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Backyard Berry Book
A great basic information resources for beginning berry growers. I don't actually own this one but have checked it out of our local library several times when I was starting with raspberries and blackberries. |
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Book of Garden Secrets
I probably learned more from this book than any other recently. Did you know that planting lettuce near street lights can cause it to be bitter? The plant is tricked into thinking it is later in the season than it really is. You are taught not just how to do things but why they work. I wish I had found this book when I first started gardening. |
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Complete Book of Edible Landscaping
Written by a landscape designer, this book is about incorporating edible plants in your landscape. Included are recipes, preservation, pests and sources for many edible plants. |
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Complete Care of Orphaned or Abandoned Baby Animals
While the experts do not recommend that an individual undertake the raising of a wild animal, and there may be laws prohibiting it where you live, there may be times when you find yourself with no other choice if the little one is to have a chance at life. If mom isn't available and there isn't a local rescue operation nearby this book is the next best thing. |
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Four-Season Harvest
Imagine moving the snow off of your cold frame to pick some greens for your lunch salad. Its possible with a little bit of effort and this book. Learn about extending the growing season with cold frames, covers, green houses etc. There are sections on composting, pests and a number of charts to get you started. Lots of great info here. |
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Foxfire Book
I first read this book when I was about 15. I was fascinated by it and the fact that I could learn how to make a log cabin out of a book was something I hadn't considered. This was actually the first in a series of books that originated with a magazine put out by high school students. If you have any interest in the 'old ways' definately check out this series. |
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Garden Insects of North America
This book is amazing. If it is a garden insect in the US it will be in this book. Tons of photos of different life stages. The listing of pests by host plant plant is very handy if you aren't sure where to begin. |
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How to Grow More Vegetables
Biointensive farming aka double digging, close spacing, natural and sustainable methods to getting the most out of your piece of ground. This text lays out how you can get more with less inputs, less work (at least after the initial investment) and without the negative impact on the land that many farming methods can cause. |
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McGee & Stuckey's Bountiful Container
I recently purchased this book and am still reading it. Lots of great ideas for container goodies as the title says. Many things I never considered. |
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New Victory Garden
One of the first gardening books I bought. The layout is by month with divisions on what to seed, transplant, harvest for each month. There are also sections on berries, tool care and several others. Anyone not living in the North East US will have to adjust their timing from what is listed in the book. |
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Plant Propagation A to Z
If you have any interest in making more plants this IS the only book you will ever need. The text is loaded with charts listing the best ways to propagate the different genera, requirements, all of the how, when and where you will need to help you succeed A cutting is not a cutting is not a cutting. Sometimes just a few weeks either way can make the difference between success and failure when taking cuttings. |
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Rodale's garden insect, disease & weed identification guide
The name pretty much says it all. Not as many pictures as I would like but once you know what you have (perhaps using the Garden Insects book above) this book will tell you how to deal with it organically. |
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Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
Over 500 pages of information on common as well as long forgotten herbs. If you only own one herb book make it this one. Arranged alphabetically, there are instructions on growing, kitchen or medicinal uses, history, propagation, dye plants etc making this an all in one resource. |
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Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials
Lots of color pictures, charts and garden layouts and design along with the expected Rodale info on pest management. There is even a section on perennial propagation. While perennial flowers are a very small part of my garden, this book definately has a place on my shelf. |
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Secret Life of Plants
This isn't a gardening book but is very interesting and I wanted to share it here. Some years back a series of experiments were done on plants. You may be amazed at the results. |
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Tree Identification
This isn't your typical key for identifying trees. Loaded with black and white photos of all parts and life stages as well as descriptions it is a good general guide to identifying common trees to the species level. |
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Willows: The Genus Salix
Willows have been used for generations for everything from baskets, to furniture to fuel. If you are wanting to grow willows for harvest, this book will give you much needed information on the many many different willow species as well as care and propagation. |
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Worms Eat My Garbage
A great first book if you are interested in vermiculture aka composting with worms. Imagine turing those apple peels, used coffee grounds and a little shredded newspaper into something your plants will love. Not only do you get something great for the garden but you do your share to help keep most kitchen waste out of the landfill and get some fishing worms to boot (if you are so inclined). |