Vegetable Gardening for California

California is an ideal place to grow a huge variety of vegetables, and there are plenty of healthful and economic benefits to having your own garden. Whether you have a traditional backyard space or several containers on a high-rise balcony, you can grow a season-long supply of tasty produce. Best-selling garden writers Jennifer Beaver and Laura Peters provide all you need to know to dig in:

* Basics such as light, soil, exposure and frost tolerance
* Almost infinite garden styles, including raised beds and containers
* Preparing the garden and selecting which vegetables to grow where
* Recommended varieties, including new, traditional, heirloom and unusual selections
* Seasonal care, including mulching, weeding and watering
* Tips throughout, including how to extend the growing season and what to do with your harvest
* Organic approaches to management of pests and diseases
* An appendix featuring companion plants and relationships
* Helpful hardiness maps, and delicious color photos throughout.

From A to Z--yummy artichokes, arugula and asparagus, through to healthy kale and peculiar kohlrabi, leeks and okra, all the way to colorful peppers, potatoes and zucchini--it's all here in this informative gardening guide, plus some herbs to spice up the veggies.