Branch out with top Northwest gardening books

Are you ready to get your hands back into soil? Now’s the time for seasoned gardeners to plot their harvest schedules and for those new to gardening to plan their next step. It’s estimated that 16 million Americans started gardening during the coronavirus pandemic.

People turned ignored patches of their yard into fertile plots to grow their own organic vegetables, herbs, berries and fruit.

As spring planting takes place, local nurseries and garden centers are prepared to provide information and materials.

You can also find more growing tips at a virtual garden festival, called The Great Grow Along, March 19-21. There will be more than 40 classes taught by garden experts, many of whom have had their books published by Portland-based Timber Press.

The $29.99 ticket includes three days of online interactions as well as six months of access to advice on DIY landscaping, houseplants, urban gardens and pollinator-welcoming horticulture.

Jasmine Jefferson, founder of Black Girls With Gardens, will explain how to create an edible garden from scratch and Christy Wilhelmi of Gardenerd.com will talk about how to nurture a mini fruit orchard while other speakers will branch out to include recipes: Wendy Kiang Spray will dish about Chinese vegetables and Tasha Greer discuss ways to grow spices.

Kate Frey, co-author of “The Bee-Friendly Garden: Design an Abundant, Flower-Filled Yard that Nurtures Bees and Supports Biodiversity,” wants your lawn to be a “paradise,” Lisa Steele of Fresh Eggs Daily will encourage backyard chickens and Jovan Sage will discuss medicinal plants.

Lorene Edwards Forkner, author of “The Timber Press Guide to Vegetable Gardening in the Pacific Northwest” and “The Beginners Guide to Growing Great Vegetables,” will focus on regionally specific plants and schedules based on climate and weather.

“Our gardens ground us,” Edwards Forkner said. “This past year, experienced growers turned to the soil to connect with familiar seasonal rhythms when everything else was off-kilter. It’s exciting to watch newcomers to our gardening tribe discover the power of those connections as well as the satisfaction of harvesting blossoms and flavors.”