Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic hobby that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, having the right resources at your disposal is essential. I put together a list of the top nine books that every gardener should consider adding to their collection. These books cover a wide range of gardening topics, from square-foot gardening to self-sufficiency on a small plot of land. These books have all helped me in some way to really improve my gardening. Hopefully, they can help you become a more successful and knowledgeable gardener too.
Self-sufficiency in gardening goes beyond just growing vegetables. “The New Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency” by John Seymour covers a wide range of self-sufficiency topics, including raising animals, preserving food, and more. It’s a comprehensive guide for those looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle. This is the number one book I use. It is an incredible resource to have, especially if you are looking to add more to your space, like chickens, bees, and larger-scale farming. It gives great layouts starting from an urban garden up to a full-scale farm. It gives detailed information on how to build beds, soil structure, planting, and basically everything you could possibly need to garden/homestead in any size space. If you are only ever going to get one gardening book, this is it.
Mel Bartholomew’s classic book, “Square Foot Gardening,” revolutionized the way many people approach gardening. This method emphasizes maximizing your garden’s productivity in limited space by creating small, organized plots. With detailed instructions and illustrations, this book is a must-have for urban gardeners and those with limited garden space. It works really well with raised bed gardening. I use it along with this. Combining the two really stepped up my small gardening space game.
Raised bed gardening offers numerous advantages, from improved soil drainage to easier maintenance. “Raised Bed Gardening For Begginers ” by Tammy Wylie is an excellent resource for learning how to design, build, and maintain raised beds, helping you create a productive and efficient garden. It is a really great book if you are just starting out with raised beds or are looking for more information on them.
If you’re passionate about growing your own flowers and creating stunning floral arrangements, “Cut Flower Garden” by Erin Benzakein is a fantastic resource. This book provides insights into selecting, planting, and arranging a variety of beautiful cut flowers, turning your garden into a vibrant source of blooms. It is also available on kindle unlimited, so if you have a subscription you can check it out. I prefer the hardcover personally, but check out the digital copy if you can.
This book is considered by a lot of people as an invaluable guide for gardeners of all levels. Covering a wide range of topics from design and plant selection to seasonal tips, this book is a comprehensive reference for creating and maintaining a successful garden. Monty Don has made no-till gardening techniques really popular and has a lot of great information on it. I prefer John Seymour’s Complete Guide to Self-Suffiiency as a comprehensive book but this is another option. He gardens in the UK so if your climate is similar, this may be the book for you.
For those interested in the healing properties of plants, “Medicinal Herbs” by Rosemary Gladstar is a treasure trove of knowledge. This book explores the cultivation and uses of various medicinal herbs, empowering you to harness the healing potential of your garden.
For those new to gardening, “Vegetable Gardening for Beginners” by Jill McSheehy is the perfect starting point. This book offers practical advice on selecting, planting, and caring for a variety of vegetables, ensuring your first foray into gardening is a success.
Exploring the wilds and foraging for edible plants can be an exciting aspect of gardening. “Edible Wild Plants” by Althea Press provides valuable insights into identifying and using wild plants safely and sustainably, expanding your culinary horizons. This is another one available on Kindle Unlimited you can check out.
If you dream of achieving self-sufficiency on a small piece of land, “Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre” by Brett L. Markham is the ultimate guide. This book offers tips on efficient gardening, animal husbandry, and food preservation to make the most of your limited space.
Gardening is a fulfilling and educational endeavor that can provide you with fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and a sense of accomplishment. These nine books cover a wide range of gardening aspects, from space-saving techniques to self-sufficiency, and they are indispensable resources for every gardener. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, incorporating these books into your library will help you cultivate a thriving and rewarding garden. Happy gardening!
