Horticulture Magazine

10 Gardening Books Written By Experts We’ve Interviewed

Beginner’s Veg books by the 3 growbags sat on a wooden surface
By MOLLIE BROWN
Mollie Brown, MA - Digital Web Editor

Mollie is a Gardening and Sustainability Writer from Cheshire in the UK. She graduated from the University of Leeds with an MA in Creative Writing in 2022.

/ Updated November 13th, 2023
Contributions From ANN-MARIE POWELL
Anne-Marie Powell, Garden Designer

Ann-Marie is an award-winning Garden Designer who has worked on private, commercial and charity gardens. Her experience includes work on Grade 1 and 2 listed gardens and Gold-Medal winning show gardens at RHS Chelsea. She was recently featured in Sky Arts show ‘Art Of The Garden'. In 2021, Ann-Marie published her first book, ‘My Real Garden’.

, KATHY SLACK
Kathy Slack - Food From The Veg Patch

The author of ‘From The Veg Patch’, Kathy Slack is a chef with a particular fondness for growing her own vegetables. She has won various awards including the Soil Association Best Organic Blogger Award and has a large following online, where she shares many growing tips and recipes with her followers.

, JANE PERRONE
Jane Perrone, Houseplant Expert

Jane Perrone is a Journalist turned Houseplant Expert who has over 25 years of experience. Jane published a book on Houseplants at the start of 2023 and is the founder of On The Ledge podcast, with more than 250 episodes to date. She is a member of the RHS Advisory Committee on Houseplants.

, KIM STODDART
Kim Stoddart, Green Rocket Courses

Kim Stoddart is a climate change gardener and the co-author of ‘The Climate Change Garden’, which was updated and republished in February 2023. She teaches courses for the RHS and has also written for publications such as The Guardian and Country Smallholding.

, DAVE GOULSON
Dave Goulson, Professor of Biology - University of Sussex

Dave Goulson is the Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex and a specialist in the Ecology & Conservation of bees and other insects. He founded the charity the Bumblebee Conservation Trust in 2016 - which now has over 12,000 members - and he is the Director of The Buzz Club. Dave has published more than 300 scientific articles and several books on ecology and insect conservation, including Gardening For Bumblebees.


Meets Our Editorial Guidelines

This year I have personally interviewed more than 100 professional gardeners, horticulturists, garden designers and more, from the length and breadth of the UK – a list of people including Arborists at Kew and TV personalities like Alan Titchmarsh.

During these many interviews, one or two interviewees might have mentioned they are a published author, with books either old or new.

We made a habit of asking each if they would consider sending us a copy – surely it would be remiss of us not to – and many kindly obliged!

I decided it would make sense to complete a round-up of these books – what I personally liked (and perhaps didn’t like) – and whether I would recommend each to readers interested in horticulture.

Disclaimer: while each interviewee sent us their book to read and review at zero cost, we were not compensated to include their book in this list. Each is included based on merit alone. That being said, depending on the retailer, we may earn a small commission if you click on links we provide, at no additional cost to you.

Check out each of the ten books below, with a few snaps we took to help illustrate the size and contents – and links to each of the interviews on our website.

1) Legends of the Leaf By Jane Perrone

Legends of the Leaf by Jane Perrone stood up next to a devils ivy houseplant

Legends of the Leaf by Jane Peronne is my favourite book on this list because of its detailed but interesting take on a variety of plants suitable for growing in the home.

With chapters on 25 of the most common indoor-grown plants, this is the perfect book for the houseplant lover in your life.

“I decided to profile 25 iconic houseplants that people who aren’t into plants would probably still recognise,” Jane explains.

“Species like the snake plantoxalis, ivy and the swiss cheese plant are in there.”

Each chapter contains a short history of the plant and its cultivation, as well as some urban legends acquired by each over the years.

I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the Venus fly trap, where the history of its association with being a ‘man-eater’ was explored and common myths surrounding what it can and can’t eat were dispersed.

At the end of each chapter, there is a useful breakdown of the care requirements for each of the plants – where their light requirements, soil preference and watering regime are all listed in a concise manner.

This is a lovely touch; when I found myself desperate to find some of the plants I’d just read about, I could then easily turn to the instructions on how to care for them in the same book.

The text is complimented by beautiful illustrations created by Helen Entwisle, featuring a unique drawing at the start of every chapter of the plant in question.

I could not recommend this book enough – it was a true delight from start to finish.


PROS
  • Illustrated beautifully
  • Exquisite detail on each plant
  • Offers a history of the plants
CONS
  • Only 25 plants covered

2) Beginner’s Veg By The 3 Growbags

a photograph of a carrot alongside some text from an open spread of the 3 growbags' book

I loved chatting with The 3 Growbags, Elaine, Laura and Caroline, earlier this year for a profile feature for Horticulture Magazine.

