Book review: “Growing Vegetables – a Simple Guide for New Zealand Gardens” published by White Cloud Books.. Price $39.99. Reviewed by Tony Orman
The cost of living crisis for many is a main topic in political debate leading up to this year’s election. There’s no doubting inflation but I cannot help feeling little sympathy for those struggling with living costs when they don’t grow vegetables.
The hunter or angler can with meat from animals shot or fish caught, do something in terms of putting more food on the family table, i.e. vegetables.
Author Sarah O’Neil agrees when she explains ”More and more people are looking at edible gardening, to ease stretched budgets.”
Well some people just haven’t looked at edible gardening, i.e. vegetable growing and they should. This book is an admirable, practical guide to help them.
There’s a few other bonuses along the way too.
A parent can “teach their kids where food comes from.”
Fast Food Fallacy
I would add and teach youngsters the skills of vegetable gardening. Vegetable growing that once every household had in the backyard, has declined and become forgotten in favour – sadly – of fast food and considerable unnecessary household expense.
Sarah O’Neil correctly says vegetable growing has the added bonus of “just as a simple hobby to distract from the stresses of the world.” Yes, so true because gardening is a positive and absorbing hobby, just like your fishing – and that’s good for mental well-being.
It’s a satisfaction to supplement providing a fish in that you are putting more of your own produce on the table.
Spray-Free
I would add another reason in home vegetable growing is largely organic and thus your own vegetables are relatively free from the chemical sprays supermarket vegetables probably have. Good healthy eating.
Some gardening authors unnecessarily complicate things that tend to deter a new commercial into growing vegetables. Hence author Sarah O’Neil has aimed for an “easy to understand” format in compiling a year, week-by-week guide and has achieved that well.
Originally published in 2016, this book is a reprint, enhanced from the initial publishing with revisions and updating.
Lost Life Skill
The author confesses to being passionate about growing vegetables. She wants more people growing vegetables.
“I strongly believe it is a lost life skill”, she says. “”I want to help others find a clear, simple and honest entry into growing food that will set them on the path to a lifelong love of gardening.”
This book is an excellent guide for newcomers and even a “refresher” and reference book for those who already have a vegetable growing patch.
My father had a monstrous vegetable garden from memory. In those days everyone grew some vegetables. We should return to that.