Struggling to find the right books to help you master your green thumb?
Whether you’re a beginner or already have some experience under your belt, we can guarantee these books will be essential for any gardener. Our experienced master gardener, has tested and reviewed each one so that you don't have to waste time searching through piles of gardening books.
From helpful tips on making compost tea to advice from top gardeners around the world, these five books are filled with useful tricks and creative ideas for even the most ambitious outdoor projects. Plus, our reviews provide an in-depth analysis so that your choice is tailored to fit your specific needs as a gardener.
How We Choose The Best Books for Gardeners
It can be hard to know which gardening books are worth reading.
There are a lot of gardening books on the market, and it can be tough to know which ones are worth your time. Not all gardening books are created equal.
We've done the hard work of making gardens yours for you. We read through all of the top gardening books and chose the best ones based on expert advice, user feedback, and overall quality.
Here are our top picks:
The Old Farmer's Almanac 2023
The Old Farmer's Almanac 2023
Advice for caring for them throughout the seasons.
Why We Love It
This book is great for anyone looking to get the most out of their garden, from novice to expert. The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers a wealth of information on different types of plants and flowers, along with practical advice for caring for them throughout the seasons.
The book is packed with helpful gardening tips too, like the best times to plant, when to prune and fertilize, and how to prevent common disease problems. Also included is an extensive section on growing and harvesting herbs. So if you’re education of a gardener or fan of the Almanac, this is a must-have for any gardener.
What You Should Know About It
This book offers a comprehensive guide for any gardener, from beginner to expert. It covers all major aspects of gardening and provides detailed advice on how to create a successful garden. From soil preparation and pest control to composting and seed selection, the Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Guide will be an invaluable resource for any gardener.
It also includes extensive planting schedules, as well as useful information on more than 700 different plants. Also included is an ‘Ask the Expert’ section where you can receive advice from experienced gardeners. So if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to help you cultivate the perfect garden, this is it.
PROs
- Easy to read
- Understandable
- Packed with great information
- Provides helpful advice
- Harvest times, planting cycles, and more
CONs
- Not as many illustrations or photographs as other books
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs
Provides advice on growing,
Why We Love It
Rosemary Gladstar is one of the most respected and knowledgeable herb teachers in the world. In her book, she profiles 33 common healing plants and provides advice on growing, harvesting, preparing, and using herbs in healing tinctures, oils and creams.
This book is perfect for the beginner looking to learn more about medicinal plants and how to use them for healing. Also included is an extensive section on herbal safety. So if you’re looking to start using herbs in your everyday life, this is the book for you.
What You Should Know About It
Rosemary Gladstar's book is a must-have for any gardener looking to get started with herbal medicine. The 33 healing herbs included are easy to find, and the step-by-step directions make it simple to start making your own remedies right away. Gladstar’s experience and expertise allow readers to feel confident that they are learning from the best.
Also, her simple instructions make it easy to understand the information. Whether you’re just getting your feet wet or already have a well-developed understanding of herbal medicine, Rosemary Gladstar’s book is the perfect starting point. So if you’re looking to start using herbal medicine, this is the book for you.
PROs
- Easy to read
- Brief chapters
- Good for beginners
- Wide range of herbs covered
CONs
- Some plants are not as common
Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners
Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners
Easy to build a raised-bed garden
Why We Love It
Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners garden book is perfect for anyone looking to start a garden in limited space. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to build a raised-bed garden and start growing your own food. With clear directions and advice from experienced gardeners, you’ll be able to create a thriving garden or gardening space in no time.
Also, the profiles of 30 easy-to-grow plants make it easy to choose the right ones for your garden. Also, the book covers important topics such as crop rotation and partner planting. So if you’re looking to get started with a raised-bed garden, this book is essential reading.
What You Should Know About It
Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners is an easy-to-follow guide perfect for any aspiring gardener. The book’s step-by-step instructions make it simple to get started with kitchen garden, and the detailed suggestions help keep your garden thriving.
With profiles of 30 easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs, you’ll be able to quickly pick out the plants that are best suited for your space. Also included are tips and tricks to help with crop rotation, partner planting, seed starting, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, this book is sure to provide the guidance you need for success.
PROs
- Easy to understand
- Instructions for even the most inexperienced gardener
- Detailed profiles on easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs
- Diverse range of topics
- Helpful tips
CONs
- No illustrations or images included
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt
Also appreciate and respect it.
Why We Love It
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt is an entertaining story with a strong educational component. Perfect for both home and school, this book encourages young readers to not only explore the world around them favorite plants, and modern nature, but also appreciate and respect it.
The combination of colorful illustrations and a detailed storyline make this a delightful read-aloud book for any early elementary school student. And with its focus on nature and sustainability, it’s sure to be enjoyed by parents looking for enchanting bedtime reads or nature books for kids.
What You Should Know About It
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt is an engaging, educational read that will inspire a love of nature in young readers. The illustrations are vivid and detailed, providing an up-close view of the plants, animals, and insects that inhabit a garden.
The story follows a young girl as she works in her grandmother’s garden, learning about what goes on beneath the ground in dry garden and the creatures that live there. The book is filled with facts about soil composition and the life cycle of plants, teaching kids about the important roles that each creature plays in keeping the garden healthy. The glossary at the end provides definitions for some of the more complex words used throughout the book.
PROs:
- Beautifully illustrated book
- Easy to understand storyline
- Detailed glossary of animals living in or near the garden
- Inspires a love of nature and appreciation of the environment
CONs:
- No interactive activities
The Old Farmer's Almanac Vegetable Gardener's
Invaluable guide for any vegetable gardener.
