Science and Practice of Gardening George W Johnson Hardback 1870 2nd Edition (514)

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Science and Practice of Gardening is a seminal 19th-century horticultural text written by George William Johnson. Initially published in 1862, thi copy is a later 1870 edition printed by the Journal of Horticulture Office in London.

Core Theme & Content

During the Victorian era, gardening shifted from an unscientific craft based entirely on trial and error to a rigorous discipline deeply connected with botany. As stated directly on this title page, the book bridges that gap by demonstrating the biological "phenomena of the germination, growth, diseases, and death of plants. "It serves as a comprehensive technical guide covering: Soil science and the experimental use of chemical manures.

Plant physiology and the mechanics of propagation and pruning.

Horticultural operations, including early methods of plant pest control. Woodcut illustrations, providing historical visual aids for greenhouse building, landscaping layouts, and tools.

About the Author

George William Johnson (1802–1886) was a highly influential English chemist, political economist, and practicing gardener. He dedicated his life to researching how scientific principles could improve agricultural yields. Alongside his brother Cuthbert, he notoriously experimented with using salt as fertilizer and successfully separated Epsom salts from seawater.

Notably, Johnson co-founded and edited The Cottage Gardener (later renamed The Journal of Horticulture), which was one of the most widely circulated weekly gardening periodicals of the era. This book compiles many of the scientific theories and practical lessons popularized through that journal