressing "Send link," you agree to Amazon's Conditions of Use.

You consent to receive an automated text message from or on behalf of Amazon about the Kindle App at your mobile number above. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message & data rates may apply.
Flip to back Flip to front
Listen Playing... Paused   You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition.
Learn more

Follow the Author

Jeff Gillman

Similar authors to follow

See more recommendations
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.


The Truth About Garden Remedies: What Works, What Doesn't, and Why Paperback – February 1, 2008

by
Jeff Gillman (Author)
› Visit Amazon's Jeff Gillman Page
Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
See search results for this author
Jeff Gillman (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 72 ratings
See all formats and editions
Price
New from Used from
Paperback
$13.92
$49.99 $1.95
Read more
Previous page
  1. Print length
    212 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Timber Press
  4. Publication date
    February 1, 2008
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.63 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0881929123
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0881929126
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Special offers and product promotions

  • Create your FREE Amazon Business account to save up to 10% with Business-only prices and free shipping.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gillman teaches gardeners to think about what they do, know why they're doing it, and observe the results, trusting their knowledge and experience over claims made by companies, 'experts' or garden folklorists."
—Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly )

"The results are fascinating and occasionally disappointing. . . . The Truth About Garden Remedies is a book many of us will want to consult frequently."
—The American Gardener (American Gardener )

"Whenever I hear someone offer a solution to a garden problem, I immediately check [The Truth About Garden Remedies] to see if it will work."
—Horticulture (Horticulture )

"While entertainingly relating his experiments and his research, Gillman also packs in a wealth of useful information."
—The Chicago Tribune (Chicago Tribune )

Although Gillman writes that gardening gurus are necessary to dole out knowledge of plants and the traditions that surround growing them, he also winces at all the superstition and half-truths flying around, hence, this terrific book. Biology Digest 20060501

With graduate degrees in entomology and horticulture, Gillman brings scientific rigor to the topic of commercial, homemade and 'traditional' garden remedies. ... Never didactic or preachy, Gillman takes pleasure in testing techniques for treating plants and urges readers to 'divide off a section of plants in your garden just for experimenting and have fun with them.' Gillman teaches gardeners to think about what they do, know why they're doing it, and observe the results, trusting their knowledge and experience over claims made by companies, 'experts' or garden folklorists. Publishers Weekly 20060301 We found it highly entertaining to browse through the book, enjoying Dr. Gillman's frequently humorous presentations of both common and strange ideas. -- Greg and Pat Williams HortIdeas 20060301

Smoothly written in Jeff's folksy, conversational style, this is a terrific book for beginning and advanced gardeners alike. Not only will you learn which homemade and commercial products work and which don't, you'll gain a solid layman's understanding of the science and chemistry behind plant growth and plant protection. RenegadeGardener.com 20060222

The book offers something for everyone, no matter what your experience might be. -- Randy Miranda Minneapolis Star Tribune 20060516

Some of these may come as a shock or upset your favorite long-held ideas, but the book is worth it and is a fun read. It gives you lots to talk about with your gardening friends. -- John Van de Water Newark Star-Ledger 20060606

A good read full of unusual information, making it an ideal present for a keen gardener. -- Angela Youngman Monsters and Critics 20061022

Jeff Gillman has the answers. He's tested bunches of the theories, and the results are published in this fun and informative new read. -- Danny C. Flanders Atlanta Journal-Constitution 20070322

From Dr. Jeff Gillman, Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, comes another must-have book for your garden reference bookshelf. ... This is the perfect companion to [The Truth about Organic Gardening]. -- Carol Bishop Miller Gerry's Jungle 20080311

[A] fine resource, full of solid scientific information in a highly readable presentation. Gillman's research can help you to save time, money, effort and the environment. -- Tom Karwin Monterey County Herald 20080211

Gillman goes out of his way to approach each topic without bias, but with an attempt to evaluate critically how a particular remedy actually performs in a garden situation. -- Dan Gill New Orleans Times-Picayune 20080329

A fascinating read. All organic products are not necessarily safe, and this book informs you of the benefits and drawbacks of each of them. Gillman tests and evaluates more than 100. -- Robert Haehle South Florida Sun-Sentinel 20080301

Brings scientific rigor to the topic of commercial, homemade, and 'traditional' garden remedies. [Gillman's] conclusions may surprise even experienced gardeners, as his objectivity inevitably debunks some untenable ideas and separates fact from fiction. Michigan Gardener 20080701

Jeff's humor and his own hilarious experiments held me captive all the way until the end. -- Debra Teachout-Teashon Rainy Side Gardeners 20060504

[Gillman] maintains a good balance between science and fun and has produced a book that is highly informative and entertaining at the same time. -- Ethel Fried Manchester (CT) Journal Inquirer 20060729

While entertainingly relating his experiments and his research, Gillman also packs in a wealth of useful information. -- Beth Botts Chicago Tribune 20060604

[Gillman's] efforts have given us a book that's filled with a great deal of relevant information. It's also well-organized, written with flair, and darn interesting. -- Sarah Robertson Albany Democrat-Herald 20060521

This book is the result of years of research into what really does and does not encourage plants to grow faster and what works to protect them from diseases and pests. Gillman is also very clear on what concoctions should be avoided. -- Valerie Easton Seattle Times 20060118

The book is organized in a no-nonsense and user-friendly manner, setting out the theory and practice of each claim as well as the bottom line for the gardener. The results are fascinating. -- Linda McIntyre American Gardener 20060901

This is a book that many of us will want to consult frequently. -- Linda McIntyre American Gardener 20060901

