Description

From the leading authority on American gardening comes an essential guide for home gardeners looking to grow a thriving organic vegetable garden. In their first new book in more than twenty years, the American Horticultural Society provides invaluable knowledge on cultivating a productive and sustainable edible garden, whether you live in the arid Southwest, the expansive Midwestern plains, or along the New England coast.

The book begins with a unique exploration of the history of vegetable gardening in North America, covering indigenous agricultural traditions, the Victory Garden movement, and today’s biodiversity-focused practices. *AHS Essential Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening* then delves into the principles and techniques needed to grow a successful vegetable garden without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

Topics include:

Choosing the ideal garden design and planting method for your space, whether it’s raised beds, row gardens, matrix plantings, or food forests

Selecting the best vegetable varieties, from heirloom and ancestral types to modern hybrids

Building resilience against extreme weather, invasive pests, and other environmental challenges

Creating a balanced garden ecosystem that supports soil health, pollinators, and beneficial wildlife

Conducting simple at-home soil tests to assess compaction, biological activity, texture, and drainage

Caring for plants using organic methods such as pruning, staking, fertilizing, and managing pests and diseases naturally

The modern American vegetable garden serves as both a beautiful and productive space, offering a rich variety of edible plants and flowers that attract pollinators and contribute to a vibrant home landscape.

Whether you are new to gardening or have years of experience, *AHS Essential Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening* provides research-backed insights to help you navigate today’s challenges and achieve a thriving garden.

Also available in this series is *AHS Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening.*