Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Most conventional gardening books concentrate on how and when to carry out horticultural tasks such as pruning, seed sowing and taking cuttings. This book is unique in explaining in straightforward terms some of the science that underlies these practices. It is principally a book of 'Why' - Why are plants green? Why should one cut beneath a leaf node when taking cuttings? Why do plants need so much water? But it also goes on to deal with the 'How', providing rationale behind the practical advice. The coverage is wide-ranging and comprehensive and includes the basic structure and functioning of garden plants, nomenclature, genetics and plant breeding, environmental factors affecting growth, methods of propagation and production, pest and disease control, and post harvest management and storage. Published on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society, this book will be a most valuable text for those sitting the RHS general examination, and horticultural students at certificate and diploma levels; it will also appeal to gardeners, growers and scientists.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Foreword
• Preface
• List of Contributors
• 1 Know your Plant
• 2 Naming your Plant
• 3 Designing Plants
• 4 Soils and Soil Fertility
• 5 Choosing a Site
• 6 Raising Plants from Seed
• 7 Vegetative Propagation
• 8 Shape and Colour
• 9 Seasons and Weather
• 10 Gardening in the Greenhouse
• 11 Controlling the Undesirables
• 12 Storage and Post-harvest
• Glossary
• Index

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

The stated purpose of this book is to explain the science that underlies horticultural practices, with emphasis on why and how, rather than what. It is intended for horticulture students, but should also interest amateur gardeners and professional growers. Five chapters discuss fundamentals (structure and function; nomenclature; genetics and breeding; soil factors; site selection); the remaining seven treat horticultural practices (seed and vegetative propagation; control of shape, size, and color; influence of environmental conditions and growth regulators; response to the greenhouse environment; control of pests and diseases; and storage of fruits, vegetables, and flowers). Each chapter contains tables, line drawings, photographs, and suggestions for further reading. Two sets of color photographs illustrate (1) plant structures, such as chloroplasts and flowers, and (2) responses to drought and photoperiod, as well as methods of controlling insects. These photographs are much better than those in black and white, but are often far removed from where they are discussed. The balance between theory and practice is well maintained throughout, and many examples are given to illustrate points made. Glossary. ^BSumming Up: Optional. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; professionals. F. G. Dennis Jr. emeritus, Michigan State University