This thoroughly delightful book will make you a less gullible and hence better gardener. -- Luurt Nieuwenhuis American Rhododendron Society Journal 20060501

Worth its weight in gold as it clears up the mysteries behind all sorts of folklore remedies touted by gardeners for eons. -- Jody Headlee Oakland Press 20060507

It's kind of like Consumer Reports visits Jerry Baker and the neighborhood garden guru. -- George Weigel Harrisburg Patriot-News 20060608

Gillman meets his goal of helping gardeners get a better understanding of the science behind the practices and does so in an entertaining and engaging style. His analysis is always helpful and sometimes even surprising. Recommended for all gardening collections. -- Daniel Starr Library Journal 20060101

Looks at more than 100 home remedies and garden practices, reviews any past scientific research about them, and in some cases sets up experiments to determine if they work and how best to use them. ... [An] eye-opening new book. -- Charlie Nardozzi National Gardening Association Regional Reports 20060202

The Truth about Garden Remedies is a book that is sorely needed in the gardening world. ... The discussions are thoughtful and researched or tested by easily repeatable experiments. -- Luurt Nieuwenhuis American Rhododendron Society Journal 20060201

In The Truth About Garden Remedies, things like putting a cup of beer out to trap slugs and snails and playing music to get your houseplant to grow are put under the microscope and analyzed by a professor from the University of Minnesota. Those gardeners who like to pick things apart with science will love this book. GardeningGiftGuide.com 20060216

Gillman writes with a light touch, offering a horticultural version of David Letterman's 'Will it float?' In one hilarious scene, he's in the kitchen arranging slugs and crushed egg shells on a paper plate while his wife, Suzanne, bakes lime pies. In others, he's fertilizing tomato seeds with buttermilk or sprinkling orange peels on ant mounds. -- Marge Hols St. Paul Pioneer Press 20060304

Does music make plants grow more luxuriantly? Should you plant trees deeply so roots won't dry out? Do coffee grounds change soil pH? ... Be prepared to have some of your long-cherished gardening notions debunked. But you'll also learn how to spend your gardening time and money. -- Valerie Easton Seattle Times 20060118

You'll enjoy the wry humor and outside-the-box thinking of Jeff Gillman. He presents material in an easy-to-follow order. -- Sandra J. Sandefur Perennial Notes 20061201

Jeff Gillman provides a rating scale for remedies of one to five flowerheads, with five being the best. Using his own scale, I'd give this book five flowerheads. It does what it proposes to do and does it well. -- Greg Asbagh Let's Talk Plants 20060601

A great resource in a world where everyone is an expert and has a product to sell. Gillman, a professor at the University of Minnesota, has done extensive testing and research on gardening products and practices. -- Jack Kerrigan Cleveland Plain Dealer 20061228

"[A] book that shoots down many fabled solutions that are really a waste of time."

(Garden Compass )

“Both these books [The Truth About Organic Gardening and The Truth About Garden Remedies] are refreshing, lucid and enlightening. Their spare style, with no illustrations, and concentration on facts rather than ‘inspiration’ even gives them an old-fashioned charm.”

(BBC Gardens Illustrated )

“Wondering how best to keep your garden healthy? Let Jeff Gillman … do the research, so you don’t waste time and money trying to add nutrients to the soil, keeping slugs and deer away, or protecting your roses from powdery mildew and black spot.”

(Tri-City Herald )

"Gillman's goal is to get gardeners to think—to make sure there is a reason behind everything they do for their plants."

(Redding Record Searchlight )

About the Author

Jeff Gillman is an associate professor in the department of horticultural science at the University of Minnesota, where he researches plant production and teaches courses on nursery management and pesticide use. He earned his doctorate in horticulture and a master's degree in entomology from the University of Georgia.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Timber Press; Revised edition (February 1, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 212 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0881929123
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0881929126
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.63 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 72 ratings
Join Audible Premium Plus for 60% off. Only $5.95 a month for the first 3 months.

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Jeff Gillman

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

An Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Jeff was raised in South Eastern Pennsylvania, and went to Franklin and Marshall College. He then moved South to Georgia where he received a masters degree in Entomology and a Ph.D. in Horticulture. He currently resides in St. Paul Minnesota. Besides teaching and research activities, Jeff runs a nine acre nursery at UMN.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
72 global ratings
5 star
54%
4 star
25%
3 star
12%
2 star
5%
1 star
5%

Top reviews from the United States

Marlene
5.0 out of 5 stars Good science that debunks common household myths
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2012
Verified Purchase
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report abuse
Folks at the Hill Hobbit House
4.0 out of 5 stars Informative
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2013
Verified Purchase
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report abuse
Kay Robbins
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a good resources to fact check things you hear recommended for ...
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2016
Verified Purchase
Helpful
 Report abuse
canary
5.0 out of 5 stars helpful for my new gardening venture
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
Helpful
 Report abuse
Deborah Smith
4.0 out of 5 stars Really good info from a horticulturist
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2016
Verified Purchase
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report abuse
J. Barker
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable book
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2015
Verified Purchase
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report abuse
Here is my honest opinion
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous book that every gardener should read
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2012
Verified Purchase
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report abuse
Esme
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Info.
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2016
Verified Purchase
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report abuse

Top reviews from other countries

COREY
5.0 out of 5 stars debunks garden myths
Reviewed in Canada on January 19, 2013
Verified Purchase
Report abuse
Didi Thomps
3.0 out of 5 stars A lot of writing repeats itself with many of the ...
Reviewed in Canada on September 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
Report abuse