Vegetable gardeners in the Rocky Mountain region have a new resource they can turn to for answers on how to garden in a challenging climate. Mary Ann Newcomer’s latest book, The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Mountain States (Timber Press, 2014) is designed to help gardeners make the most of their vegetable growing experience.

Mary Ann got hooked on gardening as a four-year-old while gardening with her grandparents in Eastern Washington state. Her grandfather helped her start a small garden bed where she planted radishes, lettuce and corn.

“The radishes were a great idea, because they were up in a matter of days,” she said. “I could eat the lettuce almost as soon as it was up and the corn grew really tall.” All two stalks of it.

That early experience led to a lifetime of planting gardens. She wrote Vegetable Gardening in the Mountain States as a way to share her passion for growing food. Because she grew up eating “local” long before it was popular, she wants to help others experience that same sense of satisfaction.

Before she started writing the book she read something that stayed with her.  “It went something like, ‘Imagine a seed the size of your fingernail. Consider how that seed, with a modest amount of care, can create and produce up to a thousand or more times its weight and size, and can be eaten.’ I thought of the watermelon seed,” she said.

Anyone who’s tried to grow a vegetable garden in the Mountain region understands how difficult it can be to get even one watermelon to sprout.

“This region is vast: almost six million square miles,” Mary Ann said. “I checked and quadruple checked the weather, soil, gardening conditions all across this region. The wild swings in our temperatures, altitudes, snowfall, precipitation and you have an incredible set of obstacles to deal with.”

Despite these challenges, vegetable gardens have been growing here for more than a hundred years. “It’s totally doable.”  Here are Mary Ann’s top three tips for gardeners:

1. With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can grow exceptional varieties of vegetables, fruits, and berries that are unsurpassed in freshness and flavor. To me, it’s time very well spent, considering you are going to be able to eat what you grow. It isn’t rocket science.”
2. You do not have to grow everything. Grow what you have space for. Don’t try to grow it all at once. 
3. Proper watering and good soil are the keys to the kingdom. 

Mary Ann said it’s important for gardeners to just give vegetable gardening a try and not be overwhelmed by the simple act of gardening, she said. “Start small, dream big.”

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ashman Garden Cultivator (1Pack)

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Solid Build—The Ashman Garden Cultivator/Tiller is strong in construction so that it can withstand heavy work in the garden. The blade and the shaft are coupled well for deep digging and uprooting the soil from the depths. It serves the purpose of cultivation very well. Create a blooming crop and watch it blossom and reap the benefits. Sharpened Fine piercing Blade—The blades are razor sharp and are made to pierce into any kind of soil and to serve digging, loosening soil, and weeding. The blades are rust-proof and have chip-resistant coating enhancing durability. Use it to control weeds, bury crop residue in the soil, and for preparing a proper seed bed. High-Quality Design—The thoughtful design incorporated to shape the blades in L shape helps dig deep into the soil and rip it from beneath for cultivation. This helps a lot when weeding. Dig well and plant well. The handle is made to fit in the hand well and can be held tightly to apply push and pull forces effectively. Practical Utility—The garden cultivator is made with “practical utility” as the core of its purpose. It serves all the necessary purposes when gardening. Helps mix soil, which will loosen it up, providing more nutrients for the crops.

Buy at Amazon

Ho-Mi Digger - Korean Triangle Blade

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability. Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

Buy at Amazon

Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

Buy at Amazon