RESOURCES
Flanagan, June. Edible plants for Prairie Gardens. The Best Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs. Fifth House, Canada 2011 239p. $19.95
June Flanagan, Alberta author and horticulture expert, addresses all aspects of growing edible plants on the prairies in her latest book for prairie gardeners. This comprehensive guide provides all of the basics on planning and soil preparation to harvesting and eating.
Experienced as well as novice gardeners who are contemplating their first garden will find useful and timely information on growing and harvesting the organic edible garden, including topics such as watering, fertilizing, pruning woody fruits, pollination and fruiting as well as pest and disease prevention.
June’s recommendations for the ‘enthusiastic’ gardener include peppers, eggplant and sweet potato. Chapter four covers the growing requirements and the varieties of seasonal vegetables and herbs that grow well on the prairies.
In the final chapter the author discusses the varieties of fruiting plants that are hardy to the prairie climate. I was especially pleased to see information on growing haskaps (honeyberries), and sour cherries, two relatively new fruits on the prairies.
Lenore Linton is a Master Gardener and member of the St. Vital Agricultural Society
