Growing Vegetables in Drought, Desert, and Dry Times, 10th Anniversary Edition - by Maureen Gilmer (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Master organic vegetable gardening in 4 different low-water conditions--including high and low desert, drought, and voluntary water conservation.

Features over 100 photos, maps, and diagrams--perfect for vegetable gardeners in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and more!

Dedicated home gardeners will discover how to grow delicious produce in dry times with this authoritative full-color handbook. Using modern techniques, as well as tips from native traditions ranging from the southwestern United States to the Middle East, this guide offers the best of ancient wisdom and the newest innovations in conservation.

Inside you'll find over 100 color photos, maps, and diagrams, plus expert information on:

- Gardening in high and low desert, drought conditions, and for voluntary water conservation
- How to assess your site and climate modification
- Water-wise gardening methods: in-ground, container, and raised bed gardening
- Soil science, proper watering methods, and pest control
- How to choose drought-tolerant and desert-hardy vegetable seeds
- Recommended varieties by region, plus a seasonal crop guide
- Resource list, checklist, and glossary

While this guide is geared towards those who live in high desert, low desert, mountains (short season), Pacific coast, and inland valley areas of the Western United States, gardeners anywhere in the world looking to save water can find useful guidance. As more communities suffer the effects of climate change, experienced desert gardener Maureen Gilmer's sage advice on dry gardening becomes more and more relevant.

Review Quotes

"With boundless wisdom based upon years of experience promoting a water-conscious approach to gardening, Maureen Gilmer shows us how to have a gloriously productive garden--even in the face of drought."
--Richard G. Turner Jr., editor emeritus, Pacific Horticulture

"Another book that is well worth having on your shelf for ready reference . . . It has good information about dealing with the heat, efficient watering, and lists of recommended vegetable varieties."
--Yakima Herald-Republic

"Keep Growing Vegetables in Drought, Desert & Dry Times handy when that happens and you will be able to enjoy fresh, healthy, and organic vegetables all year. This book is a must-have for all home gardeners."
--The Washington Book Review

"As a horticulturist and an ecologist, I salute Mo Gilmer for tackling the important subject of water conservation, which will only become more critical as we march through this century. Water is vital to our survival and the survival of our planet, and every gardener who thinks survival is important should read this book."
--Stephanie Cohen, The Perennial Diva, award-winning garden writer and Garden Writers Association fellow

"With this timely book, learn how to grow your own healthy organic vegetables without wasting water and, in the process, how to assess your local soil, wind, and heat conditions. This is a guide everyone should own and use."
--Sally Wasowski, author and award-winning gardening expert on native landscaping

"Gilmer's guide to water-wise organic gardening is well worth heeding."
--Kitsap Sun

"In [Growing Vegetables in Drought, Desert, & Dry Times], learn how to combine age-old farming techniques with new-school technology."
--The Desert Sun

"Years of experience went into writing this book."
--Gardening Know How

"The definitive guide to growing healthy organic vegetables without wasting our precious water resources!"
--Desert Entertainer

About the Author

MAUREEN GILMER has over thirty years' experience in landscape design and has written 18 books on gardening, including The Colorful Dry Garden. She has practiced in northern and southern California, at the peak of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Newport Beach for exposure to a wide range of climates. She currently resides in the high desert.