Comparing condensed version of ANSFG book to the full version

Ok, I'm cheap, I admit it. I got the Dollar General ($5) version of ANSFG instead of the full version ($20 ($17.99 at Menards)list price). Figured I would save the money. Didn't think there was that much difference between the two besides the plant discriptions and the cost.

There is lol...

First thing I noticed, the more expanded version is in COLOR! I so love that lol..

The one thing I noticed was that Chapter 8 (vertical gardening) in the condensed version was only 4 pages long! In the larger issue it is 20pgs with pictures of how to build vertical, ect. With additional information of course!

Also includes Chapter 10 (Special Gardens and Gardeners)
This is an interesting chapter on different solutions to garden locations and ideas for programs.

Another is the plant descriptions. Mr. Bartholomew also included tips there. While I did not feel I needed this before, it is full of ways to help care for the individual type of plant. Very nice.

Mel's final summary is expanded a bit. This was interesting to read.

And finally, the charts in color are much nicer and easier to read and includes a glossary that would be very helpful to beginning gardeners. Ok, and maybe some of us old timers also!

So in the end, if your handing the book out when people show an interest, it is a more affordable way to get them started. Also give them the addy for this forum! I print it on the inside front cover. But make them aware that it is condensed!

But if you want to ENJOY the book, spend the extra money to get the full version! The pictures and additional informations is great!

I was using the original book the first year I did square foot gardening. Still a handy book.

That's very interesting. I didn't know that there was a cheap $5.00 version. This is actually a very good idea. It brings SFG to those that shop a lot at Dollar General, and this is arguably the group that would benefit most from SFG. I just wish there was an inexpensive version of Mel's Mix, even tho when amortized over 5 years or so, it's not expensive at all.

C'mon. I suspect most libraries have copies of the book that one may borrow for free. To be honest, when I knew I wanted to start a garden. I placed a number of garden books on hold at my local library. AN SFG was one of them! Now, here I am with 4 4'x16' beds and plans to double it this year. I eventually purchased my own copy. The point I wish to make is that the resource is available - FREE - assuming your library is willing to provide a copy.

Our library doesn't have either SFG book. I agree though the people that shop at dollar general can maybe gain the most out of SFG. Maybe someone can put together a inexpensive kit for them too 3x3 because most would be limited by patios and such. Too bad Health and Human resources doesn't embrace this concept. I know it would have helped me more than WIC who gives you too much of what you wont eat. Sorry I babble

I didn't know there was a condensed - the covers look the same and I didn't see anything on mine that told me it was the condensed version!! I just checked and it looks like my library has it b/c it says "col. ill." (color illustrations), hope that's accurate. It's checked out at the moment, but I put in a request. Thanks for making me aware.

Previous Post from 2010

If you don't have time to read the whole thing, this came from Alan at the Foundation:

Mel is
verifying with the publisher, but apparently this might be real. Cool
springs told him that they were thinking about coming out with a
condensed version of the book for dollar stores, but he had not heard
more about it. That was a long time ago. If that's true, I like that
they want to reach out to those who can't afford the book or to those
who shop in that market, but the book was already very simplified(hence
the beauty of it) and I am worried that too much has been taken off. we
will see. Alan

We had a discussion on the forum nearly two years ago, that Mel had had problems with one publisher regarding the condensed book. I don't recall all the details, but I don't think there is to be another printing. And as Cindy pointed out, the condensed version leaves a lot to be desired.

The library is free; members have mentioned buying it for $12. Some have tried to get by, by just studying the forum and the SFG website, although some of them don't recommend that route. Don't forget, the ANSFG book is the only gardening book you'll ever need to buy.

As far as I'm concerned, SFG can be free, if you want it to be. It's just that the American demand for instant gratification and appearance gets in the way. With a little patience, thought, and effort, one could make one's own five way compost for free over a period of a few months and then be ready to plant. The vermiculite and peat could come later as finances permitted, and they are one time purchases that should last a lifetime. Creative people will find ways to make boxes and grids for free.

