More and more people are venturing into the dirt every day, inspired by the promise of fresh-from-the-backyard produce and lower grocery bills. But like any hobby, gardening has its pitfalls; without the right planning and know-how, even experienced gardeners can discover with shock that they've grown a $64 tomato!<br><br>Fortunately, gardeners don't have to choose between frugal and fantastic. In <i>The Dirt-Cheap Green Thumb</i>, Rhonda Massingham Hart provides practical, commonsense advice that helps growers save money . . . without compromising the harvest. Using an accessible tip format, Hart offers time-tested solutions that stretch a dollar, even as they yield beautiful, bountiful plants. <br><br>From starting seeds to preserving produce, and from compost to water conservation, Hart's advice ensures that readers waste neither time nor money. The book offers dozens of helpful lists, including <br>"pennywise plants" and "best ofs," and it covers all types of gardens — including vegetables, flowers, houseplants, and landscape foliage. Sidebars offer innovative money-saving tips and simple instructions. The book will appeal to the first-time gardener, as well as to more experienced growers who are newly budget-conscious.