My very favorite book for brand new, clueless gardeners in training:
Rodale's Chemical Free Lawn and Garden. Really good chapters at the beginning
on soil, water, diseases, prevention, how plant selection can make or break
a garden. Following chapters on common plants, selection, care and feeding
thereof. Clearly written, and a good foundation for any gardener.

Because the methods espoused are organic, there's not a whole lot in there
that can hurt anyone or anything. If you care to go off towards gardening
on the LISA model (low input sustainable agriculture) or permaculture or
high-management, heavy chemical gardening, you've still got a good set of
basics from this book.

And you can get a used copy cheaper than dirt. Get several and spread 'em
around. :-)

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Sear...tn=rodale+chem
ical+free+yard+and+garden&x=44&y=10 or http://preview.tinyurl.com/6pbnmh

Kay Lancaster


Kay Lancaster