‘July & Winter’ — all about gardening in the Sierra

Third-generation farmer Gary Romano is sharing his secrets about growing food at high elevation in his book “July & Winter: Growing Food in the Sierra.”

Meyers publishing house Bona Fide Books is releasing the book Sept. 2.

Despite the challenging mountain climate and soil, Romano has successfully grown food on his 65-acre organic farm. He shares hard-earned tips in 10 essential chapters for home gardeners and small farmers. In this book readers will learn which varieties are right for which region, whether to use seeds or transplants, when and how to plant to maximize yield and the benefits of biodiversity.

Romano also discusses soil, water, and nutrients, pest management and how to extend the growing season.

Romano owns and operates Sierra Valley Farm in Beckwourth, and hosts the state’s only certified organic on-farm farmers’ market each Friday from 10am-2:30pm from June through mid-September. Romano also hosts barn dinners and concerts on the farm and can be found weekly at the Tahoe City, Truckee and Reno farmers markets.

“July & Winter” is available through Bona Fide Books and Gaia-Licious in South Lake Tahoe, The Bookshelf and Bespoke in Truckee, Sundance Books & Music in Reno, and Amazon.