The Old Farmer's Almanac Vegetable Gardener's
Why We Love It
The Old Farmer's Almanac Vegetable Gardener's Handbook is an invaluable guide for any vegetable gardener. Written in an easy-to-understand language, this book provides detailed advice on how to grow a successful garden, covers topics from soil testing to troubleshooting common problems.
With over 150 full-color photos, practical tips and tricks, and humorous anecdotes from fellow gardeners, this book is sure to be your go-to guide for the years to come. Also included are useful reference tables and charts, making it easy to find the information you need. So if you’re looking for an easy and informative way to get started with vegetable gardening, this book is a must-have.
What You Should Know About It
This comprehensive guide is perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. It provides detailed advice on soil testing, garden design, seed-starting, pest control, and harvesting, as well as helpful anecdotes from other gardeners.
The book also includes over 150 full-color photos to give readers a visual reference and essential reference tables and charts for easy referral. Also, this book comes with an option to add personal notes to the text which makes it easier and more convenient for gardeners to remember what they read. So if you need a comprehensive guide to vegetable gardening, this is the book for you.
PROs
- Easy to understand
- Provides step-by-step instructions
- Growing vegetables in any zone
- Includes photos
- Reference tables, and charts to make gardening easier
CONs
- Does not provide information on gardening in more extreme climates
Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners
Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners
Provides detailed instructions, step-by-step project ideas
Why We Love It
This book is the perfect resource for beginner gardeners who want to start a raised bed garden. It provides detailed instructions, step-by-step project ideas, and useful tips to help novice gardeners get the most out of their raised beds.
Also, it includes a guide to companion planting for raised bed gardening and helpful information on pest and weed control. We love that the book is organized into chapters making it easier than ever to find what you’re looking for.
Also, this book comes with an option to add personal notes to the text which makes it easier and more convenient for gardeners to remember what they read.
What You Should Know About It
This book is beautifully written, in a simple language and includes clear illustrations, making it easy to understand for beginners. It provides detailed information about the fundamentals of raised bed gardening, such as the types of supplies needed, the materials that should be used, and how to plan and set up a raised bed garden.
This book also includes helpful advice for choosing plants that will thrive in your raised bed garden and tips on companion planting and pest control in natural garden.
Finally, this book offers creative project ideas for using your raised bed garden, such as vertical planting, container gardening, and more. With this book as your reference guide, you can feel confident that you have all the information required to create a successful raised bed garden.
PROs
- Organized into chapters for easy navigation
- Step-by-step project ideas
- Detailed instructions and tips
- Companion planting guide included
- Pest and weed control information
CONs
- Does not include information on more advanced gardening techniques such as pruning, grafting, or hydroponics.
Best Books for Gardeners FAQs
Gardeners are always looking for the best books to help them with their own gardening endeavors.
There are a lot of gardening books on the market, and it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time.
We've compiled a list of the best gardening books based on customer reviews and our very own garden experience. Whether you're looking for information on flowers, vegetables, or landscaping, we have a few best gardening book here that will help you take your garden to the next level.
Is gardening difficult?
Gardening can be as easy or as challenging as you make it. With the right knowledge and resources, any gardener, from beginner to expert, can create a successful garden. The best way for beginners to learn about gardening is by reading books written specifically for gardeners. These books provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for creating and maintaining a successful garden.
What are the best books for gardeners?
The best books for gardeners vary depending on your experience level and specific interests.
Does gardening require a lot of time?
The amount of time required for gardening can vary depending on your garden’s size and complexity. Generally speaking, you should expect to spend at least some time each week tending to your garden. This can include tasks such as watering plants, weeding, pruning, and harvesting. Additionally, more complex gardens may require additional time for research, planning, and design.
What should I look for in a gardening book?
When shopping for books about gardening, you should consider the topics covered in the book. Look for books that provide detailed instructions and helpful tips for all of your gardener’s needs. Additionally, make sure to check that the book covers the type of garden you’re trying to create, whether it be a raised bed, container, or private gardens. Finally, consider any special features that may be helpful for your gardening journey such as personal notes or photos.
Can I use a gardening book to learn about landscaping?
Yes, many books provide information on both gardening and landscaping. Look for books that cover topics such as soil preparation, plant selection, planting techniques right plant name, and lawn maintenance. Additionally, some garden books may also provide helpful tips for creating outdoor features such as walkways and lighting.
Are there books available for children?
Yes, there are a variety of books designed specifically for children. These books usually feature activities and projects that help children learn about plants and insects in an engaging way. Additionally, many of these books have colorful illustrations that make them fun and exciting for young readers.
Will the books help me save money?
Yes, many gardening books provide helpful tips and tricks for saving money on your gardening projects. Additionally, some garden history may offer advice on planting and harvesting produce from your garden which can help you save money in the long run.
How often should I read gardening books?
It is recommended that gardeners read or re-read a new gardening book, at least once a while year round. This ensures that you stay up to date on the latest tips and tricks for gardening success. Additionally, many experienced gardeners recommend reading books before starting any new projects or experiments in order to ensure that everything goes as planned.
Best Books for Gardeners For You
Gardeners of all levels and interests can find the perfect book to boost their knowledgebase and help keep them inspired in the garden.
Whether it’s a research-filled guidebook, a practical how-to guide, or a beautiful coffee table book filled with gorgeous photography, each book on this list brings something special to the table.
We hope that this product review of the best books for gardeners will help readers decide which book is the right fit for them.
Why not purchase one today and take your gardening skill set to the next level? Curl up with a cup of tea and explore each high-quality choice — you won’t be disappointed.
You can also check out reviews online or visit your local library if you want to give titles a try before you buy.
No matter how you choose, as long as its content keeps introducing gardeners to wonderful world and new possibilities then we consider it one of Best Books for Gardeners.
