Book Reviews

A Garlic Testament, Seasons on a Small New Mexico Farm
By Stanley Crawford, University of New Mexico Press
Softcover, 241 pages.

In these times when people are re-discovering the joys of growing food for themselves, of farmer's markets, and building community through supporting local agriculture, Stanley Crawford is more of a hero than ever. A respected neighbor of ours in Northern New Mexico, Crawford has dedicated himself to his small farm and discovering how his labors fit into the larger fabric of life. In "A Garlic Testament," he takes us on a journey of over twenty years as he and his family build their home, and find their place, in a small village, nestled in the southern foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Stanley Crawford's garlic is legendary around northern New Mexico's farmer's markets, especially in Santa Fe's market where he's been a driving force over the years. In "A Garlic Testament," we learn how this honored and mysterious crop "chose" Mr. Crawford to further its lot, and how he propagated years of magnificent harvests from a single bucket of muddy transplants.

While this book is full of farming wisdom and practical information on growing garlic, gleaned from over twenty years of trial and error, it is more than that. It is a book of discovery. Follow this man's journey as he discovers the rich rhythms of the seasons, and of honest labor, of true wealth and a respectful relationship with the earth and with those around him.

"A Garlic Testament" is an inspiration for those of us interested in more self-sufficient lives, lives lived in harmony with our environment and our communities. We all might be so lucky to be "chosen" by our own crop which could engender such passion for a place and it's people.    S.V.

Growing Great Garlic
By Ron Engeland, Softcover, 213 pages.

We need to understand that garlic has a memory much like wine grapes... and that fine garlic like fine wine is an art." Ron Engeland, a garlic farmer for 15 years, tells you which strains to plant, when and how to plant, when to fertilize, prune flower stalks, and harvest; plus how to store, process and market the crop. He also includes a brief history, cultural requirements, site and soils, pests and diseases. the definitive guide to growing great garlic for organic gardeners and small scale farmers.   S.V.