Don't tell me how expensive SFG is to get started. It used to be that we had to wait to save up for valuable things that we wanted. We can still wait, and be patient, and get started for free if we want to. Last year a new forum member told us that she just couldn't afford to get five kinds of compost, and against our advice, she told us that two types would have to suffice. Two days later she was all excited and posted pictures of the five box kits she just bought from the big box store for $45 each...but she could only afford two composts. Some people just don't understand priorities.

(Kim found what I was thinking of)

boffer wrote:The library is free; members have mentioned buying it for $12. Some have tried to get by, by just studying the forum and the SFG website, although some of them don't recommend that route. Don't forget, the ANSFG book is the only gardening book you'll ever need to buy.

As far as I'm concerned, SFG can be free, if you want it to be. It's just that the American demand for instant gratification and appearance gets in the way. With a little patience, thought, and effort, one could make one's own five way compost for free over a period of a few months and then be ready to plant. The vermiculite and peat could come later as finances permitted, and they are one time purchases that should last a lifetime. Creative people will find ways to make boxes and grids for free.

Don't tell me how expensive SFG is to get started. It used to be that we had to wait to save up for valuable things that we wanted. We can still wait, and be patient, and get started for free if we want to. Last year a new forum member told us that she just couldn't afford to get five kinds of compost, and against our advice, she told us that two types would have to suffice. Two days later she was all excited and posted pictures of the five box kits she just bought from the big box store for $45 each...but she could only afford two composts. Some people just don't understand priorities.

+1 it is all about priorities and patience. And being creative.

Boffer, tell us how you really feel!

jhayford and others,

Most libraries will happily order books that patrons request. In addition, if you own an e-reader (Kindle, Nook, etc.), there are a number of ways to "borrow" an electronic version of ANSFG.

If you are serious about SFGing, investment in the book is a good idea. I refer to mine frequently. For fun and enlightment, boffer gave assignments to those willing to participate. That activity was both fun and educational for the forum readers. boffer, please do another type of assignment soon!

I enjoyed that too! I passed the idea along to NR. I know he's got some good stuff lined up on the calendar for now.

I've never seen a condensed ANSFG book, but I HAVE seen a small booklet (pamphlet, maybe?) that you could probably stick in your wallet. It was being sold at our local Wegmans in the seasonal isle, and was $1.50 regularly and $.49 on sale. I should have bought all the ones on sale and handed them out to people!

All I am saying is it is a way to snag the attention of some that may not even realize it only takes a small space. Or that may have never thought of gardening.

I know libraries have/can get the book. But you have to know about it to begin with or have a higher interest than just "hey that is interesting".

Yes you can get it at the library, yes you can get the info online, yes you can save up the money.

But before all that SOMETHING HAS TO SNAG YOUR INTEREST!

I think the Dollar general version is adequate for that. Then once they are hooked they will naturally research more! Especially if you write this addy inside and mention that it is the "condensed" version. We humans tend to research things we are interested in. Just a human curiosity factor lol...

CindiLou wrote:All I am saying is it is a way to snag the attention of some that may not even realize it only takes a small space. Or that may have never thought of gardening.

I know libraries have/can get the book. But you have to know about it to begin with or have a higher interest than just "hey that is interesting".

Yes you can get it at the library, yes you can get the info online, yes you can save up the money.

But before all that SOMETHING HAS TO SNAG YOUR INTEREST!

I think the Dollar general version is adequate for that. Then once they are hooked they will naturally research more! Especially if you write this addy inside and mention that it is the "condensed" version. We humans tend to research things we are interested in. Just a human curiosity factor lol...

I am one of those that was "snagged" by the cheapie book. We were going on a vacation and I wanted some reading material for the drive. I was sold on the method before we got out of the state of Miss. I had no idea I had a different book until the forum had a discussion a year or so ago. I then went out and bought the full version ANSFG book Now I have it spiral bound to use more often.
Now when I buy books for folks to give them away, I give them the full version of ANSFG because I dont want them to miss out on anything I did in the beginning. (follow the book and compost is your backbone)
Glad I found SFG
Ha-v-v