10 Best Garden Books 2025 in the United States

The Old Farmer's Almanac Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook is a handy guide for both novice and experienced gardeners. It offers step-by-step advice on growing over 30 types of vegetables, making it versatile for any gardening zone. The book covers essential topics like soil testing, seed-starting, and saving methods in a simplified manner, which could be very helpful for beginners.

It also includes tips on growing alternatives to traditional raised beds and provides useful information on companion planting. One of its strengths is the inclusion of more than 150 full-color photographs, which can make the learning process more visual and engaging. This handbook also features space for gardeners to note their observations and experiences, adding a personal touch to the learning journey. Additionally, it promises enlightening and humorous anecdotes from fellow gardeners, making the reading experience more enjoyable.

While it offers a wealth of information and practical advice, it might not cover region-specific gardening nuances extensively, which can be a drawback for those looking for highly localized guidance. The book's compact size and weight (6.75 x 0.75 x 8.75 inches, 1.18 pounds) make it easy to handle and reference while working in the garden. Published by the Old Farmer's Almanac, the handbook is backed by a reputable source, adding to its credibility. This book is ideal for general vegetable gardening enthusiasts looking for a blend of practical advice and engaging content.

The book 'Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom (DK Our World in Pictures)' appears to be a comprehensive and visually appealing resource for young readers interested in plant life. The content focus is broad, covering a wide range of plant species and their characteristics, which can be both a strength and a drawback. It offers an engaging introduction to botany for children in grades 4 to 7, with a reading age starting at 5 years. DK is a reputable publisher known for producing high-quality educational books for children. This lends credibility to the book's content.

The book includes numerous illustrations and photographs that make it visually engaging and help to simplify complex information for younger readers. This visual approach is a significant strength, making it easier for children to understand and retain the information. However, for those seeking more in-depth botanical knowledge or practical gardening tips and projects, this book may fall short. It seems to focus more on providing an overview rather than practical advice.

The book's physical dimensions and weight make it a substantial hardcover, suitable for home use rather than a portable field guide. In summary, this book is an excellent educational tool for introducing children to the world of plants, but it may not meet the needs of more advanced or region-specific gardening enthusiasts.

Bunny Williams: Life in the Garden is a comprehensive guide that offers both inspiration and practical advice for garden enthusiasts. Written by Bunny Williams, a renowned garden designer with extensive expertise, the book showcases her wealth of knowledge and experience in gardening. This hardcover book is beautifully presented with 408 pages of rich content, including stunning illustrations and photographs that bring the gardens to life and provide visual inspiration for readers.

The book is substantial in size, measuring 10.3 x 1.8 x 12.3 inches and weighing 5.9 pounds, making it more suited for a coffee table than for carrying around. The publication by Rizzoli, a reputable publisher, adds credibility to the book's quality and content. While the book excels in showcasing beautiful garden designs and offering practical tips, its regional relevance may be a consideration for some readers.

Depending on where you live, some of the gardening advice may need to be adapted to your local climate and conditions. If you have an interest in garden design, appreciate detailed illustrations, and seek advice from an expert in the field, this book will likely be a valuable addition to your collection. However, if you are looking for a lightweight, portable guide or something very specific to your region, you might want to consider additional resources.