The best 37 Gardening books

Gathering is a memoir by Diane Ott Whealy that chronicles her journey to preserve heirloom seeds and the stories behind them. Through her personal experiences and family history, Whealy explores the importance of preserving biodiversity and the cultural significance of these seeds. This book is a celebration of the connections between people, plants, and the earth.

Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades by Steve Solomon is a comprehensive guide to successful vegetable gardening in the Pacific Northwest. Packed with practical advice and expert tips, this book covers everything from soil preparation and plant selection to pest control and crop rotation. Whether you're a novice or experienced gardener, this invaluable resource will help you grow a bountiful and healthy vegetable garden.

Let it Rot! by Stu Campbell is a comprehensive guide to composting. It provides practical advice on how to turn kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials into nutrient-rich compost. The book covers various composting methods, troubleshooting common issues, and using compost to improve soil health. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in sustainable gardening and reducing their environmental footprint.

Grow Great Grub by Gayla Trail is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone interested in growing their own food. With tips on how to start a garden, what to plant, and how to maintain it, this book empowers readers to take control of their food supply and enjoy the benefits of homegrown produce.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen is a enchanting novel that weaves together the magic of a family with a unique garden. The story follows the Waverley sisters, each with their own special abilities, as they navigate love, family, and the power of the garden. With beautifully descriptive writing and a touch of whimsy, this book will captivate you from beginning to end.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham is a comprehensive guide to the magical properties and uses of over 400 herbs. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out in the world of magic, this book provides valuable information on how to harness the power of nature's gifts for spellwork, rituals, and everyday life.

McGee & Stuckey's Bountiful Container by Maggie Stuckey and Rose Marie Nichols McGee is a comprehensive guide to growing fresh, organic produce in containers. The book provides practical advice on choosing the right containers, selecting the best plants, and maintaining a bountiful container garden. With beautiful illustrations and inspiring ideas, it is a must-read for anyone interested in urban gardening or maximizing limited space.

Down the Garden Path by Beverley Nichols is a delightful exploration of the author's own garden and his passion for gardening. Filled with humor, wit, and insightful observations, the book takes readers on a journey through the joys and challenges of creating and maintaining a beautiful garden. It's a charming read for anyone who loves plants and the outdoors.

The Vegetable Gardener's Bible by Edward C. Smith is a comprehensive guide to growing your own vegetables. It covers everything from planning and preparing your garden to selecting the right plants and caring for them throughout the season. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this book provides valuable tips and techniques to help you cultivate a bountiful and delicious harvest.

Edible Landscaping by Rosalind Creasy is a comprehensive guide that shows you how to create a beautiful and functional garden that not only looks great but also provides delicious, homegrown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. With stunning photographs and practical advice, this book will inspire you to transform your outdoor space into a productive and sustainable edible landscape.

Marijuana Horticulture by Jorge Cervantes is a comprehensive guide to growing cannabis. It covers everything from selecting the right seeds and setting up a grow room to harvesting and processing your crop. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grower, this book provides valuable insights and practical tips to help you cultivate high-quality marijuana.

Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon is an informative and accessible book that delves into the science of plants. It explores topics such as plant structure, growth, reproduction, and how plants interact with their environment. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this book provides valuable insights that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the botanical world.

Carrots Love Tomatoes by Louise Riotte delves into the world of companion planting, exploring the benefits of pairing certain plants together in your garden. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips and advice on how to create harmonious plant combinations that can improve soil health, deter pests, and ultimately lead to a more bountiful harvest. Whether you're a novice or experienced gardener, this book provides valuable insights into the fascinating relationship between different plant species.

The Urban Homestead by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen is a practical guide to self-sufficient city living. It offers tips and techniques for growing your own food, raising chickens, and creating a more sustainable urban lifestyle. Whether you have a small backyard or just a few pots on a balcony, this book provides valuable information for anyone interested in urban homesteading.

American Grown by Michelle Obama is a captivating exploration of the White House Kitchen Garden and the importance of healthy eating. Through personal anecdotes, interviews, and beautiful photographs, Obama shares the inspiring stories of individuals and communities across America who are dedicated to growing and consuming fresh, locally-sourced food. This book serves as a reminder of the power of food in bringing people together and promoting a sustainable future.

How Plants Work by Linda Chalker-Scott delves into the inner workings of plants, explaining the science behind their growth, development, and responses to the environment. Through clear explanations and engaging examples, the book provides valuable insights for gardeners, botanists, and anyone curious about the fascinating world of plants.

Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein is a beautiful and practical guide to growing and arranging stunning blooms. Filled with gorgeous photographs and expert advice, this book will inspire you to create your own flower garden and fill your home with fresh, colorful flowers all year round.

Root Cellaring by Mike Bubel and Nancy Bubel provides a comprehensive guide to storing fruits and vegetables in a root cellar. From planning and building your own root cellar to selecting the best produce for long-term storage, this book offers practical tips and techniques for extending the shelf life of your harvest. Whether you're a homesteader or a backyard gardener, this book will help you make the most of your seasonal bounty.

The Complete Gardener by Monty Don is a comprehensive guide to creating and maintaining a beautiful garden. Filled with practical advice, stunning photographs, and personal anecdotes, this book covers everything from plant selection and care to garden design and seasonal tasks. Whether you're a novice or experienced gardener, you'll find inspiration and valuable tips to help you cultivate your own green paradise.

