6Gardening in a northern clime has its own unique set of challenges. Yet, despite the shorter growing season, gardening remains a popular passion for millions of green thumbs in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Northern gardeners can successfully grow a wide range of beautiful ornamentals and tasty food crops.

In The Northern Gardener, Mary Lahr Schier brings together a rich and varied collection of wisdom for cold-climate gardeners. The tips, tricks, and lore, presented with period illustrations and glorious photos, are gleaned in part from the pages of the journals and magazines of the 150-year-old Minnesota State Horticultural Society, including Minnesota Horticulturist magazine and its current incarnation, Northern Gardener. The increasing popularity of heirloom vegetables and plants demonstrates that the next generation of gardeners seeks the sense of accomplishment and authenticity that comes from growing plants at home. This book provides insight into gardening traditions, time-tested how-to advice for gardening in the North, and a peek into Minnesota's horticultural history.