When reading this book, the light-hearted, chatty style that they have in their blog is not lost and translates well into this simple guide for novice growers.

In a compact form that will easily slip into your back pocket, this little book is ideal for the aspiring veg grower who has yet to understand the basics.

As well as being packed full of growing tips for staple veggies, there are even details for how to start a vegetable patch that inexperienced growers should find useful.

I loved the detail given to each of the plants listed when reading – with headings dividing each of the sections to make it easier to follow and find exactly what you need.

I found the little images helpful, albeit scarce, and enjoyed the informal style of the guide, especially when compared to the masses of formal growing information already out there.

It really stands out as something for those who want to grow as much for fun as they do for the delicious yields they get at the end of the season!

My only criticism would be that there are not many new tips in there for growers who have even a little experience of growing their own veg – so if you’re buying for someone with this existing knowledge, I wouldn’t recommend this beginner’s guide.

All in all, there’s lots of information packed into this small book for the price you pay, so why not give the knowledge of vegetable growing to a loved one this year?


PROS
  • Great for beginners
  • Easy to read
  • Pocket-sized
  • A great stocking filler
CONS
  • Lacks more advanced information

3) The Climate Change Garden By Sally Morgan & Kim Stoddart

the cover of the climate change garden by Sally Morgan and Kim Stoddart

A book perfect for those who are looking to make a difference, The Climate Change Garden is packed to the brim with ways to adapt gardens to the current climate, to help & work with wildlife and pests, and a melody of plants that can be grown to make a difference. 

“Myself and Sally felt passionately about the need for a definitive, upbeat and solution-focused guide to help gardeners cope with all the climatic changes and challenges that were coming,” said Kim when I interviewed her at the time.

After reading this book I would definitely class it as one of the most informative on this list.

Not only did it offer solutions to common gardening problems and recommend ways to garden to fit with the adapting climate, but it also explored the reasons why these issues are occurring and gave an in-depth analysis of what this means for gardeners both now and in the future.

I particularly loved the ‘case studies’ that were scattered throughout the book.

garden beds protected by a metal grid from a double page spread in the climate change garden book

This featured details on Sally and Kim’s first-hand experiences of challenges in the garden and how they then worked to combat them.

For practical gardeners, this advice feels genuinely useful which is a step away from traditional gardening knowledge that just gets passed on without any actual evidence to back it up.

Keep in mind that this book covers more regions than just the UK, so there might be some information in there that is less relevant for British readers, but it still clearly outlines what impact problems like unusual weather patterns can have on those in the UK too.

Sidenote – for those interested in climate change gardening as a concept, you might also find this recent clip from our interview with David Keegan interesting:


PROS
  • Informative
  • Offers tangible gardening tips
  • Includes first-hand accounts
CONS
  • Has information suited to the climate for the USA and other countries (not always relevant to UK readers)

4) From The Veg Patch By Kathy Slack

From the Veg Patch by Kathy Slack stood up on a table next to a devils ivy houseplant

Kathy Slack is a Food Writer and keen Gardener, so who better to write a cookbook based on ingredients picked straight from the vegetable patch?

Note that this is not a book for those looking to improve their gardening skills – it instead focuses on how you can best utilise the yield from your allotment or vegetable patch in the kitchen.

It features 100 recipes based on 10 common vegetables that can easily be grown in a UK garden and are staples of the average diet.

Each recipe is carefully laid out with detailed and easy-to-follow instructions.

“I grow to cook, so if something is pretty but not delicious, like purple french beans, then it’s out!” joked Kathy in our interview.

When flicking through as you do with books of this kind, I loved the variety between hearty meals and snack-based ones – as well as the simplicity of some, such as the 5-ingredient-based broad bean and asparagus chicken broth.

the back of Kathy Slack's hardback book

The cooking time and serving size are clearly labelled at the top of each and these are also fairly varied – there’s a recipe for everyone.

I would say the spinach and mushroom lasagne has to be my favourite recipe in the book.

For me, the additional notes at the start of every chapter on the evolution of Kathy’s relationship with each vegetable are particularly interesting.

She grows and harvests each of the main plants herself and encourages the reader to do the same through beautiful imagery and practical anecdotes.

So, if you’re looking to give someone their first taste, pardon the pun, of vegetable growing, this book is the perfect way in which to do so.


PROS
  • Cooking details and serving sizes clearly noted
  • Precise instructions for each recipe
  • Suitable for all levels of expertise
CONS
  • Not always an image for every recipe
  • Only 10 vegetables used

5) Chatsworth: The Gardens And The People Who Made Them By Alan Titchmarsh

the front cover of Chatsworth by Alan Titchmarsh

I was lucky enough to chat with Alan earlier this year, and his expertise and knowledge of horticulture cannot be overstated.

