[Sca-cooks] I finally got some land to garden on..

[Johnna Holloway]

Do you want vegetables, fruit orchard, or herbs? Long range or something
immediate in terms of pay-off? Many plants and trees take years before
you see anything in terms of produce. The heirloom apple trees that I 
planted
when we moved into house in 98 finally produced an apple this past year. 
8-10
years is normal, so one apple after 6 seasons isn't bad.

I'd suggest a copy of William Weaver's Heirloom Vegetable Gardening:
A Master Gardener's Guide to Planting, Seed Saving, and Cultural History.

It's oriented to American heirloom vegetables, but it's do-able and he 
discusses
the history of the plants.  He's also based in Pennsylvania.

As for something to read, I like Charleston Kedding. A
History of Kitchen Gardening by Susan Campbell.


I would also go browse the shelves of the local library, as gardening 
books are
often a staple that libraries buy in quantity. 
If you are serious I would also check out programs with the Local State 
Extension
service as they often offer gardening classes, master garden 
certification, etc. Also
booklets that will address plants for certain regions. They also offer 
low cost soil testing
so you know what to add and in what amounts to get the soil in the best 
shape.

Johnnae llyn Lewis

..but i've never gardened before.snipped
What advice would y'all have for the novice
gardener?  What books/websites would y'all recommend for me to peruse
for inspiration/information?
Stories of dream veg gardens that have little or nothing to do with my
question are completly acceptable and are, in fact, encouraged.
Jenn