6 Best beginner gardening book 2024


BY Khushvinder Dagar
Last Update:

Finding the BEST BEGINNER GARDENING BOOK is a challenging task. That’s where we come from! We’ll give you proper suggestions about which GARDENING BOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU!

We are your BIGGEST SAVIOR in making wise decisions. We have KNOWLEDGE- PURCHASING BEST GARDENING BOOKS FOR BEGINNERS that are BEST READS.

Our team of experts has STUDIED and IMPLEMENTED these GARDENING TECHNIQUES. We know WHICH ONES BENEFIT YOU in the long run. You’re about to discover:

  • Features for best gardening books
  • Key considerations for selecting one, 
  • And a list of the best book for beginner gardeners
Best beginner gardening book

What Are the Features to Look for in Gardening Books?

Features to Look for in Gardening Books

The FEATURES YOU SHOULD LOOK for when READING the BEST GARDENING BOOKS as a beginner – comprises many things.  

The first thing that comes up is the purpose of the garden. Why are you thinking of doing this? Answering this will guide you to look for BOOKS THAT HAVE A SIMILAR PURPOSE TO YOURS

For instance, if you desire to GROW VEGETABLES IN YOUR GARDEN. Then you purchase beginner vegetable gardening books for growing vegetables.

Another important thing is to maintain your garden- NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE GROWING! BEST BOOK also covers all the basics of maintenance of your garden.   

What Are the Key Considerations for Picking the Best Beginner Gardening Books?

Key Considerations for Picking the Best Beginner Gardening Books

Keep some things in mind whenever you want to CHOOSE ORGANIC GARDENING BOOKS FOR BEGINNERS. The most crucial thing is how much you can afford to spend? 

This defines WHAT TYPE OF PLANTS YOU CAN AFFORD, be it growing VEGETABLES, HERBS, or even FLOWERS!

Then comes the SPACE THAT YOU CAN OCCUPY. The gardening space is an important factor. (when you choose plants to grow in your backyard garden). 

A vegetable garden only requires a little space. The same goes for herbs and flowers.   

The next thing to consider is – 

AVAILABILITY OF THE VARIOUS INGREDIENTS OR ELEMENTS required for organic gardening. 

Checking the CLIMATE FACTORS and SOIL FERTILITY. It affects the gardening of healthy plants work. Knowing which plants are grown season-long and which year-round is important as well.

The last thing is what GARDEN PLANNING you are doing beforehand! This needs to be there when you begin gardening, especially for first-time gardeners. 

 6 Best Beginner Gardening Books

Here we mention the 6 best gardening books for beginners recommended by the experts. Get EVERY DETAIL ON GARDENING in these books and beyond related. Let’s start with the following:   

1. Vegetable Gardener’s Bible by Edward C. Smith

Vegetable-Gardener’s Bible

This book is a COMPLETE GUIDE FOR ORGANIC GARDENING for vegetables to be grown at home. The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible teaches you-

RAISED BED GARDENING and ORGANIC METHODS for HIGH-YIELD GARDENING

It also emphasizes the WIDE ROWS and DEEP SOIL in gardening for more productivity. This book provides a roadmap for beginner gardeners with-

In-depth plant profiles of HUNDREDS OF POPULAR VARIETIES of vegetables.                                                                                                                      

This book includes EVERY POSSIBLE VEGETABLE and CULINARY HERBS in full detail! You get to learn how to SUCCEED WITH FUSSY PLANTS using vegetable seeds. And even try planting new and UNUSUAL VARIETIES that you have never seen or heard of! 

This book even includes tips on EXTENDING THE PLANTS’ GROWING SEASON innovatively. It also shares expert advice and information on gardening. (that can prevent you from failure!)                         

Creating healthy garden soil teaches you how to SET UP and MAINTAIN YOUR OWN ORGANIC GARDEN. The author of this book shares in this easy-to-understand guide- 

Easy-to-follow instructions and a list of his favorite GARDENING TOOLS. Plus, TIPS FOR PEST CONTROL.                                                                                                                                     

This one is better than any other vegetable gardening book that you want to purchase. Novice gardeners find this book as a GEM FOR GARDENING. People say it’s a must-have when you have a garden.                                                                                                                              

According to a reviewer on Amazon

very well organized, and the explanations and directions are clear. 

The second half of the book has detailed information on most vegetables, including 

what plants are best to plant before, and next to this plant, common problems, soil depth, etc.

She continues, “I appreciate that he talks about beneficial insects. 

And organic gardening techniques. I would recommend this book to everyone.               

2. The Complete Gardener by Monty Don

The Complete Gardener Monty Don A Practical, Imaginative Guide to Every Aspect of Gardening

This book is written by the BBC’S GARDENERS’ WORLD HEADLINER MONTY DON. He has explained in this PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR GARDENING. (with ILLUSTRATIONS of his garden.) 

He shared his beliefs about the important aspects of gardening in the book. He follows organic techniques for gardening with a key principle- 

‘the need to provide habitats in your garden for local wildlife.’

