Little book full of veggie details

Published 1:03 pm Wednesday, April 16, 2008

This little book by Barbara W. Ellis seems to have a Napoleon complex — tiny in size with such a boastful title — so I was skeptical of its claims.

”The Veggie Gardener’s Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You’ll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask” opens with a Q&A section that addresses soil, general crop care and organic pest and disease control.

Then, from artichokes to zucchini, details on sowing, caring for, watering, harvesting and troubleshooting problems are provided.

In the end, Ellis’ self-assured claims passed my test: Her book answered the one question whose answer has eluded me (and many of my gardening colleagues) for a long time.

A healthy-looking tomato that is rotted inside, I’ve learned, is suffering from blossom end rot, even though its end isn’t rotted.

Who knew?

The book’s list price is $14.95.