Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Southwest

Sweet, vine-ripened watermelon and cantaloupe, succulent eggplant, crisp winter salads, and vibrant bell peppers are just a few of the delights awaiting gardeners in the Southwest. While the cold winters and hot, dry summers can present gardeners with a challenge, there are many ways to have a productive garden and an ever-changing menu of seasonal food. How do you use the summer heat to grow the most delicious tomatoes? Which months are the best for sowing carrot or beet seeds? How can you make the most of your bountiful harvest during the winter months? Trisha Shirey answers all these questions and more. Monthly planning guides show exactly what you can do in the garden from January through December, and you'll learn skills that go beyond the basics with tutorials on catching rainwater, making weed teas, and building cold frames. Also included are a comprehensive gardening primer and an A to Z of edibles--a detailed, invaluable source for the region's tried-and-tested varieties. Whether you are just starting your season or looking for ways to extend it, this is your guide to producing a bountiful, year-round harvest in the Southwest. …