Founding Gardeners by Andrea Wulf explores the untold story of how gardening and agriculture shaped the founding of America. Through the lens of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison, Wulf reveals their deep passion for plants and the land, and how it influenced their political beliefs and the creation of a new nation.

Epic Tomatoes by Craig LeHoullier is a comprehensive guide to growing the best tomatoes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this book provides valuable tips on selecting the right varieties, caring for your plants, and troubleshooting common problems. With beautiful photographs and engaging storytelling, it will inspire you to take your tomato-growing skills to the next level.

Mini Farming by Brett L. Markham is a comprehensive guide to small-scale farming. It offers practical advice on how to maximize your yield in a limited space by using sustainable and organic methods. From choosing the right crops to soil preparation and pest control, this book provides valuable information for anyone interested in growing their own food.

Starter Vegetable Gardens by Barbara Pleasant is a comprehensive guide for beginners who want to start their own vegetable garden. The book covers everything from choosing the right location and preparing the soil to selecting the best vegetables to grow and maintaining a healthy garden. With clear instructions and helpful tips, this book is a great resource for anyone looking to grow their own fresh and delicious produce.

The Backyard Gardener by Kelly Orzel is a practical and comprehensive guide for anyone looking to start their own garden. From choosing the right plants to understanding soil and composting, this book provides valuable tips and advice to help you create a thriving garden right in your own backyard. With beautiful illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions, it's perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Gardening When It Counts by Steve Solomon provides practical advice on how to grow your own food in a sustainable and self-sufficient manner. Focusing on organic gardening techniques and the importance of soil health, the book offers valuable insights for both novice and experienced gardeners. It emphasizes the idea of "gardening when it counts" by prioritizing essential crops and maximizing limited resources.

How to Grow More Vegetables by John Jeavons provides a comprehensive guide to sustainable and high-yield gardening. With detailed instructions and practical tips, the book teaches readers how to maximize their garden space, improve soil fertility, and grow a wide variety of vegetables using organic methods. Whether you're a beginner or experienced gardener, this book offers valuable insights for growing an abundant and healthy harvest.

Sepp Holzer's Permaculture is a groundbreaking book that introduces readers to the concept of permaculture and its practical applications. Written by Sepp Holzer, an Austrian farmer and permaculture pioneer, the book offers valuable insights and techniques for creating sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystems. Through engaging stories and firsthand experiences, Holzer demonstrates how permaculture can be used to restore degraded landscapes, increase biodiversity, and produce abundant food crops. A must-read for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

The Garden Primer by Barbara Damrosch is a comprehensive guide to all things gardening. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this book provides valuable information on soil, plants, pests, and more. With practical tips and beautiful illustrations, it will inspire you to create and maintain a thriving garden.

Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs is a comprehensive guide to the world of herbal medicine. With detailed information on 33 of the most common and versatile healing plants, this book offers practical tips and recipes for creating your own herbal remedies. Whether you're looking to alleviate a specific ailment or simply want to embrace a more natural approach to healthcare, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the power of plants.

Teaming with Microbes explores the fascinating world of soil and the intricate relationships between plants, microbes, and other organisms. It offers valuable insights into how we can work with nature to create healthy and thriving gardens, using organic and sustainable practices. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this book provides a wealth of knowledge that will change the way you think about the living soil beneath your feet.

Farm City by Novella Carpenter is a captivating memoir that takes you on a journey to an unconventional urban farm in Oakland, California. Carpenter shares her experiences of transforming an abandoned lot into a thriving garden and raising a variety of animals, all while navigating the challenges and rewards of sustainable living in the city. It's a delightful and thought-provoking read that will inspire you to rethink our relationship with food and the environment.

The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour is a comprehensive guide to living off the land and becoming more self-reliant. Covering everything from growing your own food to raising animals, making your own clothes, and generating your own energy, this book provides practical advice and inspiration for those seeking a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh is a captivating novel that delves into the hidden meanings behind different flowers. It tells the story of Victoria, a young woman who uses the Victorian language of flowers to communicate and navigate her relationships with others. Blending past and present, the book is a beautiful exploration of love, forgiveness, and the power of nature.

The Well-Tended Perennial Garden by Tracy DiSabato-Aust is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to create and maintain a stunning perennial garden. Filled with practical tips and expert advice, this book covers everything from soil preparation and plant selection to proper watering and pruning techniques. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this book is an invaluable resource for achieving a beautiful and thriving perennial garden.

The Edible Front Yard by Ivette Soler is a comprehensive guide to transforming your front yard into a beautiful and bountiful edible landscape. Filled with practical tips, creative ideas, and stunning photographs, this book will inspire you to ditch the traditional lawn and create a sustainable and productive garden right at your doorstep.

The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan is a comprehensive guide to self-sufficient living. It provides practical advice and step-by-step instructions on how to grow your own food, raise animals, and create a sustainable homestead right in your backyard. Whether you have a small plot of land or just a few pots on a balcony, this book offers valuable tips and techniques for living a more self-reliant lifestyle.

Field Guide to Urban Gardening: How to Grow Plants, No Matter Where You Live by Kevin Espiritu is a comprehensive manual for urban dwellers who want to cultivate their own green spaces. From choosing the right containers and plants to dealing with limited sunlight and space, this book provides practical tips and creative solutions for creating a thriving urban garden.