Quick Take

If you have ever dreamed of picking fresh salad leaves for the evening meal, gathering vine-ripened tomatoes or pulling up your own sweet carrots, this is the book for you. Follow in the footsteps of one of Australia's best-loved cooks and food writers as she reveals the secrets of rewarding kitchen gardening. Be encouraged by detailed gardening notes that explain how adults and children alike can plant, grow and harvest 73 different vegetables, herbs and fruit, and try some of the 250 recipes that will transform your fresh produce into delicious meals. Whether you have a large plot in a suburban backyard or a few pots on a balcony, you will find everything you need to get started in this inspiring and eminently useful garden-to-table guide.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion

Introduction

Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion is a garden-to-table guide that offers a comprehensive and inspiring approach to kitchen gardening. This book, written by one of Australia's best-loved cooks and food writers, provides readers with the secrets of growing and harvesting 73 different vegetables, herbs, and fruits. With detailed gardening notes and 250 recipes, it encourages adults and children alike to plant, grow, and enjoy the rewards of their own kitchen garden.

About Stephanie Alexander

Stephanie Alexander is an iconic figure in Australian cooking. She is known for her passion for food, wine, and friendship, which she believes bring happiness to others. In her memoir, A Cook's Life, Alexander shares her experiences and anecdotes, offering readers a glimpse into her life. Today, she dedicates much of her time to supporting the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation project, which aims to establish veggie gardens in schools across Australia.

Analysis of Views

Comprehensive and Detailed: Many readers appreciate the book's comprehensive nature, as it covers a wide range of vegetables, herbs, and fruits. The detailed information on planting, harvesting, and pest control makes it an invaluable resource for those who want to grow their own produce.
Easy to Follow: The book is praised for its easy-to-follow approach, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced gardeners. The step-by-step instructions and useful tips make it a great guide for those who are new to gardening or want to start a kitchen garden.
Beautifully Illustrated: The beautiful illustrations in the book enhance the reading experience and make it visually appealing. The hardback edition with a rough calico book jacket adds to the book's durability and versatility.
Versatile Recipes: Readers appreciate the variety of recipes included in the book, ranging from simple to more complex dishes. The recipes showcase the versatility of the fresh produce grown in the kitchen garden, inspiring readers to try new ways of cooking and experiment with their culinary skills.
Engaging for Kids: Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion encourages children to get involved in the gardening process and learn about nutrition through hands-on experience. The activities included in the book cater to different age groups, making it a valuable resource for families with children interested in gardening and cooking.

Reasons for Recommendation

Comprehensive Gardening Guide: The book provides a comprehensive guide to kitchen gardening, covering various types of vegetables, herbs, and fruits. It offers detailed information on planting, harvesting, and pest control, making it an essential resource for those who want to grow their own produce.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions: The book's easy-to-follow approach makes it accessible for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. The step-by-step instructions and practical tips ensure that readers can successfully start their own kitchen garden without feeling overwhelmed.
Beautiful Illustrations: The beautiful illustrations in the book add visual appeal to the reading experience. The hardback edition with a rough calico book jacket makes it durable and versatile for both indoor and outdoor use.
Versatile Recipes: The variety of recipes included in the book showcases the versatility of fresh produce grown in a kitchen garden. Readers can experiment with different dishes and expand their culinary horizons by trying new recipes using their own homegrown ingredients.
Engaging for Kids: The book encourages children to participate in the gardening process and learn about nutrition through hands-on experience. It offers activities that cater to different age groups, making it a valuable resource for families with young children interested in gardening and cooking.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Not Encyclopedic: Some readers may find that the book is not as comprehensive as they expected, given its focus on specific types of vegetables, herbs, and fruits. They may prefer a more encyclopedic guide that covers a broader range of topics related to kitchen gardening.
Limited Focus on Other Gardening Topics: While Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion provides valuable information on kitchen gardening, some readers may feel that it does not cover other important aspects of gardening such as landscaping or design ideas for outdoor spaces.

Conclusion

Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion is a highly recommended book for those interested in kitchen gardening or looking to start their own backyard or balcony garden. With its comprehensive guide to growing 73 different vegetables, herbs, and fruits, easy-to-follow instructions, beautiful illustrations, versatile recipes, and engaging activities for children, this book offers a well-rounded approach to garden-to-table living. While some readers may find it lacking in certain areas or prefer more encyclopedic coverage of gardening topics, the overall consensus is that Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Companion is an essential resource for anyone interested in sustainable food production and enjoying the rewards of homegrown produce.