About the Author

Matthew Biggs lectures at the Royal Horticultural Society. His other books include Matthew Biggs' Complete Book of Vegetables.

Jekka McVicar has won several top awards from the Royal Horticultural Society. Her other books include The Complete Book of Herbs.

Bob Flowerdew is an author and a lecturer for the Royal Horticultural Society.

Reviews

This all-encompassing book combines the expertise of three leading gardeners to offer a prodigious range of information on more than 100 herbs, 70 vegetables and 100 fruits. Arranged in an easy-to-use alphabetical format from Aaron's Rod to Zucchini, the book is copiously illustrated with more than 1,800 color photographs and informative graphics. Readers learn how to select the plants best suited to their plant zone, and what to do to insure a successful crop.-- (04/01/2009)

A comprehensive reference book on edible plants... information on hundreds of edible plants accompanied by more than 1,800 color photographs.-- (03/01/2006)

A garden book full of surprises... there's so much to discover... excellent information.-- (07/23/2006)

A well-organized overview that examiners each cultivar in depth... visually pleasing... the insight of some very diverse expert gardeners.-- (05/01/2006)

An indispensable resource, giving an amazing amount of information that will be of value to any gardener, whether planting a field or a window box.--Grainews (04/10/2006)

By far the most comprehensive book on the subject. A must-have for those growing edible crops ... Easy to use.-- (12/01/2006)

Comprehensive... a valuable reference for both gardeners and inquisitive chefs.-- (01/28/2006)

Every gardener -- novice or expert -- will find useful information.-- (05/01/2006)

For the edible landscape, the best title by far is Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit... everything you need to know to grow, harvest, and use garden produce.-- (03/25/2006)

Good value for money ... very helpful.-- (11/28/2006)

I believe this volume will become a constant source of reliable information. Highly recommended.-- (04/28/2009)

It is about as precise and concise a guide as you would ever wish to find.--Shelf Life (08/01/2009)

It's a useful book for the gardener who is short on time and seeks easy-to-follow, no-fail instructions.--Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (05/22/2010)

Not only how to grow, but also how to harvest, preserve and use 70 vegetables... a comprehensive, quick-read encyclopedia.-- (03/02/2006)

Satisfying ... There's an abundance of information and tantalizing pictures. Isn't it nice when peas are so neatly tucked into their pods in those very polite rows?-- (05/27/2010)

Solid gardening tips and tempting recipes... enough to teach even experienced gardeners new tricks... excellent index.-- (01/01/2007)

This comprehensive garden book goes beyond the dirt, offering tips on growing, harvesting, preserving and cooking.--Desert News (02/22/2009)

This is now my favorite source book for growing, propagating, harvesting, storing, and cooking all things edible. An A to Z-type reference guide, it is easy to use, has beautiful photography, and [has] details all gardeners need like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and companion plants. These three amazing authors have put together a must-have book for any vegetable grower.-- (10/01/2009)

This reference book is as colourful as it is inspiring and will appeal to anyone who would like to grow edible plans. The authors leave no leaf unturned -- every topic is covered.... Best of all, more than 100 recipes are included to take advantage of your crop once it's time to harvest.... With more than 600 pages and 800 colour photos and illustrations, this book is definitely food for thought.-- (05/01/2009)

Well organized, easy to access information, and concisely written. A good reference book!-- (03/01/2007)

What is not included in this definitive and beautifully illustrated sourcebook on edible landscape?--The American Herb Association vo. 21:4 (04/01/2006)

Whether you utilize it to learn how to use soapwort to treat skin conditions such as eczema or for the recipe for curried parsnip soup, it is valuable to novice and experienced horticulturists alike. Written by a trio of garden experts, this is a must-have resource for any gardener or chef.-- (09/01/2006)

A sound investment.--David Hobson"Waterloo Region Record" (04/07/2012)

Amazingly thorough encyclopedic look at edible plants.--George Weigel"Harrisburg Patriot-New" (04/27/2006)

An excellent source of information on growing and cooking edible plants.--Cathy Frisinger"Fort Worth Star-Telegram" (03/11/2006)

Bright color photos, clean layout, and handy hints make this hefty garden bible a treasure, and it's a great deal.--Dee Cherrie Ashman"Diversions" (04/01/2007)

Exceptional.--David Hobson"Kitchener-Waterloo Record" (04/11/2006)

For a complete reference on growing food crops, you can't go wrong with the new, up-to-the minute "Vegetables, Herbs and Fruit."--John Van de Water"Newark Star-Ledger" (04/16/2006)

Information on individual cultivars, as well as some very good recipes.--Vern Nelson"Portland Oregonian" (12/14/2006)

Offers advice on cultivation techniques, dealing with pests and diseases, suggestions for companion plants, and culinary, medicinal and cosmetic uses.--Ken Smith"London Free Press" (07/22/2006)

This book is a handsome addition to the gardening library and an excellent value.--Chris Smith"Seattle Post-Intelligencer" (09/21/2006)

This has become my 'bible' because it contains great photographs with bite-sized chunks of information that are easy to read, inspiring and comprehensive.--Sonia Day"Toronto Star" (12/04/2007)