Pat Welsh's So Cal Gardening

This is my garden bible. Although I use other specialized garden books like the Sunset Western Garden Book for detailed plant info., this is the one that tells me exactly when to do what to which plants month-by-month, including how-to sketches. There's nothing better for SoCal gardeners!

Want to be a top notch gardener in So. California and impress all of your friends? Follow her advice, all of it. I've gardened in San Diego for 8 years, the last 5 of which I've had her month-to-month guide. What a difference! She is right on with tips on vegetable gardens, annuals, perennials, when to plant what, managing garden pests, you name it. Plus, she is delightful to read. Her funny and matter-of-fact style makes you read ahead to months you're not even in. Buy it, read it, you'll be amazed at the results.

I came from England to Southern California and found that my gardening experience was almost useless in this climate. This book really is amazing, if you have this and the Sunset Western Gardening book you can't really go far wrong. Pat Welsh takes you month by month through the gardening year so that you seldom have to struggle to find the information you need. It's very well indexed too - a sure sign of trustworthiness.

Pat Welsh demystifies gardening in our unique climate here in So. Cal. Besides being enjoyable reading, this book helps gardeners understand the differences between gardening here and other less temperate areas of the country. I've owned this book for a couple of years, and for me, it rates right up there with the Sunset Western Garden Book on frequency of consultation.