Healthy Gardens in 2023 with The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook

Author: Susan Mulvihill/Published 2/7/2023 by Cool Springs Press/Paperback, 224 pages, 200 illustrations

Synopsis:

From the publisher- “In The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook, author and veggie-growing guru Susan Mulvihill of YouTube’s Susan’s in the Garden is ready to set you up for long-term success in the vegetable garden. In these pages, Susan hands you all the info you need to stand firm against plant diseases, viruses, disorders, stressors, and even animal pests, and to do it without having to turn to harsh synthetic chemical products. 

Solutions Organized by Problem:

Courtesy: The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook

The All-natural solutions to your worst gardening woes are featured in an organized, problem-by-problem manner that makes this a quick and useful reference for both beginner and expert gardeners. For instance, if you’re having problems with beetles, or other bugs, simply go to Troubleshooting Problems- Bug Issues. There you'll find solutions to rid your garden of the spotted asparagus beetle in the above photo, along with aphids, cabbage worms, Japanese beetles (who love my Basil!), and more. 

Help in growing edible crops is here!

In this book, Susan teaches us how to get our plants off to a healthy start. In the Best Start Possible portion of the book, Susan talks about picking the right garden location, how to not overdo it in your gardening efforts, when to plant, and a handy guide to plant spacing.  

Courtesy: The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook

Susan also shows us how to troubleshoot problems like pollution issues and weather-related disorders, and how to prevent ailments such as fruit cracking, leaf roll, and blossom end rot. In addition,  you’ll find natural solutions to: 

• Over 28 bacterial and fungal diseases, including nasties like powdery mildew, potato scab, and leaf spot 

• Limit damage from plant-eating animals, including birds, chipmunks, rabbits, groundhogs, gophers, deer, and 8 other critters 

• Manage a dozen physiological disorders common to the veggie garden, including bitterness, bolting, and sunscald 

• Prevent problems before they occur using the many strategies detailed throughout these pages

Critters in The Garden:

I’ve been spending a great deal of time in this chapter attempting to figure out what animal is making holes in our front yard and flower beds. Is it Birrds, Moles, Vols, Chipmunks, Squirrels or Rabbits? Or is it a combination of them all? Thankfully, the author has kindly shared signs of their activity, hole examples, and favorite plants for each critter. It really is hard to say exactly which critter or critters may be doing the most damage, so we’re adding a game camera to the front of our property soon so we can narrow it down and take proper action.

My Thoughts:

Keeping our edible and flower gardens and plants healthy and productive is hard work. Even though this book was written to help solve the vegetable gardener's problems, I’ve found the guides and resources transferable to flower gardening as well. 

I really like the quick reference charts found throughout the book and the handy Product  Supply Guide at the back of the book. No need to go searching the web for a product Susan uses and recommends, they are color-coded and ready for you. 

 

The Takeaway:

Are you ready to have Healthy Gardens in 2023? Then The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook is a must-read! I invite you to learn more about this book and the author, Susan Mulvihill by visiting her blog, Susan’s In The Garden and learn more about the book and where to purchase it at Quarto Publishing. 

Looking for more home and garden help? Go here on the blog. Want more book suggestions? Use this tab for lots of book reviews.

Win It:

Thanks to today’s sponsor, Quarto Publishing, one lucky reader will win a paperback copy of The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook. No purchase is necessary to enter. Please read all terms as outlined below before entering. I do check if entries adhere to these terms.  

Terms: 

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter form below. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment, sponsor is. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel. 

Good Luck!