Organic Gardening (Not Just) in the Northeast:  A Hands-on Month-by-Month Guide by Henry Homeyer is one of those no-frills, no-photos-just-a-few-illustrations, chock-full-of-useful-info books that you’ll refer to again and again.

Homeyer, aka The Gardening Guy,  an organic gardener for four decades as well as a syndicated garden writer and radio personality, knows his stuff when it comes to organic gardening – regardless of where you garden.

Organic Gardening (Not Just) in the Northeast begins in March and continues throughout the year, offering sage advice on topics as varied as starting seeds to sharpening tools to growing rice.  This book offers an eclectic mix of gardening advice from a man who has spent his life in the garden.

Written in a conversational, relaxed tone, it is full of helpful basics for newbies as well as gems of wisdom for more seasoned gardeners. I found myself scribbling down notes about additional books to look for, specific plants to try and tricks for making some everyday plants grow even better (I especially liked the tip about adding some sheet rock to the bottom of  a hole when planting roses).

Least you think this is simply another how-to guide, I should mention that also included are more esoteric musings on topics such as getting your garden ready for a party and your garden as a source of comfort.

At times the book can read a bit like an infomercial for Homeyer’s favorite products. But that can be forgiven when you realize how much good, sound gardening advice he is sharing that would take years and years to glean on your own.

If you’re in to organic gardening, even if you don’t live in the Northeast, this book has a lot to offer.

Note:  I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the express purpose of reviewing it.