About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

What gardener hasn't asked the question what's wrong with my plant? It's a daily question some seasons. This well though out book helps you figure it out, step by step, without making you learn about plant physiology all on the way. Even better, it tells you how to fix it.



Pros

• It's about time we had a book like this.
• Written for the gardener, not the scientist.
• Methodical and easy to use as a reference.

• Great photos.

Cons

• As always, more photos would be great.
• This is the kind of thing that should be on the web.

Description

• Paperback (451 pages)
• Published 2009, by Timber Press, Incorporated
• Suggested Retail: $24.95

Guide Review - What's Wrong With My Plant? (And How Do I Fix It?) (English)

"What's Wrong With My Plant? (And How Do I Fix It?): A Visual Guide to Easy Diagnosis and Organic Remedies", by David Deardorff, Kathryn Wadsworth is a book for every gardener's tool shed. The authors cut right to the chase, starting the book with flow charts that follow the complaints echoed in gardens around the world. What's making holes in my plant's leaves?... Something's chewing the edges of my leaves... Why did the flowers rot before they opened?... My apples have wet looking spots on them...

That's Part 1. What's Wrong? It doesn't just help you find the answer to your problem, it teaches you how to become a plant problem detective. Thankfully, the middle section of the book is devoted to fixing those problems.

And not just quick fixes, but fixing the conditions that caused the problem in the first place. This is where we get down to the nitty gritty and start learning about the difference between problems caused by fungi, insects, mites, bacteria, etc. - and what to do about them.

The final section is full of wonderful, grossly disgusting photos of all those problems discussed earlier in the book. You could just skip to that section and say, I've got that. And that. And that, too. And hopefully look up the fixes. However you use it, this is a wonderful reference and (don't judge me) a whole lot of fun.



Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.