Media

Editorial Reviews of “Decoding Gardening Advice”

“In ‘Decoding Gardening Advice: The Science Behind the 100 Most Common Recommendations’ ($16.95; Timber Press), Jeff Gillman and Meleah Maynard declare a friendly war on some of the common garden lore that has led generations of gardeners astray for decades, if not centuries. Filled with simplified explanations based on current science, this slim, precisely organized handbook is good for a cover-to-cover read or as a handy reference guide to dip into as needed. Thankfully, Gillman and Maynard are not dogmatists: The writing is blunt and pithy, and the eight chapters – which cover topics such as soil, mulch, edibles and lawns – cluster common gardening practices into three lists: good, debatable and plain wrong. The emphasis is on why, rather than how, but the authors consistently offer thoughtful alternative solutions to practices they slam.” —San Francisco Chronicle. January 2012

“Helpful for novice and experienced gardeners alike, the practical advice here is backed up with interesting popular science and delivered in an engaging format.” —Jenny Contakos Library Journal

“A well-researched, indispensable resource that belongs on every gardening shelf.” —Booklist

“[B]ogus information spreads like wildfire, especially with the advent of the internet. This handy book gives you the straight scoop on what’s good, what’s bad and what’s iffy in the world of gardening.” —Renee Struthers-Hogge, The East Oregonian
“Gillman’s book is full of interesting and scientifically backed research. He’s a welcome voice of reason amid a growing babble of self-appointed, uninformed gardening ‘experts.’” —Susan Banks, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“Whether you agree or not, the authors’ recommendations and conclusions are explained and summarized. This is one smart, well-organized book.” —Virginia A. Smith, Philadelphia Inquirer

“This is a fascinating, entertaining and useful book, written in a format that makes for quick reference.” —Mary-Liz Shaw, The Journal-Sentinel