Books about Pumpkins & Squash

[1066]

Hi
I want to buy a good book about growing pumpkins and squash, lots of details etc. The trouble is I usually prefer to actually see them before I buy, but I haven’t been able to find any in bookshops etc, so will buy online. Has anyone else got any of these books, or could recommend them? What kind of detail do they go into or are they just full of big but very nicely printed photos? They vary in price enormously but sometimes that can be meaningless. I have a “book token” thing with Amazon which is metaphorically speaking burning a hole in my pocket 

How to Grow Squashes and Pumpkins: A Practical Gardening Guide for Great Results, with Step-by-step Techniques (How to Grow) £5.99
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Squashes-Pumpkins-Step-step/dp/1844765660/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234980735&sr=1-1

Growing Squashes and Pumpkins (Kitchen Garden Library)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Growing-Squashes-Pumpkins-Kitchen-Library/dp/075481226X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234980735&sr=1-4


The Compleat Squash: A Passionate Grower's Guide to Pumpkins, Squashes, and Gourds £22.99
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Compleat-Squash-Passionate-Pumpkins-Squashes/dp/1579652514/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_3
I know this 1 has been mentioned on this site before but wondered if it was actually good?

Thanks
1066

[Suzanne]

I think it depends on what you want from the book. Growing squash is fairly straightforward so a whole book devoted to step by step techniques may get a bit boring?

I liked the compleat squash book - because it has a small amount on growing echniques (and I mean small) and lots on the different varieties, which ones taste good or are just better for decoration etc. Having tried a fair few varieties now I have found the recommendations to be worthwhile. Also the photography is beautiful. But it is a bit more of a coffee table book than a growing techniques guide.

I also was given Amy Goldmans Heirloom Tomatoes for Christmas which I love for exactly the same reason.

Hope this helps a bit

[Robert_Brenchley]

That's what you need; who needs standard growing info repeated yet again? If you're not sure, save your money and ask here!

[1066]

Thanks for the replies. I am still tempted and the info on the varieties is what appeals most
1066