It doesn't really matter what part of the country you live in … if you want a garden with edible plants, then this is the book for you. From the editors of Sunset, the Western Garden Book of Edibles: The Complete A-Z Guide to Growing Your Own Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits
Each fruit, vegetable and herb gets its own entry. At the top of the page, there's a quick graphic key to cold hardiness, sun and water requirements. A photo accompanies each entry, and the introduction is followed by a section called "How to Grow It," with easy-to-follow information on cultural requirements: soil, sun, spacing, water, fertilizer, and, if it's applicable, pruning and training. The editors also tell you how to harvest the bounty, and they note specific challenges, such as potential insect and disease problems.
The editors also mention specific varieties that do quite well. If you live elsewhere in the country, you might check with your local cooperative extension agent for the best cultivars in your particular region, but the basic advice contained in the this book would not change much from one part of the country to another.
It's the first book I've seen with entries on nut trees, including many, like the pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and the hazelnut (Corylus avellana) that are great in cold climates.
AND, not to leave anything out, there's even a chapter on elements to consider when designing an edibles garden. At the end of the book, there's a guide to soils, fertilizers, organic gardening, staking and training, common weeds, diseases and pests and the best ways to combat them.
http://www.assoc-amazon.com/s/link-enhancer?tag=gardendesigno-20&o=1
…An indispensable book that will take a prime place on bookshelves for many years to come.
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