Companion planting has a long history of use by gardeners, but the explanation of why it works has been filled with folklore and conjecture. Plant Partners delivers a research-based rationale for this ever-popular growing technique, offering gardeners dozens of ways they can use scientifically tested plant partnerships to benefit the garden as a whole. Through an enhanced understanding of how plants interact with and influence each other, this guide suggests specific plant combinations that growers can use to improve soil health and weed control, decrease pest damage, and increase biodiversity, resulting in real and measurable impacts in the garden.

"Good Bug Bad Bug, updated 2nd edition, "is an indispensable field guide for quickly and easily identifying the most common invasive and beneficial insects in the garden; plus the best organic advice on how to attract the good guys and manage the bad guys - without reaching for the toxic chemicals. Includes strategies for dealing with the "new bugs in town," those worrisome strangers that are starting to show up due to climate change (and some that have just flown in from abroad). Forty-one bugs, presented in full color on laminated card stock, with concealed wire binding. Sturdy enough to take into the garden for easy reference. An attractive gift book for adults and curious kids alike. The 2nd edition contains a number of color photographs not seen in the 1st edition and presents three new "bad bugs" to add to the rogues gallery of insect pests.

Additional "bad bugs" to be found in the 2nd edition:

The Grasshopper- which causes significant damage to the gardens of North America and can fly for miles.

The Lygus Bug - another significant North American pest, doing great damage to fruits, berries, vegetables and flowers; especially prolific in the South.

The Brown Marmoratted Stink Bug - a recent arrival from Asia that feeds on fruits, vegetables, berries and flowers, and has a nasty habit of invading our homes.