The new edition of The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible (Storey, $24.95) by Edward Smith has been expanded to discuss even more veggies — including many European and Asian varieties, which are becoming popular with American gardeners.

“Over the 10 years since the first printing of The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible, I’ve continued to learn about how to make my vegetable garden more productive. (Folk wisdom notwithstanding, old dogs — and old gardeners — can learn new tricks. They can also abandon old ones that no longer work.) I’ve figured out or learned from other gardeners better ways to do things,” writes Smith. “I’ve questioned how I’ve done things and sometimes learned that such doings were either not really effective or not worth the time and effort for the effect they had. … I’ve also experimented with growing new vegetables and growing old standbys using different methods.”

There are three major sections of this lavishly illustrated guide. The first, “From Seed to Harvest,” explores how to plan, prepare, maintain and harvest your vegetable garden.

Next, “The Healthy Garden” delves into nurturing vegetable-friendly soil, composting, and dealing with problems like bugs, slugs and other creatures that “go chomp in the night.”

The last section — the heart and soul of the book — offers a plant directory that discusses vegetables and herbs. You’ll find information on how to prepare the plot, sow seeds, and maintain  a proper growing environment (through watering, weeding and more). There’s also advice on harvesting and storing each veggie when it is ready to pick.

If you are planning on starting your own vegetable garden or expanding the garden you usually plant, this is a book you’ll want to read now so you’ll be ready to go in the spring!