Gardening, for many, is the perfect way to unwind - and the best gardening books for beginners could be the very thing a green thumb in your life is looking for. While some are innately gifted with the ability to nurture life from the soil - we can learn a lot from nature and gardening. Gardening is a therapeutic activity that can bring a sense of calm and fulfilment and offers us a serene project to counteract the hectic pace of modern life.
More than just a hobby, gardening allows you to reap tangible rewards, too. You can grow various herbs, vegetables, and fruits from your own plot or allotment. These home-grown products not only taste better, but they also offer a healthier, pesticide-free alternative to store-bought produce too. From container gardening to expansive plots, there are many ways to start gardening. If you live somewhere a little more urban, there are also books that offer balcony garden ideas that could help you transform even the smallest spaces into a lush oasis teeming with life.
Best gardening books for beginners at a glance:
• Best overall: RHS - How To Garden When You're New To Gardening - view on Amazon
• Best gardening book for smaller spaces: Small Garden: Design your garden with this gardening book for beginners - view on Amazon
• Best beginner's book for container gardening: Container Gardening for Beginners: - view on Amazon
Although stepping into the world of gardening can feel intimidating- and while there is so much knowledge to grasp and techniques to master, books can be a wonderful tool to start you on your way. Whether you're planning to cultivate the best herb garden or perhaps you are looking to design a beautiful section of bedding plants, a comprehensive gardening guide can solve your horticultural needs.
For those eager to plunge their hands into the soil, here are our favourite gardening books for beginners. These resources provide the necessary tools to transform even the most inexperienced enthusiast into a confident gardener. It’s the perfect way to start your journey, cultivating your outdoor space into a thriving haven teeming with life. So without further ado, here are our top picks.
Best gardening book for beginners
Best gardening book for beginners

Description
How To Garden When You're New To Gardening is an all-encompassing guide for the new gardener.
Pros
- Good basic tips
- Curated by the experts from the Royal Horticultural Society
Cons
- May be too simple for some
Best gardening book on the benefits of gardening

Description
This book is more than just a beginner's guide. It's an invitation to the world of modern
Pros
- Available on audio, Kindle and paperback
- Covers all bases
Cons
- May be information overload for a newbie
Best gardening book for indoor plants

Description
How Not to Kill Your Houseplant: Survival Tips for the Horticulturally Challenged is a lifesaver
Pros
- Easy to follow
- Focus on indoor gardening for those with no garden
- Basics of houseplant care
Cons
- Very short
Best gardening book for vegetables

Description
If you are looking for a book that is a straightforward guide which teaches gardening beginners
Pros
- Clearly presented
- Simple guidance
- Nice illustrations
Cons
- Very basic
- American focused
Best beginners book for container gardening
Description
We love this comprehensive guide to growing your own food in a limited space. It leads you through
Pros
- Easy step-by-step help
- Kindle, hardcover and paperback
Cons
- May be too technical for some readers
Best gardening book for smaller spaces

Description
Small Garden: Design your garden with this gardening book for beginners is a concise,
Pros
- Easy to understand
- Good tips and ideas
Cons
- Needs more images
Best gardening book for raised bed gardens

Description
The book Raised Bed and Container Gardening by Emma Andrews is a valuable resource for those
Pros
- Step-by-steps
- Useful glossary
Cons
- Aimed at the American market
Best beginners gardening book for flowers

Description
The Flower Gardening for Beginners book by Amy Barene empowers beginners with the knowledge and
Pros
- Informative guide
- Specific details on flowers
- Interesting section on plant profiles
Cons
- Tailored for a US audience
Best beginner’s book for herbal healing

Description
If you are into natural health and herbs, then you will love _The Art of Herbal Healing: Herbalism
Pros
- Easy to read
- An informative book on herbalism
- Great for natural health remedies
Cons
- Needs more images
Best children’s gardening book for beginners

Description
Usborne's Gardening for Beginners introduces children to the exciting world of gardening. With
Pros
- No garden required
- Lots of hints, tips and ideas
- Nice introduction to gardening and nature for young green thumbs
Cons
- Best for an older child
Best gardening books for beginners FAQs
What makes a gardening book suitable for beginners?
A beginner's gardening book should explain the basics of gardening in a simple, easy-to-understand format. It should cover foundational topics like understanding soil, choosing plants suitable for your climate and space, watering, pruning, and dealing with pests as well as clear imagery so you have a guide on what to expect.
How to start gardening?
The best way to start a garden is to decide what type of garden you want (vegetables, flowers, herbs) and then research the specific needs of those plants. Consider your climate and the sunlight exposure in your garden. It would be good to start off with easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, lettuce, or daffodils - to get you into growing.

How often should I water my garden?
This really depends on the type of plants you have, the climate, and the season. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to water your garden when the top inch of soil is dry. Most plants prefer deep, infrequent watering to shallow, frequent watering because it encourages better root growth.
What are the best bedding plants for beginners?
Some of the best bedding plants for beginners include marigolds, petunias, pansies, and begonias. These plants are easy to grow, require minimal maintenance, and offer vibrant colours that can liven up your garden
Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.
.