The highlights of this book are that its new Edition is UP-TO-DATE: WITH HIS CURRENT GARDENS and latest approach. This book is like an ENCYCLOPEDIA for all aspects of gardening. It contains EVERYTHING THAT NEW GARDENERS WANT TO KNOW about gardening. 

Each and every chapter of this book is well-organized. Plus, it’s USEFUL FOR THE LONG TERM for gardeners with diverse gardening skills.                                                                   

This book explains:

  • HOW TO SPREAD PLANTS, 
  • GROW ORGANIC VEGETABLES, 
  • And even CREATE A WATER GARDEN! 

Each page is filled with information you can keep soaking, and it won’t be enough! You treat every part of this book as a MINI COURSE to LEARN HOW TO GARDEN ACCURATELY.

If you are not a beginner but have started gardening, it would become a GOOD PURCHASE! This book by Monty Don is the best among all his other books

As for people who have WATCHED HIM LIVE ON BBC GARDENING WORLD, this would bring back those memories. This book contains many tips and hints for gardeners. 

This is a REFERENCE GARDENING BOOK rather than a READING BOOK. One reviewer from Amazon- “A book to be treasured, a book to be used, a really great buy. If youre buying a few gardening books, buy this one first. Its so worth the money.   

3. RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening by Christopher Brickell, published by DK

RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening’ by Christopher Brickell, published by DK

This book was published for the FIRST TIME 20 YEARS AGO! This gardening book consists of PERENNIAL PLANTS’ INFORMATION by a team of specialists. They REVIEW and UPDATE this book’s content annually with MODERN GARDENING METHODS and TECHNIQUES

It is divided into two parts- the first section consists of HOW TO BUILD A GARDEN from the stretch. And the second section deals with ITS MAINTENANCE later on. This book helps you CREATE and MAINTAIN YOUR GARDEN perfectly. 

It does so by providing the world’s finest and authoritative GARDENING TIPS. And ADVICE from the experts at RHS (The Royal Horticultural Society). This is a classic reference gardening book for gardeners. This book contains valuable guidance for gardening

Plus, it is STEP BY STEP GUIDE to show you how to make a vegetable garden by planting the right plants. It covers the vegetable garden and VEGETABLE GARDENING GUIDE to PRUNING and PROPAGATION. 

This book even includes modern new ways of growing plants. Using CONTAINER GARDENING and on SMALL SPACES LIKE A LIVING ROOF. It doesn’t matter which level you are at gardening. Expert advice from experts keeps your vegetable garden throughout the year!                                                                                                

This book is perfect for beginners who need help figuring out where to start! It contains detailed ILLUSTRATIONS, COLORED PHOTOS, and PARAGRAPHS. It’s a worthy purchase! As it consists of all aspects of vegetable gardening from DESIGN TO MAINTENANCE. 

On top of all this- this book provides information on how to look after individual plants [sic]! (**Now that is rare!**)

In the words of a reviewer on Amazon, 

Excellent product, packed with information. Bought one for my daughter as she now has a very large garden and very little knowledge!

Bought me a copy as its more informative than my old Readers Digest one, and because they were on offer….. bargain!”   

4. Vertical Gardening by Derek Fell

Vertical-Gardening

This book is perfect for those with a small plot or who need more vegetable gardening space. Or those who desire to have high yields with less labor. This ultimate guide advises HOW YOU CAN SHRINK THE SPACE for vegetable gardening. 

The author Derek Fell, who is a gardener, explains his 

  • RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EASILY AVAILABLE VEGETABLES, 
  • FLOWERS (for flower garden), 
  • and FRUITS 

That is WELL SUITED FOR VERTICAL GARDENING.

This book gives practical advice on HOW TO IMPLEMENT and USE A VERTICAL GARDENING SYSTEM. Also, learned many benefits that are- 

Smaller garden beds you can prepare (and maintain in a small space!). Plus, new varieties to plant

This type of gardening is the solution to all the problems. Related to starting too big and later realizing so much weeding, water, and labor work. 

This type of gardening is FOCUSED ON GROWING CLIMBING PLANTS. They are PRONE TO INSECTS, DISEASES, and PESTS. This is due to their structure compared to those that grow straight on land. 

Derek Fell has given recommendations on space-saving using vertical gardening. He tested thousands of varieties of vegetables, flowers, and fruits. This book will be a good purchase for American readers! It TALKS ABOUT AMERICAN VEGETABLES ONLY. 

It is good for those WHO DON’T OWN MUCH LAND and are INTERESTED IN THIS TYPE OF GARDENING. It is one of the finest books regarding INSIGHTS, IDEAS, and KNOWLEDGE. 

In the words of a reviewer of this book- Peter Walker (on Amazon), 

This is an excellent work that covers all the necessary basics on vertical gardening, even though it is biased toward American readers.

However, it is still a very usable book for those in British climates and simple to understand. I would recommend it to all interested in the art of vertical gardening.

