The dirt: "The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening Techniques"

Everyone knows how to tease roots and pinch back plants, right?

What? You don't?

Not to worry. "The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening Techniques" (Octopus Books, $29.99) has your back.

The extensive reference book teaches the skills involved in growing edible and ornamental plants, as well as specialty endeavors such as water gardening, greenhouse gardening and propagating plants. Mostly it covers the basics, but it includes information helpful to more seasoned gardeners, too.

Ample color illustrations and photos make the instructions easier to understand.