Member Reviews
This helpful guide is a treasure for new gardeners, especially, and more experienced gardeners too. I learned so much as a non-gardener and highly recommend it for everyone who wishes they had two green thumbs!
'Kew Answers for Everyday Gardeners' is a short book which aims to provide the answers to 100 gardening questions such as "How do I plant directly in the ground?", "Which fruit and vegetables are easy for me to grow?", "Should I prune my plants?", etc.
As well as these questions (each answered on a separate, single page), the book provides some plant and equipment suggestions.
The format is straightforward and inviting, with plenty of colourful photos to provide inspiration.
It's a book very much aimed at prospective or very new gardeners, with a broad sweep of topics rather than depth. Certainly encouraging new gardeners with simplicity rather than scaring them off with too much information is one approach, but the superficial aspect is likely to lead to some disappointing setbacks.
Likewise, I'm surprised that Kew Gardens would include invasive plants like buddleja as recommendations. There are few answers regarding edible / food crops, most of which can be very easy and rewarding to grow, but multiple answers pertaining to roses - not really a beginner plant, and often heavily dependent on pest and disease management (organic or otherwise) as well as needing constant upkeep.
Finally, there isn't much in the way of addressing accessibility.
This falls a bit flat for me: it's not really guaranteed to set beginners up for success, but also isn't in-depth enough for intermediate gardeners wanting a reference. I'm not quite certain who the target audience would therefore be for this book.
Thank you very much to the publisher for providing this digital ARC and allowing me the opportunity to leave an unbiased & honest review.
I visited Kew last year and it was beautiful so I was really excited to read this and receive tips on how to answer my gardening questions from the Kew experts.
This is a really great concept. Short and sweet this book succinctly answers 100 common gardening questions and would be an invaluable resource for new gardeners. I loved the liberal inclusion of bright photographs and the advice given would be easy for novices to understand. Overall a great resource.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Very informative! This guide is laid out very well. Each question is answered in a very easy to understand way. It is a perfect beginners introduction or a reminder to seasoned gardeners for things they may have forgotten or not dealt with before. The photographs included were just stunning! I know this will be on my garden books shelf for quite a while.
You know it's going to be good if Kew has a hand in it. If you've ever wondered how their gardens thrive, here are 101 answers. (Actually more.)
Whether you're thinking about gardening, starting out, or dealing with a problem as an experienced gardener, you'll want this to-the-point guide. Bugs, compost, sunshine and water, soil ... plush pictures of lush plants that incite envy. Don't let the understated cover fool you.
What's not to love? For basic and skilled gardeners, here is your short answer manual for all your questions.
I found this to be very informative for new and seasoned gardeners. I learned new tips and more detailed information. It's nice to have all pertinent issues in one book so a reader doesn't have to jump around to other sources.
A fantastic Guide to Gardening
This book was a brilliant introduction to gardening for beginners as well as great hints, tips and advice for more established gardeners.
I found this an extremely useful and informative read, covering a range of topics from knowing your type of soil, types of plants, which tools to use, weeding, pruning, pest control and my favourite section gardening for wildlife.
Highly recommended
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my ARC.
If you're like me, always peeking out the window wondering what to do with those stubborn plants or how to keep pesky pests at bay, "Kew Answers for Everyday Gardeners" is your go-to manual.
What I love most about this book is its friendly tone and no-nonsense approach and its user-friendly format. The Q&A style makes it a breeze to navigate, ensuring you can quickly find the advice you need without getting lost in a labyrinth of gardening jargon. Plus, the vibrant photographs sprinkled throughout are not just eye candy; they offer tangible examples that bring the advice to life. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just dipping your toes into the world of horticulture, "Kew Answers for Everyday Gardeners" is a must-have companion that empowers you to cultivate your own green oasis with confidence.
Thank You Netgalley for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
This was first gardening book and found this very interesting, informative and simple to follow and have my list ready for the garden centre and list of things to do thanks to this book. I am very much a beginner gardener and is the perfect book for me. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a chance to read and review this book
"Kew Answers for Everyday Gardeners" is a comprehensive yet accessible book that demystifies the art of gardening even for brand new gardeners. The Q&A format offers a user-friendly navigation experience, ensuring that readers can easily locate the specific information they are looking for.
The vibrant full-color photographs throughout the book are gorgeous and really compliment the modern gardener feel to this guide.. These images complement the informative text with practical examples.
From soil management techniques to cultivating vegetables and wildflowers, this book addresses a diverse range of topics essential to successful gardening.
In summary, "Kew Answers for Everyday Gardeners" is a meticulously curated guide that strikes a balance between accessibility and depth of content. It serves as an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to nurture thriving gardens with confidence and proficiency.
Thank you Net Galley, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens,Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion | Frances Lincoln for the opportunity to review this ARC.
This was such a cool concept and quick, education read.
Some of my favorite questions were:
1. What type of soil does my garden have?
2.What is soil PH?
3. Which plants work well in a herbaceous border?
4. Can I make my own fertilizer?
Reading the crisp, concrete answers in such an easy reading format was very informational. I loved how precise everything was written and answered. I will definitely be recommending this book to my fellow beginner gardeners.
This book invites you to explore the world of gardening, even if you have no prior experience. The writing is warm and encouraging, guiding you through the basic steps of creating your own little garden plot.
Divided into 100 questions, the book covers essential topics like choosing a suitable location, selecting plants that thrive in your climate, and creating a nurturing environment for them to flourish. The 100 questions were developed logically and were answered concisely.
Interspersed with beautiful imagery are specific plants to consider including in your garden for various reasons, which is super helpful.
In a nutshell:
* Perfect for absolute beginners
* 100 questions developed logically and answered concisely.
* Includes pest & plant disorders
* Beautifully written with practical advice
Kew Answers for Everyday Gardeners - 100 Questions Answered by Kew Royal Botanic Gardens is a great reference book for gardners of all levels
Beautifully presented with vivid photography and all the hints and tips you could hope for from the pro's at Kew. The sections are clearly defined and the sub-sections follow a logical flow
A fantastic reference book and perfect for any time of year, not just Spring
Thank you to Netgalley, Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion | Frances Lincoln and Kew Royal Botanic Gardens for this stunning ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own