I agree with you, Vaporvac, that the explanations and discussion of plant management are very helpful in this 1958 book. It's very descriptive and love the way then discuss the handling of roots and the hands on approach in general.
And Calsurf, the pesticides discussion is, as I said, naive and somewhat hair raising. Two more examples: The authors suggest for aphids "the old standard exterminator is nicotine sulphate or Black Leaf 40. Malathion is a specific...if used regularly, usually keep aphids under control." also For earwigs, a "5% dusting" of Chlordane or heptachlor seems to be just what the doctor ordered. However, the book was written in 1958 and the EPA banned Chlordane in 1988!
I'm still enjoying the book. It's as if I'm back in the garden with my dad...stomping out his cigarettes for him! Great memories. David
