Recently, a friend recommended Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades by Steve Solomon to me. How I haven’t read this book before baffles me. I mean, its been in print since 1981 for goodness sakes! Still, I’ve got a copy of the 6th edition sitting on my desk, and I’m finding it a wonderful read. Not only is it full of incredibly useful organic gardening for the region in which I live, particularly focused on growing edibles, but it is also full of tidbits that I knew nothing about prior to reading it.

I suppose part of the reason I never picked this up is that I grew up on farms raising edibles organically. I thought I knew plenty. But once again I am humbled. The teacher becomes the student. For instance, I farmed on the east coast where symphylan pests are not prevalent. This book introduced me to their existance and gives me sustainable methods to both test for them and work on beating them back. Have I tested yet? No. But I will.

And, I continue to do more research on them. I realize its important to keep in mind that most pest organisms from armillaria fungi to annoying vetch weed to these tiny symphylans are important parts of the ecosystem. They aid in soil health playing a part in decomposition, soil aeration, nitrogen fixation and much more. So, I try to keep a balanced attitude and a balanced garden. I have a high tolerance and appreciation for pests, but I also know that if it comes down to who gets to eat carrots in my garden or who gets to enjoy a big shade tree, I plan to win.

So, if you live west of the cascades, I highly recommend checking this book out from the library or picking up a copy of your own. It isn’t the only vegetable gardening book to have in your library, but its a good place to start!