Barbara Ellis provides expert answers for all of your toughest vegetable-growing questions. Designed to be used as an in-the-garden reference, this sturdy little volume is packed with helpful information on everything from planning a garden and sowing seeds to battling pests and harvesting organic crops. With clever tricks to cut down on weed growth, secrets for maximizing production in confined growing spaces, and fail-safe watering guidelines, you'll have the know-how and inspiration to grow your most abundant vegetable garden ever. Barbara W. Ellis is a freelance writer, editor, and lifelong gardener. She is the author of many gardening books, including The Veggie Gardener's Answer Book, Deckscaping, Shady Retreats, and Covering Ground. She holds a B.S. in horticulture from the Ohio State University, Columbus, and a B.A. from Kenyon College. She has worked as managing editor at Rodale Press and as publications director for the American Horticultural Society and is affiliated with the Hardy Plant Society Mid-Atlantic Group, the Garden Writers Association, and the Perennial Plant Association. She lives and gardens in Maryland, where she and her husband live in a renovated "green" home with an assortment of rescued dogs, cats, and parrots. Her garden, which is managed organically and designed to be wildlife-friendly, features a wide range of ornamentals, herbs, and edibles for both sun and shade. "This handy little book will give you information on everything from starting seeds to dealing with pesky critters in the garden. We loved the crop-by-crop breakdown of care tips." Rocky Mountain News "Just in time for the reborn popularity of home vegetable gardening is this fat pocket-sized book….The information is solid and to the point." The Patriot-News (Harrisburg, Pa.) "The Veggie Gardener's Answer Book is one long Q-and-A session with a master gardener." Milwaukee Sentinel "Barbara Ellis knows how your garden grows or, more specifically, how it should." The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)