Incredible Vegetables From Self-Watering Containers by Edward C. Smith

Good reference book for growing vegetables in self-watering container gardens.

Well Edward C. Smith is certainly passionate about a very specific type of container gardening. He is all about the benefits of using self-watering containers to grow organic vegetables. Looking at the pictures of his containers overflowing with eggplants, tomatoes and carrots would lead one to believe in his methods.

The first part of the book goes into minute detail about how to do this kind of gardening – from how to make your own self-watering containers to the secrets of making your own potting soil. I found my eyes glazing over a bit at points, but if you are someone who likes following clear and detailed steps, this book would be a good fit. I’m a little more loosey-goosey about my gardening.

The section that I found most helpful in “Incredible Vegetables From Self-Watering Containers,” is the comprehensive guide to the best vegetables, herbs and edible flowers for container gardening. From artichokes to winter squash (I’m not sure what happened to zucchini), Smith gives great tips about which particular plants grow best in containers. The information on different types of lettuce is particularly extensive.

For each listing he also inventories potential pests and how to deal with them.

This book has tons of information and convinced me to try more self-watering containers.