Thank you NetGalley and Lorene Forkner for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have lived in Washington for more than half my life, and am an avid gardener and cooking teacher. I enjoy teaching students about our great state, and this book will be a great companion resource both personally and professionally.

I love the diagrams included in each chapter and ESPECIALLY love the "to do this month" lists for every month. The sections about pest management are really convenient. There are so many seriously useful resources, this whole post could go into every chapter talking about how helpful and informative each page is. This is great for gardeners of all levels.

This is truly a great book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in gardening.

I love this book! I have a gardening book very similar to this that I reference EVERY. YEAR. This book is specifically for Washington and from what I've observed from my own gardening and reference to my other book, this one hits all the marks and then some! I love that it mentions pests and gives an idea of what to do for them. I also love the more indepth information about mulch and cover crops. Ive noticed mulch and cover crops are those topics that are brushed upon in most books. There is at least some explaination behind them!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of this book. I will be picking up a physical copy of my own!

This book is full of helpful tips and tricks for producing your own backyard vegetable garden. Especially in wet and cold regions like Washington.

A Practical, Region-Specific Guide for Washington Gardeners

As a Seattle resident and beginning gardener, I used this book to plant my first vegetable garden in Washington, and it was exactly what I needed. What makes this guide so valuable is that it's written specifically for our state. No more trying to adapt generic advice to the Pacific Northwest climate. Everything here is tailored to our actual growing conditions.

The monthly task lists were a lifesaver for me as a beginner. The "varieties" sections were especially helpful when I was planning and purchasing supplies, breaking down the important differences among seed varieties in a way that made decision-making much less overwhelming.

I also loved the chapter on garden bed design, which goes beyond just layout to cover succession planting, keeping records, and creating a solid plan that works for your specific needs. Forkner presents these foundational topics in a way that feels approachable rather than overwhelming.

I went into this looking for areas that could be improved, but honestly found it genuinely helpful in every way. This is a very high quality book. The season-by-season organization makes it an excellent reference throughout every season. It's a great addition to any PNW gardener's library and would make a wonderful gift for anyone moving to Washington.

I'm grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital advance copy. I'll definitely be picking up a physical copy for my own shelf (and for my gardening friends).

*Grow Great Vegetables in Washington* by Lorene Edwards Forkner is an excellent resource for gardeners in this region. Having lived here for six years and recently starting my gardening journey, I wish I had discovered this book sooner. It serves as the definitive guide for growing food in Washington.

What sets this book apart is its focus on Washington's unique climate, so you won't get lost in generic gardening advice. Forkner offers tips that are tailored to our local conditions, making complex gardening topics easier to understand.

The book is user-friendly, especially with its month-by-month layout. This structure highlights the best times to plant and outlines what to do at each stage, simplifying the planning process. It also covers essential topics like soil preparation and provides clear instructions for both in-ground and container gardening.

Whether you are a beginner or have been gardening for years and are seeking better results, this detailed, local guide is essential. It is the perfect companion for anyone looking to cultivate a productive edible garden in Washington.

One of my 2026 goals is to expand our PNW home garden. Loved the photos and tips to help me achieve this goal. My favorite parts were the monthly to do list with gardening tasks and the plant index. Plan to buy the hardback version of this book.

A fantastic book for anyone hoping to begin gardening in the PNW, particularly in the Seattle/Western side of Washington. Loads of information about the climate, what you can expect to grow here (and what you probably cannot grow), and many tips on how to successfully grow vegetables here. I especially liked the month by month calendar, to show what you should be doing in your garden at what time of year. I really wish that I had this book twelve years ago when I moved to Western Snohomish County. It would have saved me much time and heartache! I still managed to pick up several tips and techniques, which really made the book worth it to me.