Historical Garden Books: Crop growing and crop feeding; a book for the farm, garden and orchard, with special reference to the practical methods of using commercial fertilizers therein (1901)by Wilbur Fisk Massey – 33 in a Series

Archive.org has a host of old gardening books (from mid-19th to mid-20th Century) available in many formats and on a host of topics. I happened across a few in my Pinterest feed and gone completely down the rabbit hole in this treasure trove of information. Sure some ideas might be out of 

Historical Garden Books: Crop growing and crop feeding; a book for the farm, garden and orchard, with special reference to the practical methods of using commercial fertilizers therein (1901)by Wilbur Fisk Massey – 33 in a Series

Historical Garden Books:  Crop growing and crop feeding; a book for the farm, garden and orchard, with special reference to the practical methods of using commercial fertilizers therein (1901)by Wilbur Fisk Massey  - 33  in a SeriesHistorical Garden Books:  Crop growing and crop feeding; a book for the farm, garden and orchard, with special reference to the practical methods of using commercial fertilizers therein (1901)by Wilbur Fisk Massey  - 33  in a Series

Historical Garden Books:  Crop growing and crop feeding; a book for the farm, garden and orchard, with special reference to the practical methods of using commercial fertilizers therein (1901)by Wilbur Fisk Massey  - 33  in a SeriesCropgrowingHistorical Garden Books:  Crop growing and crop feeding; a book for the farm, garden and orchard, with special reference to the practical methods of using commercial fertilizers therein (1901)by Wilbur Fisk Massey  - 33  in a Seriescropf00mass 0005

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THE PRACTICAL FARMER’S LIBRARY

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY JANUARY 1ST, APRIL 1ST. JULY lST, OCTOBER 1ST.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $2.00 PER YEAR POSTPAID

The Practical Farmer’s Library is a new departure along new lines in agricul- tural journalism. Started January ist, 1899, it instantly sprang into popularity. Its plan, briefly, is a Year Book and Agricultural Almanac, published January ist of each year, followed by three other numbers during the year, especially pre- pared for the farmer and his family for their daily use and reference. The size and shape of the numbers are handy for preservation and a complete alphabetical index in each volume puts the contents of each at the reader’s finger ends. The practical and useful character of the Library is well illustrated by this number. It is gotten up along the lines which practical experience has indicated, will best serve the daily needs of the soil tiller. The four numbers of the year give a mass of information which cannot be found in any other publication, and in just the shape where it is most readily assimilable by the reader.

The Farmer Co., publishers,

PHILADELPHIA


PREFACE.

This book is the result of an effort to put into the plain language of the farm the facts which scientists have worked out in the laboratory, and which practical experience has proved to be applicable to the every day work of the farm. It is written for men who know nothing of chemistry, but who are anxious to learn something of the chemical combinations that are of value in the feeding of crops, and the best way to use them in the permanent improvement of their soil. For men who know nothing of the mysteries of plant life, but who are anxious to learn how plants live, grow and perform all their work in soil and air, so that they may be better able to comprehend their needs, and supply them in a rational manner.

While endeavoring to make the book scientifically accurate in all its statements I have tried to avoid all pedantry, but to make the whole so plain that the “way- faring man, though a fool, need not err.” I have undertaken the work with a good deal of misgiving as to what should be its exact position on some of the problems in nature as yet not fully solved, and about which there is much yet to be learned by the wisest minds. When such problems are attempted, I will candidly say that I do not as yet fully comprehend the processes involved, I will give the results so far as they are known. The acquirement of nitrogen by leguminous plants is one of the problems that has not yet been fully worked out, and while we know that they do get the nitrogen through the agency of minute organisms that live with them on their roots, the exact process by which these microscopic forms get the nitrogen is not yet fully understood. But for our purpose it is enough to know that they do get it and store it in the roots and soil for the future crop.

N. C. College of A. &. M. A.,

Raleigh, N. C.

