Additional information
by Julia Watkins (Author)
A guide to creating and growing a backyard kitchen garden simply and sustainably--from planning to planting to harvest, with profiles of essential vegetables and herbs, ecological tips, and fun and creative projects
Growing food in your backyard (or through container gardening on a porch or windowsill!) is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to nourish yourself, be self-sufficient, and connect with nature in a hands-on way. Here sustainability expert Julia Watkins shares everything you need to know to grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs (as well as wildflowers and other beneficial companion plants). The book covers all the nuts and bolts of creating and caring for your garden--planning, building, planting, tending, and harvesting--followed by a deeper dive into the plants themselves: demystifying annuals vs. perennials, cold-weather vs. warm-weather veggies, and profiles of favorite crops. Throughout, Julia offers tips for creating an eco-friendly and sustainable garden (such as vermicomposting, no-till "lasagna" gardening, and attracting pollinators), plus some fun and unexpected hands-on DIY garden projects like how to build a bean teepee, make wildflower seed paper, and enjoy refreshing herbal lemonade ice pops.
This friendly, sustainable approach will help you master key skills, including:
- Organic Gardening Methods: Learn sustainable, eco-friendly techniques like vermicomposting, attracting pollinators, and no-till "lasagna" gardening to build healthy, living soil.
- Small Space Solutions: Discover how to grow a productive garden on a porch, patio, or even a windowsill using smart container and raised bed strategies.
- Essential Plant Profiles: Demystify the difference between annuals and perennials and get to know the specific needs of your favorite vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
- Companion Planting: Learn how to pair beneficial plants like wildflowers with your vegetables to deter pests and attract helpful insects naturally.
Author Biography
JULIA WATKINS is the author of Simply Living Well and the creator of the popular Instagram account @simply.living.well, where she shares about living simply and sustainably. Julia and her husband are the co-founders of Lookfar Conservation, a nonprofit that supports conservation and restoration projects in Africa and Latin America. She lives in Chicago. You can also find her online at simplylivingwell.com.
