So many gardening books are written in and for the east coast, I think a new gardener to this area is wise to start with a copy of Sunset's Western Garden Book. Find your climate zones, then learn your individual garden's microclimates. If you still have questions about your soil and/or water you might have them tested at your local County Ag Office.
=============================================================
Timber Press is also Great Source for Gardeners
" Weather means more more when you have a garden. There's nothing like listening to a shower and thinking how it is soaking in around your green beans."
Marcelene Cox
Copyright 2011 Garden Stuff etc. All rights reserved.