- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Kyle Cathie; 2nd Revised edition edition (15 Feb 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1856263495
- ISBN-13: 978-1856263498
- Product Dimensions: 26.2 x 19.4 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 379,526 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
One of the most definitive books on the subject, "Jekka's Complete Herb Book" is now available in paperback. Written by Jekka McVicar, organic herb grower for over twenty years and regular winner of RHS Gold Medals, this work contains her knowledge of over two decades of organic cultivation for both commercial purposes and pleasure. From the commonly known to the more obscure, 335 different herbs are examined in detail. Fully illustrated, each plant is given its historical background, cultivation details and uses, be it medicinal, culinary or fragrance. Mouth-watering recipes are included where applicable including those for fragrant oils and vinegars. The writing has a natural flow and is full of quirky facts and asides making an informative but entertaining read. Common names such as Good King Henry (Chenopodium bonus-henricus), Balm of Gilead (Cedronella canariensis) and Black Horehound (Ballota nigra) are redolent of their ancient origins. Bee's Balm (Monarda), Meadowsweet (Filipendula) and Evening Primrose (Oenothera) give hints as to their habits and habitats. The less well-known are also covered - the highly scented, aptly named Incense Plant (Calomeria amaranthoides) used in pot pourris, the aphrodisiac Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) with its unusual blotched flowers and the emetic Poke Root (Phytolacca americana) also known as 'Cancer Root'. Original herb garden plans and in-depth propagation details are given together with harvesting, drying and storing techniques. Anyone considering planting herbs be it for pleasure or for their culinary use, in the garden or in containers, cannot go wrong with this valuable well-illustrated guide.
Product Description
Jekka McVicar has spent over twenty years growing herbs. She knows from experience which herbs will grow, and grow well; and which will succeed when grown at home. Her practical knowledge as a herb farmer is second to none, and is constantly increasing as new varities come on the market, or as she experiments with improved species. Only the herbs that Jekka has first hand experience of are included in this guide - some 335 of them. All are accompanied by tips on seasonalcultivation, growing from seed and cuttings, along with their individual history. All of this is augmented by over 200 culinary ideas and recipes.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
78 of 78 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As a hapless owner of a diminutive, north-facing, crazy-paved, patio garden, I rely on luck and terracotta pots to grow my herbs. Thus a special section on container-growing for each herb in this book is a god-send. The other good thing is the inclusion of more exotic sub-species eg. Thai Horapha and holy basils, which are indispensable to any enthusiastic oriental cook. All in all, this book is a treasure-trove of information and invaluable advice; it is well-written and filled with fantastic photographs and illustrations. It even contains some tempting recipes (but sadly none for Thai green curry - Ms McVicar may note the inclusion of my email address - hint, hint). I don't think I will ever need another book on herbs and I can't wait to get a bigger garden.
138 of 140 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is invaluable. I am an amateur gardener - the sort who notes the names of plants which look magnificent in someone else's garden, goes and buys the seeds/seedlings/potted up plant and then has not really got a clue what happens next. For years I have been trying to have a successful herb garden but nothing ever quite worked out. No instructions told me what was going to happen in year 2, year 3 and so on. What I should do the season AFTER I has planted/sown the herb. This fantastic book does just that and tells me what will grow where, the best way to propagate, whether the plant will work in a container, whether it needs to be brought in during the winter and then - oh joy - it gives lots of ideas of what the herb can be used for. It is a real must-have for any gardening shelf.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book was on my mother's Christmas list, but having taken delivery of it, leafed through, and then spending the afternoon lost in it, it may not make it under the tree! What's special about this good-looking book, I think, is that assumes enough knowledge and enthusiasm to appeal to dyed-in-the-wool green thumbers like my mum, but gives beginners and wistful would-be growers and kitchen novices like myself clear guidance and a sense of confidence. Perhaps THIS time the daydreams of a well-stocked and maintained herbed garden might be managable! It isn't often that you pick up a well-written book that demystifies a subject without stripping the passion out of it: I'm beginning to see why my mother raves about Jekka's books. I'm keeping this one for myself!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Jekkas Complete Herb Book
This is an excellent reference book, lovely pictures, and written in a very readable and interesting way. My partner is a fan of Jecka and loves it!!!
Published 4 months ago by JDW
A wide range of herbs
Despite its glossy, attractive appearance and pleasant weight in the hands, this book is less useful and less interesting than it ought to be. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Peasant
Jekka's Complete Herb Book
This is a wonderful book and a must to anyone keen on cooking with and growing herbs.
Published 20 months ago by Mrs. Anna Ronca
Brilliant for the home herb grower
This is a great book for anyone who wishes to grow herbs. Invaluable.
Published 21 months ago by S. Foreman
A great reference
As a beginner planning a herb garden, it answered just about every question that cropped up.
Published 22 months ago by Slartybartfast
the herb bible
I keep returning to this book again and again, it's got so much useful information both on growing and choosing plants, and how to use them (best of all). Read more
Published on 4 Jan 2010 by LML DRINKWATER
Jekka's complete herb book
The only herb book I've found which gives you a complete picture of the history, best way to grow and use/cook with every herb I'm likely to come across and more. Read more
Published on 5 Oct 2009 by R. Hardy
Jekka's Complete herb book
Product was delivered on time and of a very high quality. It's a good reference work. I like to just look at it and use it to see what to grow in the garden. Read more
Published on 2 July 2009 by Elisabeth M. Spronck
A comprehensive guide from the 'queen of herbs'
I believe Jekka McVicar is a national treasure. A herb guru and record breaking multi-gold medal winner at Chelsea, whose nursery is one of the few certified as organic in this... Read more
Published on 15 Dec 2008 by Wiltshire Bookworm
A delight to own
This is a superb book from Jekka McVicar. She has to be one of the country's foremost authorities on herbs and, in association with the RHS, has produced a book that is... Read more
Published on 29 Jun 2008 by Suzie
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