5. Jekka’s Complete Herb Book by Jekka McVicar

Jekka’s Complete Herb Book, by Jekka McVicar

This book is a full COLLECTION OF MORE THAN 350 VARIETIES OF HERBs to grow. Plus, it contains 200+ delicious and inventive recipes as well! This is one of the classic all-time vegetable gardening books for beginners. 

This REFERENCE BOOK COMPRISES ALL ASPECTS of an individual herb which are-

  • HISTORY, 
  • SPECIES THAT YOU CAN GROW, 
  • And THEIR MEDICINAL and CULINARY USES. 

This book is an A-Z comprehensive guide for herbs! It includes practical information about 

  • each herb and its ORGANIC GROWING REQUIREMENTS
  • USAGE, 
  • MYTHICAL PROPERTIES, 
  • And EVEN HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. 

This book’s newest Editions have an additional list of herbs every time. The two-page herb’s details such as its:

  • NATURAL HABITAT, 
  • SPECIES & RELATED PLANTS, 
  • SOIL PROPERTIES, 
  • WATERING NEEDS, 
  • WEATHER PROTECTION, 
  • CONTAINER GROWING, and much more!!                                       

It also features a HOW-TO SECTION. It has step-by-step instructions and top practices for organic herb gardeners.

This is backed by many other things, such as SAMPLE PLANS, CHECKLISTS for every month, freezing & storing guide, and a lot more info! 

Reading this book might be a CHALLENGE! 

  • First, because of its in-depth information 
  • And second, due to its large format that readers need help using. 

But still, it’s a COMPREHENSIVE HERB GARDENING BOOK that is very useful. All herb growers must have this book in their collection.

One of the reviewers (PHA) on Amazon said,

Had had this from the library, and it is such a lovely book with great information and pictures that I had to have it. It is a super book to dip into for quick reference or in-depth info – 

If you want to buy, grow, know the best for your garden, etc., this is unbeatable.  

6. All New Square Foot Gardening, 3rd Edition

All New Square Foot Gardening, 3rd Edition

Last but not least! This book is the MOST SIMPLE and STRAIGHTFORWARD for beginners. (who were not born gardeners!) It is the BEST SELLING GARDENING BOOK IN NORTH AMERICA. And still very apt for growing tips and know-how for growing more vegetables

It has a TWIST IN CONVENTIONAL GARDENING. And it has helped millions of home gardeners grow vegetables in less space & work!

As a beginner, you will love these books: 

  • illustrations
  • planting charts
  • How-to-tips.

Plus, 42 vegetable planting, growing, and harvesting guides as well. In this book, you learn simple three steps for square foot gardening- 

BUILD A BOX, FILL IT WITH MEL’S MIX (TM), and ADD A GRID

When you follow this method, you require 

  • no tilling, 
  • no fertilizing, 
  • less watering, 
  • Weed and many more benefits! 

This instructional gardening book is full of HOW-TOS. IT BOOSTS YOUR ORGANIC VEGETABLE YIELDS in your garden. 

Some of them include 

  • installing automatic watering systems
  • adding trellises and archways to grow up 
  • And increase your space, 
  • Managing pests in your garden using natural methods and many others.                                                   

When it comes to purchasing this book: 

This is American, but it also works for people outside this region. The system explained in this book can be used in any region. Adding this book to your gardening collection in your library will be beneficial!

Hear what one of its reviewers (Daniel Ori) says on Amazon, 

I liked the In Mel’s Words inclusions and the range of sub-topics covered. I can recommend this book to all gardeners. 

Regardless of experience, some traditionally trained horticulturalists like myself may have to challenge their opinions on managing soil, but once embraced, you will enjoy just how easy this innovative gardening method is!

FAQs about Best Beginner Gardening Book

1. How many hours a week do you need to keep a garden?

On average, you will need about 2 hours weekly to keep a garden. Some weeks take more hours, like prep/planting days and end-of-season or shutdown days.   

2. Is gardening better exercise than walking?

Gardening can be an exercise, but it is not necessarily better than walking. Both activities can provide moderate to vigorous physical activity. It depends on the intensity and duration of the activity.

3. What should you not do when gardening?

There are many mistakes that beginners make while gardening, which include: 
· Giving plants little or over sunlight, 
· under or over-watering, 
· crowding plants, 
· Using synthetic fertilizers and using any form of pesticides. 

What’s Next

It was a marvelous experience to go through the features to be looked at in gardening books. As a beginner, it is best to think about some key considerations before selecting your books.

Moving on to the real treasure, a list of renowned books will help you get straight to the point. You can have a learning experience by practically reading and doing it.

If you are curious about LEARNING TO GARDEN AS A BEGINNER, go through AsterGardening to read similar articles. 

We have shared our EXPERT TIPS and ADVICE FOR GARDENING. Every beginner appreciates them!

And if you liked our article, PLEASE SHARE IT with your friends, family, and colleagues! We are eager to provide you with more knowledge!

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Khushvinder Dagar

Hey, I'm Khushvinder. I am a marketer by profession but love the feeling of getting my hands dirty and watching plants grow and have a particular interest in native plants and sustainable gardening practices. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with others and have written articles on gardening for various publications.