In his most recent publication – Chatsworth – he puts this knowledge to good use and explores the fascinating history of this estate.

Overall, I felt the book was really interesting and offered an incredibly detailed insight into the influential people who have lived, worked or visited Chatsworth.

The text was concise and divided up nicely.

I particularly favoured the sections exploring the gardens themselves, such as the chapters on The Maze and The Kitchen & Cutting Garden.

a beautifully illustrated image of Chatsworth from Alan Titchmarsh's book

I felt these were more tailored to my interest in plants as opposed to the supplemented history of Chatsworth.

This book also features stunning photography by Jonathan Buckley that offers an insight into the incredible grounds at Chatsworth.

These are complemented by older images and illustrations of Chatsworth to show how the gardens have developed over the years.

I’d say that fans of Alan Titchmarsh would be a fan of this book – but if you’re buying for someone else, make sure they have an interest in Chatsworth, as this book is very specifically tailored to this historic venue.


PROS
  • Informative and offers a detailed history
  • Features stunning photography
  • Well laid out and easy to follow
CONS
  • Relatively expensive compared to other books in this list
  • Specific to Chatsworth

6) Silent Earth: Averting The Insect Apocalypse By Dave Goulson

silent earth by Dave Goulson propped up next to a houseplant with heart-shaped leaves

A Sunday Times Bestseller, you’d be hard-pressed to find a book less important in the context of our changing climate and insect emergency than Silent Earth.

Dave Goulson, a Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex, has dedicated his life to the research of the ecology and conservation of bees and other insects, publishing hundreds of scholarly articles and several books.

“I thought there was a desperate need for someone to be taking the scientific knowledge and making it into tangible action for others to understand how to help declining insect populations,” shared Dave.

This particular text delves into the potential consequences that the rapid decline in insect populations might have for our world.

It outlines the ways in which some species have already gone extinct and what we as humans are doing to further alienate other crucial species that contribute to biodiversity.

the blurb of Dave Goulson's book on averting the insect apocalypse

There’s a section on why insect populations have decreased that opens with a couple of chapters on the effects of using pesticides – which gardeners in the UK might find particularly insightful.

Worried that this sounds bleak for a potential Christmas gift? Don’t be.

This insightful look into a world without insects offers a whole section on ‘what we can do’ to play our part in diverting from the trajectory Goulson lays out in the rest of the book.

Yes, these ideas might seem too grand for the individual, but he lays out several ways the ordinary person can make a difference – including writing to local authorities, sowing wildflowers and recording the wildlife that visits your garden.

This is a really compelling read that would be a great gift for anyone – not just a gardener – who wants to learn more about biodiversity and the impact that our changing climate is having on the planet.


PROS
  • Wonderful educational value from a verifiable expert in Biology
  • Informative
  • Perfect for environmentally-conscious gardeners
CONS
  • Doesn’t include many (if any) images

7) Big Veg By Gerald Stratford

front of the Big Veg book by Gerald Stratford

Big Veg is a comforting read that is packed full of tips for growing your own vegetables by none other than the King of Veg himself – Gerald Stratford.

Best known for his delightful selfies with his rather large squashes, onions, runner beans and other veg posted to social media – Gerald took the internet by storm over Lockdown and now has a following of over 250,000 people from all over the world.

I was lucky enough to speak to Gerald back in June and found his experience of gardening second to none.

It came as no surprise to me that his book Big Veg was equally as knowledgeable and charming.

The introduction framed Gerald’s early life, his family and how he came to love being in the garden, so I immediately felt like I was catching up with an old friend as I read the book.

open spread from Gerald's book with a photo of him next to a page of text

I found that the most useful part of the book was the section on Gerald’s year in the garden.

Here, he detailed what gardening jobs he did each month, with some extra tips and lists jotted in the margins to make it easy to discover the key tasks.

I found that this was a great way for Gerald to share his direct experience with growing veg, and I definitely picked up a few tips from him myself.

After reading, I’d say this is a great gift for those who are new to growing their own veg; it has some great tips on how to grow staple vegetables such as potatoes, onions and carrots.

If you’re after something for a more advanced grower, you might not find it here, but either way, it’s an easy read and is filled with wonderful pictures of Gerald and his vegetables that are bound to make anyone smile!


PROS
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Lovely images
  • Easy to read
CONS
  • Less in-depth knowledge than others in this list
  • Not suitable for more advanced growers

8) The Plant Rescuer By Sarah Gerrard-Jones

hardback book 'The Plant Rescuer' written by Sarah Gerrard-Jones

Treat the houseplant fanatic in your life to this must-have manual on houseplant care from The Plant Rescuer herself, Sarah Gerrard-Jones.

