Gardening is not only a way to create beautiful and peaceful spaces but it can also be an avenue for queer expression, political activism, and personal liberation. If you’re interested in learning more about gardening techniques and skills, reading gardening books can be a great help. In this regard, below are some of the best gardening books that every gardener should read. Although some of these books are geared toward beginners, even experienced gardeners will find plenty of useful tips and information in them. These classic gardening books are some of my personal favorites, and they have not only taught me a lot but have also fostered my interest in creativity and beauty. The books I’ve chosen reflect people’s emotions and can provide comfort during uncertain times. Gardening has always been a mainstay in my life, and I hope that these books will bring you similar comfort and joy.
by Doug Tallamy
“Nature’s Best Hope” is a powerful message that emphasizes the importance of using native plants in our planting spaces. By creating connected corridors of these plants, we can help prevent further loss of species and ecosystem services that we are currently experiencing. Doug Tallamy, one of the founders of Homegrown National Park, works to educate people on how to garden and landscape with local wildlife in mind. This book is an enjoyable read for those who are new to the idea of the roles native plants play in our landscapes. It serves as a great introduction to Tallamy’s work and is sure to inspire nature lovers to plant more native and pollinator-friendly plants in their ornamental and edible gardens.
2. The Well-Tempered Garden
by Christopher Lloyd
If you’re interested in gardening and looking for a great book to read, then Christopher Lloyd’s “The Well-Tempered Garden” is a must-read. Christopher Lloyd is known for creating mesmerizing gardens, and he shares his extensive knowledge and experience in this book, which was first published in 1970. It covers all the details of gardening that you could wish for and is also highly entertaining. This gardening guide is loaded with juicy details that gardeners love! You’ll find everything from tips on planting and propagation to the joys of wild gardening in the grass and exciting fruit and vegetable specialties. Happy gardening! and even exciting fruit and vegetable specialties. Happy gardening!
3. Weedless Gardening
by Lee Reich
If you’re looking for an easy and natural way to maintain your flower garden, vegetable patch, trees, and shrubs, then Lee Reich’s organic Weedless Gardening is the right approach for you. This approach avoids the traditional yearly digging and working over of the soil, which can cause backaches and weed problems. Whether you’re a seasoned or beginning gardener, this book is a must-read. It’s a short but informative guide that’s packed with tips on how to keep weeds from invading your garden. It covers everything, from no-dig gardening tips to mulching and installing drip irrigation, which will help you tackle pesky weeds for good.
4. Planting: A New Perspective
by Piet Oudolf and Noel Kingsbury
If you’re interested in garden design, I recommend the book “Planting: A New Perspective”. It’s about creating beautiful landscapes that need little maintenance and bringing a natural touch to cities. The book explains how plants can play a structural role in design, and has helpful categories of “primary”, “matrix”, and “scatter” plants. The designs are captivating, with vibrant colors, rich textures, and abundant growth. The book features beautiful color photographs that showcase the designs well. Additionally, there are many planting plans that explain the thought process behind the designs. The book also offers a list of recommended plant varieties and species in the back, with information on their blooming season and other characteristics. The book would benefit from more photos of each garden in every season, taken from the same viewpoint.
5. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide
by Rosemary Gladstar
Rosemary Gladstar is a well-known figure in the field of modern herbalism and is often referred to as the godmother of this practice. She is admired worldwide for her expertise and teaching on the use of healing herbs. To introduce a new generation of natural health enthusiasts and self-sufficient gardeners to the benefits of medicinal herbs, Gladstar has written a book called ‘Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide’. The book is a comprehensive guide that includes profiles of 33 commonly used healing plants, along with tips on growing, harvesting, preparing, and using these herbs. The book also provides guidance on crafting all-natural, low-cost herbal preparations, such as tasty teas and natural beauty products like face creams and body oils. Whether you’re a crafter or someone interested in natural remedies, this book offers plenty of inspiration, and you may even discover some exciting new plants you’ve never heard of.
6. The Dry Garden
by Beth Chatto
Beth Chatto’s books are a valuable resource for gardeners who want to create a low-maintenance, year-round garden that requires little watering. Her classic work, The Dry Garden, is especially useful for gardeners who are looking for plants that can thrive in hot summers and dry winters. This book offers advice on soil types, garden design, and growing tips, as well as recommendations for easy-to-care-for plants that provide beautiful foliage and flowers throughout the year
7. Carrots Love Tomatoes
by Louise Riotte
Are you interested in gardening and want to create a thriving and harmonious garden? Then you’ll definitely want to check out “Carrots Love Tomatoes” by Louise Riotte! This fascinating book explores the world of companion planting and provides practical advice and detailed insights on how to grow certain crops alongside compatible companions. You’ll learn how to promote healthier crops, deter pests, and improve growing success. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this book is packed with valuable knowledge and inspiration to help you create a beautiful garden. With plenty of friendly advice and planting schemes, Louise Riotte’s book is sure to inspire you to turn your garden into a naturally nurturing ecosystem.
8. We Made a Garden
by Margery Fish
“We Made a Garden” is a beautiful tale of a unique and long-lasting English country garden. The book is written by one of the most respected gardening writers in Britain, who recounts her journey with her husband in creating a remarkable cottage garden from unpromising beginnings. The garden site was previously a farmyard and rubbish heap that surrounded their newly purchased home in the countryside of Somerset, England. The book covers various gardening aspects, including the secret to cultivating a smooth lawn, lifting and replanting tulip bulbs, landscaping possibilities of evergreens, and more. All these elements of successful gardening and delightful writing are tied together by Mr. and Mrs. Fish’s aspiration to cultivate the fundamental character of a good garden, which is a precious and slow-growing quality.
9. Square Foot Gardening
by Mel Bartholomew
“Square Foot Gardening” is a gem for any gardening enthusiast out there! It’s a classic that has stood the test of time and its teachings are as valuable today as they were back in the 80s. Bartholomew has shared some fantastic tips and tricks on how to grow a bounty of veggies in a tiny space of just 4′ x 4′. By following his advice on selecting the right plants and spacing them correctly, you can turn your small garden into a vegetable paradise! If you’re looking for ways to maximize your garden’s potential, this book is a must-read – you won’t regret it!
10. Down the Garden Path
by Beverley Nichols
“Down the Garden Path” by Beverley Nichols is a book that is both entertaining and informative, and is sure to be loved by all. Even if you are not a gardener, there is something in it for you. In the beginning, the author sets out on a mission to find flowers, plants, and trees that can survive the harsh winter months. Nichols, who was a novice gardener at the time, created a beautiful cottage garden in England just before the Second World War. This book is not full of expert advice, but it is a delightful collection of funny and often camp anecdotes that will make you smile. Nichols is honest about his successes and failures, which makes this book so charming, even if he is a bit grand. I highly recommend giving it a read – you won’t regret it!
