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Best Gardening Books

Updated April 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Monty Don The Complete Gardener: A Practical, Imaginative Guide to Every Aspect of Gardening
Monty Don
The Complete Gardener: A Practical, Imaginative Guide to Every Aspect of Gardening
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Familiar Author
Bottom Line

A book recommended by our expert that goes through all the essentials of gardening, while also highlighting any recent changes that the popular TV gardener, Monty Don, has made to his own practices.

Pros

Features photographs that are taken at different parts of the year in order to get a thorough overview of his garden. Includes descriptions on his own approach, with an emphasis on organic gardening, as well creating spaces for the nearby wildlife. Great for new and advanced gardeners.

Cons

A few of the reviewers felt that the photographs were lacking in quality.

Best Bang for the Buck
Jessica Sowards The First-Time Gardener: Growing Vegetables
Jessica Sowards
The First-Time Gardener: Growing Vegetables
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Recommended for beginner gardeners by our expert, this option covers the basics of vegetable growing and addresses many frequently asked questions.

Pros

Paperback book with plenty of useful information to get started and maintain a vegetable garden. Includes topics such as seasonal gardening, creating an attractive space, and harvesting. Has a focus on organic methods. Comes with illustrations and is available at an accessible price.

Cons

The binding of the book tends to fall apart.

Erin Benzakein Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Harvest, and Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms
Erin Benzakein
Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Harvest, and Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms
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Creative Resource
Bottom Line

With its beautiful photographs and step-by-step guides, this floral-focused book is both inspiring and useful.

Pros

According to our expert, this book is great for anyone looking to up their flower game. Includes information on growing, harvesting, and arranging flowers. Features photographs of the author’s floral designs for reference and inspiration. Available in a hardcover style.

Cons

Not as instructional as hoped, according to a couple of reviews.

The Old Farmer's Almanac Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook
The Old Farmer's Almanac
Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook
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Easy to Use
Bottom Line

Our expert notes that this guide takes an accessible approach for any amateur gardener wanting to start a vegetable garden.

Pros

Has start-to-finish information on the process of growing vegetables, including choosing soil and specific guides on over 30 vegetables. Contains stories from seasoned gardeners, room to take notes, and charts. Book also has full color pictures for further reference.

Cons

Not the best option for anyone looking for something more comprehensive.

Tammy Wylie Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Sustain a Thriving Garden
Tammy Wylie
Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Sustain a Thriving Garden
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Popular Pick
Bottom Line

A handy book for those who are looking to get started with raised bed gardening.

Pros

Our expert appreciates that this guide is user-friendly and has easy-to-understand instructions. Has information related to soil maintenance, crop rotation, and seed starting. Includes comprehensive details on 30 different vegetables. Available at a good price.

Cons

A bit too basic for a few buyers.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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