In my opinion, this book needs to be actively published again! I used this book as a guide to grow my first vegetable garden in Richmond, VT. It thoroughly explained EACH step in the process with text and illustrations/photos. My neighbor, whom I hadn't met yet, left a letter in my mailbox around August of that year. It contained a photo of my garden and a note saying that mine was the most beautiful vegetable garden she'd ever seen and thought I would appreciate the picture of it! I have checked this book out of the library each spring since and this year it was listed as "lost!" That's why I'm here on-line: buying an "acceptable" condition copy used rather than do without! BUY THIS BOOK IF YOU CAN!

I just want to emphasize the earlier reviews: This is a great, enormously helpful guide to gardening just about anywhere (I live in southern CA and I enjoyed the section on cold weather gardening even if I never use it). The author isn't clearly part of a gardening school of thought (square foot, raised beds, biodynamic), he is just vastly knowledgable about gardening and will meet you wherever you are - a sign of a great teacher. He wrote the best section on homemade garden structures - A frames, cold frames and the like - I have seen. Not a useless or wasted page. Please bring it back!

I have borrowed this gem from the library every spring for 3 seasons, and now I am desperate to get my own. There is no better gardening book dedicated to vegetables, and the month by month schedule saves me hours of planning. No other gardening book I've found has this month by month format, and it is unbeatable! I love this book - a reprint would sell a lot of copies in Indiana, because every gardening friend and relative I have would receive a copy as a gift from me.

I have been a gardener for over twenty years, and I have had opportunities to examine several books on the subject. Without question, Crockett's Victory Garden is the best book about gardening that I have ever read for two reasons.

First, James Crockett wrote with a passion for the subject. His book featured personal anecdotes about the challenges that both he and his co-workers faced at the beginning of the TV show; such as, the problem of converting an abandoned lot into the fertile garden that would become the focus of the show. He also shared his wisdom by responding to various questions from gardeners.

Second, the book was very well organized. Mr. Crockett took the reader through the experience of gardening in a concise, month-by-month basis instructing one on what to plant and when and how to do it. The book was written in layman's terms, making it both enjoyable and easy to read.

Sadly, James Crockett died several years ago, but his work will continue to influence gardeners both young and old for many years to come. I heartily recommend this book to everyone with a passion for gardening!

This is the best gardening book i have come across in many years. it has all the information that i have been looking for. I have spring fever so bad due to the topics and directions that Jim has given in his book.

Aside from having many colorful plates, there is a lot of quality information on history and how-to with bulbs.
In the chapter "Flowers for all Climates, all seasons" you
•What bulbs are
•How to buy bulbs
•The different kinds of bulbs
•The growth cycle of bulbs
•Where to plant bulbs
•When to plant bulbs
•How to plant bulbs
•Propagating Bulbs

This is just a fraction of what is available in the book. It is important to read up on bulbs as the information is not intuitive.

Crockett's Flower Garden is a fantastic reference book for anyone who enjoys gardening, novice or experienced. The book is written in month-by-month format, which makes it easy to follow and easy to chart your gardening tasks.

Crockett's love for gardening shows through, as does his practical approach. He discusses both, buying plants and starting from seed (when practical).

I highly recommend the book.