This beautifully designed book, complete with stunning photography, details the care requirements for specific plants as well as more generic ways in which to rescue plants that might not be thriving.

The book opens with a general overview of how to care for a plethora of different houseplant types and explains each of the key terms associated with light, watering, aspect and growing medium that any grower will have heard of, but might not completely understand.

I found this to be especially useful as a houseplant parent, as this information was supported with diagrams from around the home to help show where plants should be placed in relation to their requirements.

The Plant Rescuer book open on a page featuring an illustration of a swiss cheese plant

Not only that – there is a selection of plant recommendations that are organised by the light they require, which is a fundamental aspect of houseplant care.

For myself and other houseplant enthusiasts, this was a helpful way of finding a specific plant for the unique environment in my home.

What sets this book apart from the rest on this list is the final section on common plant problems that often lead to plants, especially those grown indoors, being discarded.

Sarah shares dozens of problems and then lists the possible steps to rectify them, often accompanied by flow charts or finer details with the science behind the issue.

All in all, I couldn’t recommend a better book for a houseplant lover.


PROS
  • Brilliant details with a wealth of knowledge
  • Tips for beginners and experts alike
  • Gorgeous illustrations
  • Great value for money
CONS
  • Difficult to find any!

9) My Real Garden By Ann-Marie Powell & Tamsin Westhorpe

My Real Garden book with dozens of photographs from real gardeners across the UK on the cover
  • RETAIL PRICE: £25.00
  • OUR RATING: 4/5
  • AVAILABLE FROM: Amazon
  • ANN-MARIE POWELL INTERVIEW: READ HERE
  • TAMSIN WESTHORPE INTERVIEW: READ HERE

A book that was created during the pandemic in 2021, My Real Garden pieces together garden hints and tips from over 100 different growers from across the UK, edited by Ann-Marie Powell and Tamsin Westhorpe, both of whom I’ve had the pleasure of chatting to.

After reading through, this book felt more like a celebration of gardening than one filled with lots of practical tips – which actually made it stand out from other titles.

Yes, it did have some useful hints for the garden, but I felt like this wasn’t the point of the book and I actually would glance over them quickly to get to the stories – a rarity for me!

“I set out to create a book that represented our community and what our gardens meant to us through this difficult time,” shared Ann-Marie.

“The book had to be a quality product and something to be proud of, especially as I aimed to include anyone in the community who wanted to be a part of it.”

Wildlife, shade and woodland chapter of the My Real Garden book open on a table

Although it was divided into chapters about specific types of gardens, my favourite parts of the book were the sections titled ‘Growing Hope’ that were dotted throughout.

These pages detailed what gardening meant to ordinary people, especially over lockdown, and felt particularly heartwarming.

I also loved the abundance of images that were scattered on every page, as they gave me lots of inspiration as to what my own space could look like.

So, if you’re looking for an inspiring gift that is a little more than a simple gardening book, this one might be the choice you’ve been waiting for.


PROS
  • Personal stories from regular gardeners
  • Heart-felt
  • Full of inspiring imagery
CONS
  • Less advice-based

10) A Plant For Each Week Of The Year By Louise Sims

Louise Sims' book 'a plant for each week of the year' on a wooden table
  • RETAIL PRICE: £9.99
  • OUR RATING: 4/5
  • AVAILABLE FROM: Amazon

I must admit, I was unaware of ‘the 4th Growbag’ until I received a copy of Louise Sims’ book, A Plant For Each Week of the Year.

Louise, who has plenty of professional gardening experience from working in plant nurseries, has been writing a monthly blog post for ‘The 3 Growbags’ since 2016 and has now put her favourites into a collection in the form of a book.

Although this book is small in size, it’s packed full of 52 plants – ranging from common garden fixtures like roses and hellebores, to more unusual picks such as Serratula tinctoria.

Alongside these wonderful plant picks are gorgeous images and small descriptions from Louise, who details her own experience with the plant listed, which feels like a lovely personal touch.

I loved the plants that were listed for November by Louise.

This is a time in the gardening calendar that perhaps doesn’t get as much attention, so the inclusion of foliage plants (switch grass ‘Northwind’), a fruit tree (Hupeh crab) and a flowering perennial (Chrysanthemum ‘Innocence’) really shows the versatility that is still possible in a winter garden.

I also thought that the added RHS Award of Garden Merit badges (pinned at the top of the pages of any accredited plants) was a welcome indication as to their suitability for growing in UK gardens.

It meant that even if you only happened to be flicking through, you could easily spot these especially suitable plants.

If you’re looking for a stocking filler for a plant lover who is perhaps in need of a little inspiration for the next growing season, this book is perfect.


PROS
  • Beautifully designed
  • Great for beginners and pros
  • RHS Award of Garden Merit plants clearly marked
CONS
  • Only basic information is given on each plant

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