There’s a plant book for just about anyone, and leafing through plant books is a hobby in itself. My shelf has plenty of horticultural books because I find inspiration in their pages.
In this article, I share some of the most captivating titles today.
You can find books for edible gardening, terrarium making, and plant interior design. Some are books for helping beginners, while others are for those who simply seek an entertaining read.
Whatever your situation, I’m confident you’ll discover a book that intrigues you. One of these books may even change your life!
Interesting Plant Books
Are you in search of unique and exciting plant books? Look no further. Here are some of my recommendations!
1. Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln’s Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities
There’s no doubt that this book will be one of your most entertaining reads of 2023. Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart tells the story of over 200 atrocious plants in history.
You can find stories about plants that started wars and fungi that got women accused of witchcraft.
If you’re interested in reading about plant scandals, this book is for you!
2. Fifty Plants That Changed the Course of History
Plants are powerful, and you learn this in Fifty Plants That Changed the Course of History by Bill Laws. It tells about the plants that have a significant impact on civilization!
What I love about this book is it offers you a fresh perspective on the most common crops. For instance, many of us forget that sugarcane led to the enslavement of millions of people.
You’ll find more stories like this within this interesting title!
3. The Drunken Botanist: The Plants That Create the World’s Greatest Drinks
Yet another work by Amy Stewart, The Drunken Botanist is a New York Times Bestselling Book about botany and booze. Here, you learn about the many plants we use to create our favorite alcoholic beverages.
There are innovative herbs, flowers, fruits, and fungi you didn’t know about. Some plants are bizarre and used out of sheer desperation.
This book deserves a spot on your reading list!
Plant Books On Home Gardening
Gardening is a productive and fun hobby for homebodies. Here are books you may want to read before starting a garden at your place!
1. The Edible Garden: How to Have Your Garden and Eat It Too
Take a step toward sustainability by planting an edible garden in your backyard!
The Edible Garden is an easy-to-read book that can help you go back to basics. It’s written by the famous BBC presenter and horticulturist, Alys Fowler.
What I like about this book is it contains unconventional methods to increase your vegetable production. It also includes some of Fowler’s best recipes!
2.
Sometimes our home doesn’t get enough sunlight. However, this shouldn’t discourage you from growing plants!
Grow In the Dark by Lisa Steinkopf guides you through 50 plants that thrive in homes with dim environments. The book is full of tips that help you choose the best plants and make the most of the dark.
It’s a must-have for families who struggle to keep greenery alive due to low lighting!
3. In Bloom: Growing, Harvesting, and Arranging Homegrown Flowers All Year Round
We often forget that bees and other insects need flowers to survive. Having a flower garden at home lets you experience the occasional butterfly visit!
I highly recommend In Bloom by Claire Nolan because it features a comprehensive guide to growing even the toughest flowers.
What’s more, it teaches you how to harvest the excess flowers and turn them into beautiful arrangements for your table.
This book is one of my recommendations for every home gardener!
Plant Books for New Gardeners
Are you a fledgling gardener and you want to learn more about keeping plants? These books are popular among beginners!
1. American Grown
American Grown is a book by Michelle Obama that recounts how she started her garden at the White House. As a new grower herself, her journey gives inspiration to everyone who wants to start planting crops.
The book is full of original photos and you can see what it’s like in the presidential backyard. Plus, it includes recipes from the White House chefs!
2. The Indestructible Houseplant: 200 Beautiful Plants That Everyone Can Grow
The Indestructible Houseplant by Tovah Martin is a title that’s jam-packed with some of the sturdiest plants for beginners. It details the plant profiles and gives watering, lighting, and maintenance guides for each.
I’m sure you can start your indoor jungle with this book in your arsenal!
3. Essential Succulents: The Beginner’s Guide
Succulents are one of the easiest plants to grow for beginners since they thrive on neglect. Still, you can’t miss out on this informative book by Ken Shelf.
Essential Succulents has helpful tips for growing and decorating with hardy plants. It stands out because it has step-by-step guides for easy DIY projects!
Planting Books for People With Small Spaces
Having a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have plants in your life. These books are perfect for people who want to elevate their tiny houses!
1.
The New Terrarium is all about creating stunning terrariums! It’s written by Tovah Martin, one of the country’s top garden lecturers.
This book has a special place in my heart since I love miniature plants. They’re the perfect way to bring nature into a small apartment.
2. Container Gardening Complete: Creative Projects for Growing Vegetables and Flowers In Small Spaces
Container gardening is an affordable and flexible way to have plants in small backyards.
The author, Jessica Walliser, is a horticulturist who offers foolproof ways to garden. With this book, you can grow a peach tree on a balcony, and raise vegetables on your front steps.
You’ll also enjoy the hundreds of colored photographs hidden within these pages!
3. Plant Style: How to Greenify Your Place
Plants aren’t just for food. They’re excellent interior decor and home air purifiers!
With Plant Style, you can learn how to soften the room with beautiful cascading vines and bright plant foliage. Discover how to maximize your small space and create a sanctuary with this handy book.
Plant Books For Kids
It’s never too early to teach your budding gardener about the world of plants. Here are some titles to consider!
1. Planting a Rainbow
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert teaches kids about the wonders of the garden. Your children can learn about different colors as they read about seedlings, bulbs, and flowers.
The book features textures and illustrations all youngsters will enjoy!
2. A Seed Is Sleepy
If you want to introduce your kids to environmental science, A Seed Is Sleepy may be the right book for you.
The watercolor illustrations of different seeds will spark your preschooler’s curiosity. It also has a poetic story that even adults can appreciate!
3. Baby Botanist
The Baby Botanist is an exciting way to urge children to take an interest in the plant world. It has adorable drawings and an engaging storyline.
This book is written by Dr. Laura Gehl. She has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and over 20 years of experience teaching kids!
Conclusion
There’s a wide variety of plant books for every topic imaginable.
You can find horticultural books that’ll help you grow plants in small spaces and create edible gardens. Some plant books even teach you how to live sustainably.
Whether you’re a newbie gardener or a seasoned grower, there’s a title waiting to take you on a journey through the world of plants!