More information on this book:

Publication date 1901
Publisher Philadelphia, The Farmer Company
Digitizing sponsor Sloan Foundation
Language English
 
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Event: Tomatomania San Fernando Valley, March 16-18, 2019

Event: Tomatomania San Fernando Valley, March 16-18, 2019

Tapia Brothers, Encino, CA – March 16-18

For almost 20 years one of Los Angeles’ oldest garden traditions meets one of its newest sensations as Tapia Brothers Farm Stand hosts the largest of the TOMATOMANIA! seedling sales. We’ll showcase almost 300 tomato varieties (yes, you read that right) and offer everything you’ll need to have the most successful tomato season ever. Our team of Tomatomaniacs will help you with all the details.

Oh and Peppers!  We’ve grown out over 50 unique varieties that will be a perfect complement to the tomatoes you’ll be growing this summer.

Tomatomania slider 7

The event line up is filled with classes so you can get your TOMATO PHD, meet our new Tomato of the Year and revel in some really unique tomato varieties we’ve found, tested and tasted in the last year. We have new hosts, new events and even more time in some communities so we can offer you a more convenient opportunity to share in Tomatomania and the energy of the spring.

We’ll be open 9-5 all three days (even if it rains) and there’s plenty of parking available.

How many seedlings do you need? Wear your TOMATOMANIA! t-shirt to get 10% off your purchase.

If you miss us during our showcase weekend, don’t lose hope. This pop up becomes a “Stay Put” and you will find us there in our “hay bale boutique” as TOMATOMANIA continues at Tapia through April 14.

Event: Tomatomania San Fernando Valley, March 16-18, 2019

Tapia Brothers Farm Stand

5251 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino, CA 91436
9am – 5pm all three days

(818) 905-6155

Get the Tomatomania book 

Get the Tomatomania book

* A portion of each sale from Amazon.com directly supports our blogs
** Many of these books may be available from your local library. Check it out!
† Available from the LA Public Library

Every spring, thousands of self-described “’maniacs” gather for a series of multi-day garden events for the largest tomato seedling sale in the nation: Tomatomania! CEOs and soccer moms, grandmothers and hipsters, hardcore gardeners and eager first-timers—folks from every walk of life unite to celebrate this energetic rite of spring and their shared love of tomatoes.

In this practical and fun guide, Tomatomania! owner Scott Daigre provides a peek into his Ojai, California, tomato patch and details a “reality gardening” approach to growing the world’s favorite summer treat. Tomatomania! walks readers through every step of the tomato gardening process, from the earliest planning stages to those final satisfying kitchen table moments of the season.

Including 20 simple yet unique recipes and numerous kitchen tips to get the most out of your tomato harvest, this comprehensive guide to growing and cooking with tomatoes will turn you, too, into a proud ’maniac!

 

Bonsai via Instagram

What do you think about bonsai? Leave a comment and share!

Bonsai via Instagram

Bonsai

A small, simple bonsai spotted @armstronggarden near me. I am always amazed at the delicate, miniature representations of bonsai, even if I don’t think I could ever develop the skill or patience necessary to create my own. I can always appreciate them, though. 😀… and the hard work that goes into creating them. 

When I have a chance, I stop by our local @armstronggarden store to see what is in-season, new, and perhaps, on sale. 
Even when I don’t end up buying something, it is a good opportunity to take some photos to share.

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* A portion of each sale from Amazon.com directly supports our blogs
** Many of these books may be available from your local library. Check it out!
† Available from the LA Public Library

10 Easy Pieces: Wood Compost Bins via Gardenista

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get started composting, but if you are so inclined, here are a number of fancy methods to get you started in creating your own soil amendments. — Douglas
Stylish compost? Not an oxymoron. Here are 10 of our favorite wood compost bins and composting systems, in sizes to fit all gardens.

Read 10 Easy Pieces: Wood Compost Bins via Gardenista


Camellia Bloom via Instagram

What is your favorite color of flower? Leave a comment and share!

Camellia Bloom via Instagram

Camellia Bloom

While they only bloom for a short period of time each year, Camellia certainly carry a large flower bang for your gardening buck. There are so many different varieties, flower forms and colors that nearly any gardener can find a camellia they love. 
Here in Los Angeles, we are blessed with an entire camellia forest at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge @descansogardens on Instagram.

