Sunday, October 18, 2009

Book Review - Golden Gate Gardening

Golden Gate Gardening: the complete guide to year-round food gardnening in the San Francisco Bay area & coastal California (2nd edition)
by Pam Pierce

This book has taught me so much over the last 2 years. It is so thorough and detailed. I believe everyone who grows vegetables near the coast in central California should read it, if not own it. I have checked it out from the library 3 times this year. (Yes, I know I should just buy it!) My Google Documents contain several scanned pages from the book, such as the monthly planting times for all of the major crops, as well as suggestions on crop rotations. The book begins with an introduction to our region (and subregions) and the difficulties and rewards of growing here. There are, of course, lots of tips for beginners, but I truly believe that even the most seasoned gardener has something to learn from Pam. I really enjoy the detailed write up of each type of crop. We're not just talking about the major ones either. Pam lets us in on all her growing secrets, from the mildly exotic kohlrabi, to the obscure Bolivian Sunroot (one of her new favorites). Golden Gate Gardening is a must read for central CA, ya'll!

Just checked Amazon and the soon-to-be-released 3rd edition is available for pre-order ($20). The book cover says that it will now include info on edible flowers and cut flowers, as well as fruit trees and shrubs. It should be shipping to my house in February 2010!

By the way, I just found out that Pam has a blog, aptly named Golden Gate Gardener.

4 comments:

Michelle said...

The 3rd edition already! I'm still using the 1st edition as my garden bible. It is a must for anyone vegetable gardening in coastal California.

Anonymous said...

This is so nice when you find a book that is writen for your local gardening. Its probably considering all climate and soil conditions that you have... Very nice!

Chloe m said...

Jackie,
I did check out her blog, and it was good. Thanks...
If we lived in CA, I would totally buy this book.It looks like a great book for information on growing where you are at.
As it stands, we are staying in CO, unless job changes happen. So, bring on the snow, I am getting out my snowshoes today.
Rosey

libraryflower said...

I've been using this book for a year now - and I live in the coastal city of Oxnard. Thanks for letting us know about the new edition!!