Praise for
The Downsized Veggie Garden
“IDEAS, that’s what this book is all about. If you want the pleasure of a garden, this book will give you plenty of ideas, and you will be amazed at all of the options you really have.”
~ Mel Bartholomew, Creator of the Square Foot Gardening System, author of All New Square Foot Gardening
“Growing fresh veggies, herbs and fruits can be done in most any space. Kate shares her years of gardening experience to give you the many options for growing the food you enjoy.”
~ Brenda Haas, host of Twitter #gardenchat and co-host of Garden Chatter, HGTVgardens Ask&Share
“When I first heard that Kate Copsey was writing her own book about growing vegetables, I knew immediately that I wanted a copy. She can dance, you see, and that’s what vegetable gardening is all about – a dance involving sun, soil, water, nutrients and a little common sense. Kate gently and confidently guides novices and experts, young and old – even me – through the practical steps necessary to succeed on whatever patch of land or porch or deck or patio we call our ‘farm.’”
~ Mike Nowak, columnist for Chicagoland Gardening magazine, speaker, radio show host, blogger, author of Attack of the Killer Asparagus
“For baby boomers, newbie gardeners and those who wannabe, having a garden that’s just the right size is a must. Too big and you can get discouraged. Too small, and you might be disappointed. Some of us don’t have any space for an in-ground garden, so Smart Pots, window boxes and hanging baskets are put to work. With the wisdom that comes from getting her hands dirty, Kate provides the best advice, tips and recommendations to help you succeed in your garden space, from what to grow and when to harvest – all honed to specific regions.”
~ Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, garden columnist for The Indianapolis Star, contributor to Indiana Gardening, and editor of Iowa Gardener, Michigan Gardening, Minnesota Gardener and Wisconsin Gardening magazines.
“I wish I had The Downsized Veggie Garden when I first started vegetable gardening. It would have saved me time and money and shown me how to grow more food in less space. Kate Copsey is the perfect gardening coach – she’s knowledgeable, encouraging, and has a ton of tips and advice on growing and harvesting in small spaces.”
~ Niki Jabbour, best-selling author of Groundbreaking Food Gardens and The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener (2012 Book Award, American Horticultural Society), host of The Weekend Gardener News in Halifax and Ottawa.
“Kate’s book is a timeless reminder and useful guide for new and veteran gardeners alike. Curbing our enthusiasm for over-planting is hugely important – especially when it comes to vegetable gardening. Too much, too soon, can become quickly overwhelming. Kate offers practical ways to grow into our gardens while keeping it fun, productive and manageable.”
~ Joe Lamp’l, Executive Producer and host: Growing a Greener World®; Founder and CEO, The joe gardener® Company
“Kate Copsey must be a kindred spirit, as she finds a place for veggies just about anywhere in the landscape. Didn’t think you could have a vegetable garden? Think again! The Downsized Veggie Garden is a wonderful addition to any gardener’s library. It’s packed with great information presented with a friendly voice.”
~ Doug Oster, garden columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, author of Tomatoes Garlic Basil
the downsized Veggie Garden
the downsized Veggie Garden
How to Garden Small
Wherever You Live, Whatever Your Space
Kate Copsey
The Downsized Veggie Garden
How to garden small wherever you live, whatever your space
Copyright © 2016 by Kate Copsey
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewerwho may quote brief passages for review purposes.
ISBN-13: 978-1-943366-00-2
Library of Congress Control Number: 2015947988
CIP information available upon request
First Edition, 2016
St. Lynn’s Press . POB 18680 . Pittsburgh, PA 15236
412.381.9933 . www.stlynnspress.com
Book design – Holly Rosborough
Editor – Catherine Dees
Photo credits:
All photos © Kate Copsey, with the exception of the following:
Holly Rosborough – pgs 1, 9, 35, 39 (top), 40, 48, 49, 51 (bottom), 58, 60, 62, 63, 66, 67, 69, 70, 72, 81, 97, 110, 111, 114 (top), 121, 31, 133, 139 (left), 141, 142, 146, 147, 148;
Asher Wittenberg – pg 12; Carol Case Siracuse and Tom Palamusa – pg 15;
BrazelBerries® – Peach Sorbet Blueberry, pg 114 (right), and Raspberry Shortcake, pg 116;
Matej Kudlicska, Strawberry, pg 11, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jahoda.jpg;
Amy Gaertner, Winter (Acorn) Squash, pg 150,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cucurbita_pepo_Carnival_Acorn_Squash_III.jpg
Printed in China
On certified FSC recycled paper using soy-based inks
This title and all of St. Lynn’s Press books may be purchased for educational, business or sales promotional use. For information please write:
Special Markets Department . St. Lynn’s Press . POB 18680 . Pittsburgh, PA 15236
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
TO MY PARENTS
AUDREY AND THE LATE MICHAEL WRIGHT
WHO ALWAYS GREW VEGETABLES –
AND EACH WINTER MADE A POTATO TRENCH
WHERE WE DEPOSITED COMPOSTABLE SCRAPS.
Table of Contents