Grow a garden bountiful and beautifulThe Vermont Gardener's Companion is the only guide focused on the challenges of cultivating a successful garden in the Green Mountain State. Whether you are an experienced green thumb or a curious novice, whether you live in the Green Mountains or along Lake Champlain, this easy-to-understand guide will help you grow bountiful vegetables, abundant flowers, and lush lawns. You will learn: What's in your Vermont soil and how to improve itHow to stretch the state's short growing seasonThe best high-performance plant varieties for your climate Organic fertilizing and plant care approachesWays to combat pests and plant diseases unique to the stateLocal sources of hands-on assistance with gardening questions Information on great public gardens and places to buy unusual plants, such as the showy lady's slipper Tricks from accomplished Vermont gardenersIn short, how to succeed as a cold-climate gardener