About
Deals
Articles
Genres
Let me tell you a personal story. Two years ago, I started using the empty spaces on my terrace and balconies to grow vegetables and herbs.
It wasn’t easy at first—sourcing the seeds, getting the soil mix right, and keeping the young saplings alive in the face of inclement weather—but I rose to the challenge. Now, I’ve successfully grown my own tomatoes, chilis, bell peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, spring onions, and more—with the help of water, sunlight, and organic fertilizers.
The calming act of gardening helped me regain some control in life—it made me feel like I was at least doing something in the wake of climate change and crops grown with chemical fertilizers. It also made me realize that the labor of growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs isn’t easy at all, and I began to appreciate nature's bounty even more.
Back when I started this little green endeavor, I had no books or resources to help me, except my own instincts and the wisdom of elders. But that doesn’t have to be the case for you.
With these nine helpful books, anyone can start a farm in their home and successfully grow crops. You don’t need a green thumb or special fertilizers—just lots of patience and a willingness to observe, learn, and experiment!
A Garden Can Be
This practical book teaches readers that beauty and bounty need not be mutually exclusive, and that anyone can start and nurture an edible garden, regardless of land size.
Accompanied by beautiful photos and simple advice, A Garden Can Be Anywhere is perfect for those who’ve always wanted a green space of their own but are unsure how to take the first step.
Any Size, Anywhere Edible Gardening
Best suited for beginners, William Moss’s engaging book takes gardeners through the step-by-step process of growing edibles in their own backyard.
It provides a thorough overview of various traditional gardening methods for bringing organic freshness to people’s homes.
Backyard Bounty
If you’re based in the Pacific Northwest, Linda Gilkeson’s informative book contains all that you need to know to grow your own food all year round.
It also contains tips and tricks regarding composting, controlling pests, and dealing with local weather concerns.
Carrots Love Tomatoes
Certain plants go together, like parsley and asparagus, while others need to be planted far apart.
But how do you know which is which, to maximize your harvest?
Louise Riotte’s marvelous book, packed with gardening secrets, has all the answers you seek.
Eat Your Greens
If you’re looking to grow nutritious food, leafy crops are your best bet.
David Kennedy’s wonderful book has all the information and guidance you need to grow your own leafy garden, filled with nutrient-rich plants like beans, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, okra, and more.
By adding these plants to one’s diet, you’ll not only introduce more health and vitality to your family, but also save on frequent trips to the grocery store. You can literally turn over a new leaf with this book.
Gardening to Eat
Adopting a plant-based lifestyle is not only good for your health but also for the environment.
Becky Dickinson’s book is filled with delicious and nutritious recipes, all involving homegrown veggies and herbs.
After all, growing one’s own vegetables is one thing, but cooking them into savory meals is another art—one that Dickinson will certainly help you master.
Herb Gardening for Beginners
Herbs not only impart delicious flavors to a meal, but also have important medicinal properties.
Thus, growing herbs on the kitchen windowsill and balcony can not only enhance your cooking but also help you make home remedies for common ailments.
It not only introduces readers to various herbs but also provides step-by-step instructions for planting them, along with several recipes to try!
Homegrown
If you’re looking for a book packed with home gardening tips as well as tasty recipes, Heather Hardison’s book serves both purposes quite well.
It carefully guides you through planting and harvesting several common vegetables and fruits and features delectable recipes you can make in the kitchen, season by season.
The Classic Herb Garden
Finally, if herbs are your main area of interest, Gordon Thorburn’s book is a detailed volume that guides you through every step of the process, whether you’re growing herbs for culinary or medical reasons, or both.
From health warnings to natural gardening tips, it’s a vital addition to any herb gardening library.
Featured image: Canva
