Explaining how to meet the particular challenges of growing edible plants in the hot, dry Mediterranean climate, this book brings the expertise of Spain's top organic gardener to an English-speaking audience.
As well as outlining the principles of gardening organically, it provides full practical information on how to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs in Mediterranean conditions. It advises on matters such as irrigation, climatic factors and inherent characteristics of the region, and describes the kitchen garden through the gardening year.
Introduction
1. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN
The space
Light and orientation
Water
Seeds and seed beds
Feeding the earth
Garden design
What would you like to eat?
Planning
The garden through the year
Garden construction
Sunken, level or raised beds
Bed construction
Raised beds
Level beds
Tools
Construction
Maintenance
Earth and digging
Propagation
Sowing
Cuttings
Layering
Plant division
Compost and fertilizer
Copying nature
Surface decomposition
Composting methods
Irrigation
Irrigation methods
How much water and how often?
Plant protection
Cold
Greenhouses
Tunnels
Cones
Wind
Windbreakers
Mulching
Possible problems
Prejudices
Plagues
Crop rotation
Plant associations
Gardening tips
Tools and equipment
Pruning
Trees and bushes
Climate
Plants and climate
Climatic maps
Climate zones
Hours of sunshine
Last and first frosts
Cosmic influences and the lunar calendar
Moon planting
The biodynamic cycle
The garden through the year
Winter in the garden
Winter tasks
The garden in spring
Spring tasks
The garden in summer
Monitor the watering
Abundant harvests
Summer tasks
The orchard
The garden in autumn
Autumn tasks
Garden vegetables
Artichokes
Aubergines
Beans: broad
Green
Beetroot
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflowers
Celery
Courgettes
Cucumbers
Escarole
Fennel
Garlic
Kohlrabi
Lamb's lettuce (corn salad)
Leeks
Lettuces
Melons
Onions
Parsley
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Radishes
Spinach
Squash
Strawberries
Sweetcorn
Swiss chard
Tomatoes
Turnips
2. THE AROMATIC AND MEDICINAL GARDEN
Vitality in diversity
Choosing plants
Design and distribution
Herbs and aromatic and medicinal plants
Aloe
Angelica
Anise
Basil
Bay
Borage
Calendula
Camomile
Caraway
Castor oil plant
Comfrey
Coriander
Echinacea
Elder
Hyssop
Lavender and lavendin
Lemon balm
Lemon verbena
Marjoram
Mint
Nasturtium
Nettle
Pyrethrum (pellitory)
Rosemary
Sage
Savory
Stevia
Tansy
Thyme
Valerian
Wormwood and mugwort
3. THE ORCHARD
Fruit trees
Planning the orchard
Problems with fruit trees
Problem-free fruit trees
Choosing fruit trees
Plant or sow?
Planting a tree step-by-step
Digging
Mulching: pros and cons
Other means of propagation
Grafting
Pruning
Popular fruit trees
Citrus fruits
Oranges
Mandarins
Lemons and limes
Avocados
Apricots
Cherries
Plums
Pomegranates
Figs
Kiwis
Apples
Peaches
Quince
Loquat
Medlars
Pears
Grapes
BOX
Plagues and parasites
Appendices
Seed saving
Pests and diseases
Drip irrigation system
Plant associations and rotations
I like the Bueno style and his plant associations and rotations are just as valid in the UK as in the Mediterranean. He seems very much at home with the plants he describes. Rosemary, he says, "generates a good presence." Yes. That's it exactly. - Independent
[unedited text]
A little plot of land where we can connect with the earth is nowadays more valued than ever. The tending of a garden, whether big or small, can offer us a better quality of life. Applying organic principles we can maintain and improve soil fertility, grow healthy, vigorous plants and make pleasant spaces. Plentiful harvests provide us daily with fresh, high quality, nutritional and delicious vegetables.
There is no need to use chemical fertilisers, insecticides or herbicides to grow our tomatoes and lettuces. It can be done perfectly well using natural methods and substances which are more respectful of our and our environment´s health.
Tending a garden is a pleasure to be enjoyed at all times. Whether digging, sowing, weeding, harvesting or simply strolling through the garden, observing every corner, plant or flower. This practical gardening calendar hopes to help you enjoy the pleasures of growing healthy plants and eating succulent fresh fruit and vegetables. Our main wish is that every day you delight a little bit more in your garden and in your life.
There is nothing very difficult about making and maintaining an organic vegetable garden if the will is there and a space is available, even if it be a small one. A few hours a day or week and some basic information is all that is needed for this simple and gratifying pastime. Besides producing healthy organic food the work involved in tending a vegetable plot or terrace garden is a way of getting closer to nature through direct contact, and keeping fit and healthy in the process.
With a plot of some 30 by 40 metres we can produce most of the vegetables we eat on a daily basis. With just a terrace it is possible to grow a large variety of vegetables such as lettuces, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, Swiss chard and courgettes - to name but a few - as well as numerous aromatic and medicinal plants and condiments.
Publication Details:
Binding: Hardback, 168 pages ISBN: 9780711230644 Format: 245mm x 192mm
Colour illustrations throughout
BIC Code:WMQF BISAC Code:GAR016000 Imprint: Frances Lincoln
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