The last time I was there at camellia time I took hundreds of photos of dozens of types of camellias and more. See some of them using this link — Camellias on A Gardener’s Notebook.

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Garden Decor: Cute Recycled Metal Sunflower

What is your favorite garden decor? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Garden Decor: Cute Recycled Metal Sunflower

Garden Decor: Cute Recycled Metal Sunflower

Always one to reduce, reuse, recycle myself, I was happy to find this gem at the local @armstronggarden a few days ago. 
I think this had just the right amount of cute and kitsch for my own garden without falling over the ”gaudy” line. 😀

Do you have your own home grown garden decor that you love? Add it ot to the comments!

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Check out some books on garden decor

* A portion of each sale from Amazon.com directly supports our blogs
** Many of these books may be available from your local library. Check it out!
† Available from the LA Public Library

Lavender via Instagram

What is your favorite scent or herb? Leave a comment and share!

Lavender

Lavender

We have quite a bit of lavender here in the garden. My wife loves it both for its look and its lovely scent and it grows well in the Mediterranean climate here in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. 

I haven’t purchased lavender plants in years as it is so easy to propagate. Trim a few stems of their lower leaves and place in some potting soil and within a month or so you have new plants ready to pot on or plant out in the garden. 

When I have a chance, I stop by our local @armstronggarden store to see what is in-season, new, and perhaps, on sale. 
Even when I don’t end up buying something, it is a good opportunity to take some photos to share here and on my garden blog, A Gardener’s Notebook.

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Saucer Magnolia/Magnolia × soulangeana via Instagram

What is your favorite springtime flower? Leave a comment and share!

Saucer Magnolia/Magnolia × soulangeana via Instagram

Saucer Magnolia/Magnolia × soulangeana

Each Los Angeles winter/spring these saucer magnolia trees throughout the neighborhood spring to life. They are striking for a number of reasons but I think the main reason is the fact the the flowers appear of bare limbs, before their leaves. For a week or so they are simply a tree of large colorful flowers attracting your eye at every turn. 

I don’t have one myself, but I make sure to enjoy my neighbors trees for the short time they are in flower. 

When I have a chance, I stop by our local Armstrong Garden store to see what is in-season, new, and perhaps, on sale. 
Even when I don’t end up buying something, it is a good opportunity to take some photos to share here and on my garden blog, A Gardener’s Notebook.

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Historical Seed Catalogs: Farm, flower & garden seeds by A.A. Berry Seed Co (1905) – 21 in a series

Archive.org has a host of old seed catalogs (from mid-19th to mid-20th Century) available in many formats and on a host of topics. I happened across a few in my Pinterest feed and gone completely down the rabbit hole in this treasure trove of information. Sure some ideas might be out of date, but you never know what you might find when you explore these catalogs. I’ll be sharing more catalogs as I find them in the coming weeks. –Douglas

Historical Seed Catalogs: Farm, flower & garden seeds by A.A. Berry Seed Co (1905) – 21 in a series

The image is a vintage seed company advertisement from 1905 for A.A. Berry Seed Co. in Clarinda, Iowa. The background features a mix of agricultural imagery, including a large ear of corn on the right and a stalk of wheat on the left. In the center, a child is depicted sitting on a large blue pumpkin, with the text "Berry's Iowa King" beside it. Below the child, there is a variety of farm, flower, and garden seeds, including tomatoes, onions, radishes, and cucumbers. The text "Golden Rust Proof" is displayed on the left side, suggesting a rust-resistant variety. The company's name, "A.A. Berry Seed Co.," is prominently displayed at the top in bold red letters, with the location "Clarinda, Iowa" beneath it. The year "1905" is also featured, indicating the advertisement's date. The overall color scheme includes earthy tones with accents of red and blue, typical of early 20th-century advertising.

