Jim Stephens offers clear explanations of useful gardening terms and joins popular growing concepts with the expertise of the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Stephens explains
-- types of gardens (including hydroponic and organic),
-- site selection,
-- vegetable variety selection,
garden establishment and care,
-- soil fertilization and management,
-- climatic implications,
-- cultivation practices, and
-- harvesting and storing.

He addresses the challenge of pests and diseases and includes a detailed and illustrated description of all the major and minor crops usually grown in Florida.

And he doesn't overlook the basic, practical advice: thin the turnips, Stephens says, keep your tools sharp and clean, don't use lawn fertilizer on those vegetables. This guide will be indispensable to county agents, schoolteachers, garden writers, and anyone who enjoys a juicy, homegrown tomato.