Grab a glass of iced tea and head out to the garden or patio to kick your feet up and read something from our list of brilliant gardening books!

I don’t know about your neck of the woods, but it’s hotter than you-know-what where I am. Dare I say it … it’s too hot to garden? Well, it is.

And, rather than do housework I’ve decided it’s a great day to crank up the A/C and curl up with a good book.

A gardening book.

That’s what gave me the idea to share some favorites with you. There are so many truly brilliant gardening books on the market that it was hard to whittle down the staff’s list of favorites. But whittle we did.

In this list, I’ll introduce you to five fantastic books that will inspire and guide you on your gardening journey. From vegetable gardening to rose cultivation and everything in between, these books are packed with valuable insights. If you’re interested in learning more about any of them, click on the title.

“The Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook,” The Old Farmer’s Almanac  

This handbook is a gem for vegetable garden enthusiasts. Filled with practical tips and expert advice, it covers everything from planning and preparing your garden to harvesting and preserving your bountiful produce.

Other topics include a section on tools, another on raised bed vegetable gardening, soil tests, how to start seeds and more.

“The Old Farmer’s Almanac Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook” is an indispensable resource for any gardener looking to grow delicious, healthy vegetables.

Published in 2019

208 pages

5 stars from 5,094 ratings at Amazon.com.

“Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners: Everything you Need to Know to Start and Sustain a Thriving Garden,” by Tammy Wylie 

If you’re new to gardening or limited on space, raised-bed gardening is an excellent option. Tammy Wylie’s book is the ultimate guide for beginners, offering step-by-step instructions on building and maintaining raised beds.

With her friendly tone and practical advice, Wylie empowers readers to create thriving gardens in even the smallest spaces.

Chapters of particular interest include Planning your Garden and Building Structures.

142 pages

Published: 2019

4.6 stars from 6,228 ratings at Amazon.com.

“Growing Good Roses,” by Rayford Clayton Reddell

Disregard the publication date of this book. Nothing much has changed in the rose world since then and this is, hands down, one of the best books about growing roses that we’ve read. Ever.

Roses are the epitome of beauty, and with this book by Rayford Clayton Reddell, you’ll learn how to grow them successfully. Reddell’s passion for roses shines through as he shares his knowledge on selecting the right roses, planting techniques, pruning, and pest management.

If you love roses, this is one of those books you’ll refer to often. 

172 pages

Published in 1988

4.7 stars from 16 ratings on Amazon.com

“The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation: From Seed to Tissue Culture,” by Michael A. Dirr and Charles W. Heuser Jr.

If you read no other books in this list read this one! My copy is years old and I turn to it repeatedly for propagation information. Chapters are separated by propagation method: Seed, Grafting and Budding and Tissue Culture.

This one for the serious gardeners and plant enthusiast and it’s a treasure trove of information on propagating woody plants. Michael A. Dirr and Charles W. Heuser Jr. provide comprehensive guidance on seed collection, cutting propagation, grafting, and more. This meticulously detailed book will be your go-to resource for expanding your garden through plant propagation.

410 Pages

Published in 2006

4.6 stars out of 242 ratings at Amazon.com

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Growing Vegetables at Home, by Jill McSheehy

If you’re a beginner yearning to grow your own vegetables, Jill McSheehy’s book is the perfect starting point. With clear instructions and a friendly tone, McSheehy covers all the essentials, including soil preparation, seed starting, watering, and pest control.

“Vegetable Gardening for Beginners” is a fantastic primer for anyone eager to experience the joy of growing their own produce.

166 pages

Published in 2020

4.7 stars from 2,121 ratings at Amazon.com