Provided by @altbot, generated privately and locally using Ovis2-8BHistorical Seed Catalogs: Farm, flower & garden seeds by A.A. Berry Seed Co (1905) - 21 in a series

Historical Seed Catalogs: Farm, flower & garden seeds by A.A. Berry Seed Co (1905) - 21 in a seriesHistorical Seed Catalogs: Farm, flower & garden seeds by A.A. Berry Seed Co (1905) - 21 in a series

Download in Text, PDF, Single Page JPG, TORRENT from Archive.org

BUY YOUR SEEDS DIRECT FROM THE GROWER.

1905 GREETINGS

OUR DEAR OLD FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS.— / Old Time has passed another mile-stone in the world’s history, and it affords us great

^^i^ pleasure to extend our usual annual greetings. These little personal heart-to-heart talks with our friends who have been so kind in sending orders from time to time, are indeed a great pleasure and a happy privilege.

Dear friends and patrons: We greet you with all warmth of heart, and hope the year we are just entering may be a prosperous and happy one with you and yours.

We certainly have your best interests and happiness at heart, and hope your prosperity will increase as the years roll by. We know it is to your best interests to use Berry’s Seeds and Plants. We have the great pleasure to inform you that the past year has been a very prosperous and happy one with us. Prosperous, because we received more than double the number of orders of any previous year; and when the number of orders can be doubled by a firm in a single season, it means that firm is prospering; and this can only be accomplished by fair and honest treatment of its customers, and by giving good value for the money received. To double any business in a single year speaks volumes in the way of management. But our Golden Rule method (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”), is reaping a harvest of satisfied customers who tell their neighbors about us and advertise our business to such an extent that they, in turn, send in their orders. That is why we have received more than twice as many orders as in previous years.

In all this effort of planning, of thoughtful and earnest endeavor to give only the best of every advertised article, there has been a mixture of pleasure and contentment which makes labor sweet and life a true pleasure to know that every order we send out is filled with germs of life from which, when nature has done her part, will spring forth living representatives of the plant- ing our poor pen has endeavored to make this Catalogue portray. This can only be done by grow- ers of seed themselves. The grower plants the seed and watches from the first sprout until matu- rity, and thus he can explain accurately and honestly its habits, appearance and yield, upon an average. This is why the multitudes buy seed from Berry. They know he knows what he is talking about when he has studied and demonstrated every single statement made.

Our hearts and worldly possessions are all in this work. We absolutely guarantee every seed or bulb We ship, to grow under reasonable conditions and proper care, and in all of our experience we have never allowed a customer to go dissatisfied if we could help it, and never will.

Dear Friend, you may have read all our catalogues from the beginning; if so, We thank you for your interest and attention; but that fact should not deter you from reading every word of this one.

We extend to all our customers, as well as to those who shall favor us with their first order, thanks for their patronage thus far, and for anticipated future orders. We can truthfufty say that no seedsman can give them more truthful and honest efforts than shall we.

This year we have broken away from the old beaten paths, and instead of spending so much money in newspaper advertising we will give to our customers $3,500 in Gold Prizes. I^is is a large sum of money, and it will be easy to obtain, as we absolutely give it away to our customers. See particulars on page five. The A. A. Berry Seed Company do as they agree.

May your harvest be ever abundant, and your joys know no end!

A. A. BERRY,

Manager for A. A. Berry Seed Co.

Publication date 1905
Publisher Clarinda, Iowa : A.A. Berry Seed Co.
Digitizing sponsor U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Library
Contributor U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Library
Language English
Volume 1905

Purple Power via Instagram

Do You Like Purple flowers? Yes/No? Leave a comment and share!

Purple Power via Instagram

Purple Power via Instagram

Purple has always been one of my favorite colors and this deep purple hits the spot perfectly. 

I also appreciate the simple petal arrangement. You don’t always need double or triple blooms to make something look amazing.

Sometimes that just feels like too much and they end up looking more like a Pom Pom than a flower. 

When I have a chance, I stop by our local @armstronggarden store to see what is in-season, new, and perhaps, on sale. 
Even when I don’t end up buying something, it is a good opportunity to take some photos to share here and on my garden blog, A Gardener’s Notebook.

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