Growing Vegetables the Colonial Williamsburg Way: 18th-Century Methods for Modern Organic Gardeners

Vegetable Gardening the Colonial Williamsburg Way

From the nation's foremost historical preservation site comes a guide to traditional—and still relevant—methods and advice for planting and tending a productive vegetable garden. In a colonial-style garden, the broccoli is purple and "turkey" cucumbers grow to three feet long; oiled paper predates plastic for sheltering spring plants, and fermenting manure warms the seedlings.

Inspiration and value can be found in 18th-century plants, tools, and techniques, as the gardeners at Colonial Williamsburg have discovered that traditional vegetable-growing methods are perfectly suited for today's modern organic gardens. In the 18th century, organic gardening was the only type of gardening practiced, and local produce was the only option available.

Author Wesley Greene established the Colonial Garden in Colonial Williamsburg's Historic Area in 1996. Along with his colleagues, he has extensively researched the ways the colonists planted and tended their vegetable and herb beds, discovering that these methods are more relevant than ever. The book includes historical commentary, complete growing instructions for 50 delicious vegetables (including colonial varieties still available today), weather-watching guidelines, planting techniques, and seed-saving advice for various produce categories.

The guide covers legumes, brassicas, alliums, root crops, nightshades, melons, squash, greens, and other unique and delicate produce. Gardeners and folklorists will find valuable information to help them create their own colonial-inspired vegetable gardens using traditional methods and techniques that have stood the test of time.

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