The Complete Gardener

Synopsis

A Sunday Times bestseller

Even great gardeners like Monty Don are always learning and always experimenting.

The Complete Gardener brings you right up to date on how Monty gardens today.

This extensively revised new edition covers what Monty believes are the most important aspects of gardening today. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned gardener, it's time to get your green-fingered hands dirty!

A comprehensive gardening guide that no gardener should be without:

- An introductory chapter that explains the essentials of organic gardening practice
- A structure chapter that shows you how to define space in your garden with hard landscaping and natural options, such as trees, hedges, and topiary
- Discover all different types of flowering plants explaining how to design with them, combine, plant, and care for them
- How to grow fruits and vegetables with in-depth crop-by-crop explanations and which tried-and-tested varieties to choose from


Packed with beautiful illustrations and practical gardening tips, Monty reveals the secrets of growing vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs while respecting the needs of the environment. He covers everything from planning the space and crop rotation to pruning fruit canes and staking peas.

Join Monty in his garden at Long Meadow! Over half of the photos included in this updated edition were shot at his renowned personal garden over the course of a year. Discover how he created this beautiful garden, and how you can do the same in your own.

Design Your Dream Garden

Although organic techniques have always been at the core of his practice, this new edition has a new emphasis on gardening for wildlife and the impact of global warming on the garden. This is a go-to guide for anyone seeking Monty's gardening advice and the perfect gardening gift for any plant lover, regardless of their experience or budget.

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Summary

Chapter 1: Planning Your Garden

* Summary: This chapter guides readers through the initial steps of garden planning, including choosing the right location, determining soil type, and creating a garden design.
* Example: A homeowner decides to convert a sunny corner of their backyard into a vegetable garden. They determine that the soil is well-drained and amend it with compost to improve fertility.

Chapter 2: Preparing the Soil

* Summary: This chapter covers the importance of soil preparation, including testing for pH balance, improving drainage, and adding nutrients.
* Example: The homeowner tests the soil pH and finds it is slightly acidic. They apply lime to raise the pH to a more optimal level for vegetables.

Chapter 3: Selecting Plants

* Summary: This chapter discusses factors to consider when choosing plants, such as climate zone, sunlight requirements, and companion planting.
* Example: The homeowner chooses tomato plants that are suitable for their USDA Hardiness Zone and selects varieties that are known to be disease-resistant.

Chapter 4: Planting Techniques

* Summary: This chapter provides detailed instructions on how to plant various types of plants, including seeds, bulbs, and bare-root plants.
* Example: The homeowner plants tomato seedlings by digging a hole twice the width of the root ball and planting the seedling at the same depth it was in the container.

Chapter 5: Watering Techniques

* Summary: This chapter covers the principles of watering, including frequency, amount, and methods.
* Example: The homeowner waters their tomato plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.

Chapter 6: Fertilizing Techniques

* Summary: This chapter discusses different types of fertilizers, their benefits, and how to apply them correctly.
* Example: The homeowner uses a balanced fertilizer to provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to their vegetable garden.

Chapter 7: Pest and Disease Management

* Summary: This chapter provides strategies for preventing and controlling common pests and diseases in the garden.
* Example: The homeowner monitors their tomato plants for signs of pests or diseases and takes appropriate steps, such as using organic pest control methods or removing infected leaves.

Chapter 8: Companion Planting

* Summary: This chapter discusses the benefits of companion planting and provides examples of how to combine plants for improved growth and pest resistance.
* Example: The homeowner plants basil next to their tomatoes to deter insects and improve tomato flavor.

Chapter 9: Harvesting Techniques

* Summary: This chapter covers proper harvesting techniques for different types of produce, including vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
* Example: The homeowner learns how to harvest ripe tomatoes by gently twisting them off the vine.

Chapter 10: Propagation Techniques

* Summary: This chapter provides instructions on how to propagate plants through various methods, such as cuttings, division, and layering.
* Example: The homeowner takes cuttings from their favorite tomato plants to grow new ones for the following season.