As self-confessed bibliophiles, we have a huge library of gardening and plant books. In fact, we are running out of shelf space! These five books are the ones we return to again and again, and couldn’t live without…

Dowding, C. (2013) Organic Gardening: The Natural No-Dig Way. Cambridge: Green Books Ltd.

This handbook is written by Charles Dowding, a hugely respected no-dig gardener who readily takes us through the whys, wheres and hows of no-dig veg gardening. His system is designed to have as little impact on the teeming life of the soil as possible, encouraging wildlife, working with the seasons, and growing in ways that keeps pests under control without turning to nasty chemicals. The ultimate result is healthy, seasonal, tasty vegetables grown in harmony with the land and less backache for the gardener. It is our ‘bible’!

Dowding, C. (2011) How to Grow Winter Vegetables. Totnes: Green Books.

Another essential and readable book from Charles Dowding, concentrating on what we can grow in the garden and polytunnel over the winter. It includes a handy winter harvests calendar and how to store vegetables for the winter. It’s another go-to for us, and something to inspire us as the dark days approach. 

Marshall, B. (2020) Grow Yourself Healthy. London: Frances Lincoln.

This beautiful hardback is packed full of sumptuous photographs and chock-a-block with all the information you need to transform your gut health, from selecting gut-healthy crops to grow, to grow-for-health projects and fermenting recipes. It’s a brilliant practical guide, and the detailed plant profiles tell us surprising, weird and wonderful facts and health benefits of an array of different fruits and vegetables. We have learned so much from Beth! 

McMillan Browse, P. (1979) Plant Propagation (RHS). London: Mitchell Beazley.

An oldie but a goodie, this handy propagation guide might only be found second-hand. The spiral-bound format is ideal for taking into the potting shed and not losing your page as you work, and the old-school, clear illustrations and detailed information make propagation simple. From propagating roots, modified stems, stems and leaves to air layering, stooling, cuttings and grafting, this is an essential treasure trove of practical information. 

McVicar, J. (1994) Jekka’s Complete Herb Book. London: Kyle Books.   

A gorgeous book from Jekka McVicar telling us everything we need to know about growing and using herbs. It includes how to harvest and dry, make oils, vinegars and preserves, dyes and medicinal concoctions. Our favourite part of the book are the herb garden design plans at the back – truly inspirational ideas for creating herb gardens centred around aromatherapy, plant medicine, potpourri, cookery, natural dyes and more.