Michigan Gardener's Companion: An Insider's Guide To Gardening In The Great Lakes State - Paperback

by Rita Henehan (Author)

The glaciers that advanced and then receded through the Great Lakes region shaped Michigan's terrain and soil in ways that challenge and sometimes confound modern-day gardeners. Michigan today has 450 varieties of soil! Before they can garden successfully, Michigan gardeners need to know what soil they have and how to address its shortcomings-and do that within the limitations of the state's climate and northern growing season. This book explains how Michigan gardeners can lengthen their growing seasons through careful plant selection, exploiting microclimates, and using season-extending products. Chapters focus on lawns, vegetables, flowers, and trees, plant diseases, and invasive plants.

Back Jacket

Grow a garden bountiful and beautifulThe Michigan Gardener's Companion is your guide to cultivating a successful garden in the Great Lakes State. Whether you are an experienced green thumb or a curious novice, whether you live in the Upper or Lower Peninsula, near a Great Lakes shoreline, or inland, this easy-to-understand guide helps you grow plentiful vegetables, abundant flowers, and lush lawns. Learn all about: What's in your Michigan soil and how to improve itHow to extend your growing seasonPlant varieties proven to thrive in your climate, Zone 3 through Zone 6Garden design basics--plus which Michigan gardens to visit for more great design ideasWays to combat insect pests, plant diseases, and invasive plantsLocal sources of hands-on assistance with gardening questions

Author Biography

Author Rita Henehan is a Purdue University Advanced Master Gardener who has written for the South Bend Tribune and Michigan County Lines magazine. Many of her articles have appeared on gardening and environmental Web sites, including that of Harvard University's JFK School of Government. She occasionally talks about gardening on the call-in radio show Green Thumbs Up with Mike Maloney. She lives in White Pigeon, Michigan.