The Edible Backyard

by Kath Irvine, Penguin Random House $50 Developing an edible garden is a bit of a no-brainer in these times of increased sustainability and self-sufficiency, and this book is so comprehensive and easy to read it will reassure the most nervous of new gardeners. It will become a well-thumbed companion. While it’s aimed more at the learner or intermediate gardener, there are rich pickings for everyone. It steers you towards a low work, low input, yet highly productive organic approach, which sounds pretty good to me. Long-time gardener and author Kath Irvine guides us on getting to know your soil, environment and climate, and how to work with those rather than against them. There are beautifully drawn illustrations and plans, and wonderful images but mostly it’s just crammed full of incredible information, from how to count the worms in your soil to creating a basemap for your garden and so much more – I struggled to find something that wasn’t covered. A hearty section is dedicated to in-depth growing guides for all types of edible plants and a gardening calendar will keep you on track year-round.