Seeds: The Definitive Guide to Growing, History, and Lore (ISBN 0881926825)

Book Description:
Much of life on earth begins and ends with seeds. From the practical concerns of seed savers and collectors to the ancient lore, history, and biology of seeds, this is a must read for anyone interested in preserving seed biodiversity. Detailed advice on buying, storing and germinating, sterilizing soil, indoor to outdoor transplanting-even building cold frames, is included. Blending science and hands-on experience, Seeds is fascinating, practical, and useful.

not what I expected:
In the editorial review it says "he provides detailed advice on buying, storing and germinating, sterilizing soil, indoor to outdoor transplanting---even building cold frames. In the book on page 204 it says "a cold frame---- consist of a small garden area that is roofed over with glass----" That's it. The detailed advice. I thumbed through the book, and I have not found any plant mentioned with how en when to sow. This book has nothing to do with growing anything from seed. The book was a disapointment for me. Mailing it back to the USA was to expensive, so I'll have to keep it.

Seeds Over All:
Amazon Shoppers: Rather than let the biased and ignorant review by Twan stand alone, as the aouthor of this acclaimed book, I thought it necessary to point out that her criticisms are based on what the publisher wrote and a blurb that authors have little of no control over--it's all bombastic tripe. As a reader of books for sixty years, I know that you can judge a book by its cover and "Seeds" is no exception.

Great source of information about seeds:
"Seeds, The Definitive Guide to Growing, History & Lore" contains great information for the gardener about seeds - what a seed is, its anatomy, different types of seed, the history of seed, pollination, disperal, longevity - need I go on? It's obvious that Loewer has covered all the basics (and not-so basics), educating his readers about seeds. What I particularly like about this book is how Loewer disperses the history and lore of seeds throughout his book. Makes for an interesting and educating read. Although the book is not written specific to any certain specific type of seed, it goes into great detail about seeds in general. Using his information (esp in the chapter titled 'Soil Mixes, Equipment, and Planting Out), one should have no problems starting any type of plant from seed. A seed is a seed, afterall. Yes, some seeds require mechanical treatments for germination. I recommend to the grower that when planting a certain type of seed, go to the internet and research to see if that seed requires any mechanical treatment. Most seeds do not. A few of my favorite topics Loewer writes about in his book are the chemistry of seeds, seed heredity, the buying and selling of seeds, and the history and lore of storing and saving seeds. Also included in the book is an excellent listing of seed sources, including detailed information about the company (or source). I highly recommend this book as an addition to your gardening library. Other good sources for growing seeds are: "Seed to Seed" by Suzanne Ashworth, 'Seed Sowing and Saving' by Turner, and 'Saving Seed' by Rogers.