Book Review: Veggie Garden Remix

It can be easy for gardeners to get into a routine of planting the same old vegetable varieties year after year. We all have our favorites, right? Well, just when we vegetable gardeners thought we had it all figured out, here comes Niki Jabbour to take us out of our comfort zone with her latest book, Veggie Garden Remix (Storey Publishing, 232 pp., $19.95). I’m familiar with Niki’s work, having read (and reviewed) The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener and Groundbreaking Food Gardens. So I was anxious to see what she was up to this time. It turns out, quite a lot. While this book continues her theme of edible gardening, it has a new twist that’s guaranteed to renew any vegetable gardener’s passion. The book’s subtitle is “224 New Plants to Shake Up Your Garden and Add Variety, Flavor & Fun.” In the introduction, she explains how she grew traditional vegetables for years. Since her in-laws are from Lebanon, Niki has been learning about and growing many wonderful crops that most of us have never heard of. Veggie Garden Remix introduces us to these, along with many others that Niki and her family have enjoyed growing in their Halifax, Nova Scotia, garden. She is a huge proponent of trying new things. As Niki writes, “My original interest in growing a wider variety of edibles was sparked by my immigrant in-laws. In home gardens and community gardens across North America and beyond, immigrants bring their rich food traditions to their new countries, growing vegetables and herbs from their homelands. We have much to learn from these gardeners....” Throughout the book, she’ll say “Like (insert the name of a veggie here)? Try these relatives!” Or, “Why grow ordinary summer squashes?” and then suggest tasty and interesting alternatives. For example, in addition to suggesting lesser-known varieties of tomatoes, she encourages the reader to try ground cherries, cape gooseberries and tomatillos. In the cucumber section, she suggests alternatives such as ‘Poona Kheera’, ‘Suyo Long’ and ‘Cucamelons’ -- the last of which I’m trying in this year’s garden. For each of her recommendations, she includes information on their background, growing tips and when to harvest. Niki is also honest if something is challenging to grow. Those who live in cold climates like the author does will appreciate how she has included information on season extension for different types of crops. On a personal note, I was tickled to discover that I’ve grown at least a few of the crops Niki mentions: tomatillos, lemon cucumbers (haven’t we all?), ‘Sweet Dumpling’ and ‘Red Kuri’ winter squash, ‘Emerite’ beans, ‘Golden Sweet’ and ‘Sugar Magnolia’ peas, ‘Red Giant’ mustard, Mache (corn salad), Minutina, ‘New Zealand’ and Malabar spinach, as well as ‘Costata Romanesco’, ‘Sunburst’ and ‘Eight Ball’ summer squash. So there’s hope for me yet! But there are so many vegetables I’ve never heard of. In the acknowledgements at the end of the book, there is a list of seed companies Niki used as sources for this diverse group of veggies and herbs. I can’t wait to check out their offerings to see what I can add to my garden! Veggie Garden Remix is sure to ignite your enthusiasm as well. After all, diversity in the garden is a very good thing.It can be easy for gardeners to get into a routine of planting the same old vegetable varieties year after year. We all have our favorites, right?

Well, just when we vegetable gardeners thought we had it all figured out, here comes Niki Jabbour to take us out of our comfort zone with her latest book, Veggie Garden Remix (Storey Publishing, 232 pp., $19.95).

I’m familiar with Niki’s work, having read (and reviewed) The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener and Groundbreaking Food Gardens. So I was anxious to see what she was up to this time. It turns out, quite a lot.

While this book continues her theme of edible gardening, it has a new twist that’s guaranteed to renew any vegetable gardener’s passion. The book’s subtitle is “224 New Plants to Shake Up Your Garden and Add Variety, Flavor & Fun.”

In the introduction, she explains how she grew traditional vegetables for years. Since her in-laws are from Lebanon, Niki has been learning about and growing many wonderful crops that most of us have never heard of. Veggie Garden Remix introduces us to these, along with many others that Niki and her family have enjoyed growing in their Halifax, Nova Scotia, garden. She is a huge proponent of trying new things.

As Niki writes, “My original interest in growing a wider variety of edibles was sparked by my immigrant in-laws. In home gardens and community gardens across North America and beyond, immigrants bring their rich food traditions to their new countries, growing vegetables and herbs from their homelands. We have much to learn from these gardeners….”

Throughout the book, she’ll say “Like (insert the name of a veggie here)? Try these relatives!” Or, “Why grow ordinary summer squashes?” and then suggest tasty and interesting alternatives.

For example, in addition to suggesting lesser-known varieties of tomatoes, she encourages the reader to try ground cherries, cape gooseberries and tomatillos.

In the cucumber section, she suggests alternatives such as ‘Poona Kheera’, ‘Suyo Long’ and ‘Cucamelons’ — the last of which I’m trying in this year’s garden.

For each of her recommendations, she includes information on their background, growing tips and when to harvest. Niki is also honest if something is challenging to grow. Those who live in cold climates like the author does will appreciate how she has included information on season extension for different types of crops.

On a personal note, I was tickled to discover that I’ve grown at least a few of the crops Niki mentions: tomatillos, lemon cucumbers (haven’t we all?), ‘Sweet Dumpling’ and ‘Red Kuri’ winter squash, ‘Emerite’ beans, ‘Golden Sweet’ and ‘Sugar Magnolia’ peas, ‘Red Giant’ mustard, Mache (corn salad), Minutina, ‘New Zealand’ and Malabar spinach, as well as ‘Costata Romanesco’, ‘Sunburst’ and ‘Eight Ball’ summer squash. So there’s hope for me yet! But there are so many vegetables I’ve never heard of.

In the acknowledgements at the end of the book, there is a list of seed companies Niki used as sources for this diverse group of veggies and herbs. I can’t wait to check out their offerings to see what I can add to my own garden!

Veggie Garden Remix is sure to ignite your enthusiasm as well. After all, diversity in the garden is a very good thing.