I had so much trouble finding a gardening book for my specific area. When I came across this book I ordered it hoping for the best since it wasn't available in the local bookstores. I am so pleased with the detail on all aspects of gardening in the Houston area. I am a weekend gardener who needs a good reference book.
The book starts out by teaching you the basics about soil preparation, climate, weather, watering, pruning and good pests in the garden.
The section on vegatables is full of info on different varieties of each one that grow well in this area. Plus it gives info on diseases, pests and harvesting. The same goes for the section on growing herbs. It also goes into using and perserving herbs, plus has recipes from Hilltop Herb Farm included. I am Successfully growing 4 patio tomato plants that are producing. I have 8-15 tomatoes on each plant in different stages of growth. My oregano, thyme, basil and cilantro are growing beautifully. I have made numerous italian dishes with the fresh herbs, The family loved the taste, it was so much better than with dried spices.
The book also has very indepth sections on trees, palms, shrubs, vines, native plants and flowers. It goes into how to landscape and design your garden. Which plants to use for your major lanscaping and what seasonal plants grow best in this area. It teaches you how to greenhouse garden, and about container gardening as well.
The book has extensive info on diseases and pests that can invade your lawn or garden as well. I have already used this to diagnose a problem with my loquat tree. One of the most valuable sections is a large list of poisonous plants. I had no idea how many common garden plants were poisonous including the Foxglove I have blooming in my garden.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone who gardens in the Houston area. No matter if you are a beginner gardener or an avid gardener, you will benefit from this book. It is so packed full of knowledge on everything and anything you need to garden in the Houston area. Any questions I have had, I have found in the book since I bought it earlier this spring. My garden has thanked me by growing better than it ever has before. There is nothing like having my coffee out on the patio in the morning right now. The smell of jasmine fills the air and the hummingbirds are here feeding on the nectar from my hibiscus. Don't you love gardens?