Edible Gardens

sunset magazine

Home Library: Sunset Western Garden Book of Edibles

Sunset magazine has been publishing books since the 1930s, with titles ranging from home wiring to deck building, although the most consistently popular title since that time has been Sunset's Western Garden book.

Sunset magazine has been publishing books since the 1930s, with titles ranging from home wiring to deck building, although the most consistently popular title since that time has been Sunset's Western Garden book. Now, an updated and expanded version of Sunset Western Garden Book of Edibles ($25) is available for those of us who are cultivating a green thumb and a beautiful backyard garden.

The new copy improves on the old favorite in many ways, including gorgeous full-color photos for every entry, from vegetables and herbs to nuts, tropicals, and fruits. All entries have been updated and now include such exotic edibles as jicama and breadfruit.

Over the course of 300 pages, you'll also discover new, eco ways to protect your garden from common pests and also find inspiration for designing the look of your garden. You'll also learn how to accomplish such practical tasks as building raised bed gardens, composting kitchen and garden scraps, and planting in containers.

So, if you're looking for practical advice on how to grow everything from strawberries to romanesco in your own backyard and you live in any region of the West, I highly recommend picking up a new copy of this must-have garden book. Whether you're a new gardener or an old pro, you'll find inspiration and new ideas in this updated edible gardening book.

vegetable gardening

Maria Shriver to Plant California Victory Garden

Taking a cue from Michelle Obama, Maria Shriver, first lady of California, is spearheading a victory garden for California.

Taking a cue from Michelle Obama, Maria Shriver, first lady of California, is spearheading a victory garden for California. Edible garden beds will be planted in May in Capitol Park in Sacramento.

“I’m so excited to be joining California Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura, the California Department of General Services, the California School Garden Network, Alice Waters, and many others to bring an edible garden to the state capitol, Shriver said in a statement."This new garden will bring awareness to children, students, and visitors about the important role of food, where it comes from, nutritional value, how it is grown and harvested, and ultimately how it reaches the tables of those who need it most."

The Capitol Park plot, where the garden will be planted, was originally a flower bed, and will be easily converted into the edible garden. The design will focus on water conservation. It is likely that the food from the garden will go to an area food bank, similar to the use of produce from San Francisco's edible garden. Baltimore's City Hall is also planting a victory garden this Spring. Are any city or state buildings near your home planning a victory garden?


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Trends

Have You Jumped on the Gardening Bandwagon?

Now that Spring has sprung, there's one thing that can't stop growing — the urban gardening rage.

Now that Spring has sprung, there's one thing that can't stop growing — the urban gardening rage. First Alice Waters was all over the news, then the Obamas planted a garden in the White House, with California's first lady following suit shortly thereafter. And a few days ago, we told you this dainty mixed-herb garden was one of our must haves for April. With the promise of warm weather for the next half year, this booming craze is only bound to get bigger. Have you caught the gardening bug yet? Tell us what you grow below.

Spring

Yum's April Must Haves

I can't believe it's already April!
Yum's April Must Haves

I can't believe it's already April! Looking forward, it's an exciting month: not only is there the plethora of Spring fruit and vegetables to enjoy, but it's Easter, Passover, and Earth Day. Here are five items that will help you make the most of the next 30 days.

Books

Yummy Links: From Edible Gardens to Cakes

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