The Canadian Edible Garden: Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits & Seeds    by Alison Beck Order:  USA  Can Lone Pine, 2008 (2008) Softcover      Reviewed by Martina Bexte Beck's introduction points out that 'there are many good reasons to grow edible plants. You can save money on your grocery bill; it's environmentally friendly because fewer resources will be used growing and getting the food to your table; it saves wildlife habitat by reducing the need to expand cultivated land; it gives you a chance to seek out varieties and specialty items; and an often overlooked reason to grow edible plants is that they are attractive and often unique in appearance'. Beck goes on to discuss growing and hardiness zones, plant selection, how to prepare the garden, soil and light requirements, planting, mulching and fertilizing, and any problems and pests (both insect and mammal) that might arise. As always, this handy-sized and sturdily bound Lone Pine guide is filled with sumptuous photographs that depict all the 65 edibles discussed, not only in close up but also in their ideal garden location. Additional photos demonstrate how to set up various kinds of attractive plant groupings that best show some of the more showy edibles in various aesthetic or ornamental settings. Are you interested in reducing your grocery bill by harvesting your own summer vegetables - like artichoke, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic and leek? Would you like to improve your health by adding nutrient rich raspberries or blackberries to your diet? Or perhaps you'd like to try your hand at growing ancient and exotic plants like quinoa, amaranth or fennel. Whatever the case, the practical information in The Canadian Edible Garden will steer you in the right direction and get you off to a great start. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews