Passions Perfected
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Gardening

Resources

Books that have shaped how I think about growing things.

Books

The Vegetable Gardener's Bible

Edward C. Smith

Comprehensive guide to raised bed gardening with the W-O-R-D system — wide rows, organic methods, raised beds, and deep soil. Great all-around reference.

Epic Tomatoes

Craig LeHoullier

Everything about growing tomatoes — from seed starting and variety selection to troubleshooting. Covers heirlooms, hybrids, and flavor profiles.

The Pepper Garden

Dave DeWitt & Paul W. Bosland

Deep dive into pepper varieties, cultivation, and the science of capsaicin. Essential reading for anyone growing hot peppers.

Texas Fruit & Vegetable Gardening

Greg Grant

Region-specific guide covering what grows in Texas, when to plant, and how to deal with the heat. Practical month-by-month planting calendar.

The Hidden Life of Trees

Peter Wohlleben

Fascinating look at how trees communicate, share resources, and form communities. Changed how I think about the tree nursery.

Bringing Nature Home

Douglas W. Tallamy

The case for native plants and their critical role in supporting insects, birds, and local ecosystems. The inspiration behind the caterpillar habitat.