Derek Fell's Grow This! is a welcome addition to any gardener's library. As an avid grower, Fell has tested hundreds of seeds and plants and visited countless test gardens across the United States. He compiles his vast knowledge of more than 600 vegetables, annuals, perennials and grasses into one comprehensive bible--listing varieties by name and telling readers which brands to grow. Then he explains why, be it better taste, better color or larger blossom. (In his "be aware" section, Fell gives useful comparisons to other varieties, along with comments on why some plants just don't make his cut.)
Under each "plant profile," he provides the scientific name, growing zones, propagation methods, spacing, pests and diseases and the perfect companion plants, all useful information that can be quickly referenced. He also offers tidbits of history on various plants: lavender's name, Fell tells us, "comes from the Latin lavare meaning 'to wash,' because the Greeks and Romans like to scent their bathwater with the pleasant aromatic blue flowers." Commentary from other growers and seed producers further adds to the enjoyment of reading, and 80 pages of color photographs will inspire daydreams of visually stunning and productive garden plots. Novice and veteran horticulturists will want to have this book on hand when those seed catalogues arrive to ensure they are buying the best of the best. --Lee E. Cart, freelance writer and book reviewer