15 Must-Read Books on Growing Your Own Food

Discover the best books on growing your own food, offering expert tips and inspiration for a flourishing garden right at home.
BrandMy RatingPrice
By Brett L. Markham (Author)
Best Price-to-Performance
9.2/10
By Angela S. Judd (Author)
Best for Beginners
9.4/10
By Abigail Gehring (Author)
Best for Urban Gardening
9.6/10
By Jenni Rempel (Author)
Best for Sustainable Practices
9.2/10
By Abigail Gehring (Editor)
9.2/10

Best Books on Growing Your Own Food

In a world where homegrown vegetables and vibrant herbs reign supreme, the journey to cultivating your own food can be both thrilling and rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a curious beginner, discovering the best books on growing your own food can transform your garden into a lush oasis of flavors and creativity. Dive into these literary gems, where pages brim with expertise and inspiration, guiding you toward the bountiful harvest you've always dreamed of.

Best Price-to-Performance: Mini Farming

Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre
Highlights
Well-organized chapters
Comprehensive subject matter
Insightful charts and photos

We’re excited to recommend Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre as our top choice for best price-to-performance in the realm of growing your own food.

This guide thrives on its well-organized chapters and comprehensive subject matter, making it easy to digest, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out.

With insightful charts and photos sprinkled throughout, you’ll feel empowered to make the most of your limited space.

While it focuses on specific gardening methods and requires some dedication to implement, the wealth of knowledge packed within its 240 pages provides excellent value—a must-have for any backyard farmer!

Be sure to also check out the best books on garden design for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Mini Farming on Amazon

Best for Beginners: How to Grow Your Own Food

How to Grow Your Own Food: An Illustrated Beginner's Guide to Container Gardening
Highlights
Comprehensive gardening guidance
Beautiful illustrations
Expert tips and tricks

We absolutely love "How to Grow Your Own Food: An Illustrated Beginner's Guide to Container Gardening"!

This charming book shines as our Best for Beginners pick, and for good reason.

It's packed with comprehensive gardening guidance tailored for newbies, making it a breeze to dive into container gardening.

The beautiful illustrations bring the concepts to life, while expert tips ensure your plants flourish with minimal fuss.

However, be mindful that its focus is somewhat regional and it's a bit limited at 144 pages.

Despite this, we believe this guide is a must-have for those ready to embark on their gardening journey!

Be sure to also check out the best books on companion planting for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for How to Grow Your Own Food on Amazon

Best for Urban Gardening: Homesteading

Homesteading: A Backyard Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energy, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More (Back to Basics Guides)
Highlights
Comprehensive information
Beginner-friendly
High customer ratings

We’re excited to share our thoughts on Homesteading: A Backyard Guide to Growing Your Own Food, which we’ve crowned Best for Urban Gardening!

This engaging guide is a treasure trove for city dwellers craving fresh produce.

With its comprehensive yet beginner-friendly approach, it offers smart methods tailored for small spaces, making gardening accessible for everyone.

Readers rave about its practical insights, reflected in its impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviews.

While the hefty hardcover might pose a challenge, the wealth of knowledge it holds makes it worth every ounce.

If you’re ready to transform your urban backyard, this is the book for you!

Be sure to also check out the best book on container gardening for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Homesteading on Amazon

Best for Sustainable Practices: Forget The Pharmacy

Forget The Pharmacy - Grow Your Own Medicine: The Homesteader's Ultimate Self-Sufficient Guide to Grow Herbs, Craft Natural Remedies, and Treat Common ... Proactively (Growing Natural Remedies Series)
Highlights
Detailed herbal growing info
Recipes for herbal remedies
Useful for beginners

We absolutely love Forget The Pharmacy - Grow Your Own Medicine!

This book is our top pick for those eager to embrace sustainable practices in their gardening journey.

With detailed information on growing herbs and an array of recipes for natural remedies, it’s truly a gem for both novices and seasoned gardeners alike.

However, bear in mind that it assumes a basic gardening knowledge and doesn't delve deeply into care tips.

But if you’re ready to immerse yourself in the world of herbal cultivation, this well-regarded book will empower you to thrive naturally. Let’s get our hands dirty and grow some goodness!

Be sure to also check out the best book on flowers for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Forget The Pharmacy on Amazon

Homesteading Handbook

The Homesteading Handbook: A Back to Basics Guide to Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energy, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More (Handbook Series)
Highlights
Great for beginners
Chock-full of information
Well-organized with pictures

When diving into the world of home gardening, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the abundance of information.

That’s where this book shines! Packed with useful tips and beautifully organized with vibrant pictures, it’s perfect for both newbies and seasoned gardeners.

We appreciate how it condenses essential knowledge into an easily digestible format.

However, if you’re looking for in-depth technical guidance, this might not be your go-to.

And while the printing can be a tad light, the wealth of information certainly outweighs this minor flaw.

Overall, it’s a fantastic addition to your gardening arsenal!

Be sure to also check out the best book on plant propagation for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Homesteading Handbook on Amazon

Container Gardening Guide

Beginner's Guide to Successful Container Gardening: Grow Your Own Food in Small Places! 25+ Proven DIY Methods for Composting, Companion Planting, ... McKay's Easy and Effective Gardening Series)
Highlights
Easy to understand
Practical tips
Variety of crops covered

We absolutely love how this book simplifies the process of growing your own food!

Its easy-to-understand language paired with practical tips makes it a fantastic resource for beginners.

Covering a delightful variety of crops, it’s perfect for those with small spaces, guiding you through every step.

However, be aware that it may not dive deeply into advanced techniques, and the limited photos could leave some visual learners wanting more.

Overall, this book shines in its aim to make gardening accessible and fun, encouraging every reader to dig into their own backyard oasis!

Be sure to also check out the best book on raised bed gardening for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Container Gardening Guide on Amazon

How to Garden Indoors Books on Growing Your Own Food

How to Garden Indoors & Grow Your Own Food Year Round: Ultimate Guide to Vertical, Container, and Hydroponic Gardening (Creative Homeowner) Vegetables, Herbs, DIY Projects, Composting, Lights, & More
Highlights
Well-organized content
Easy to read
Helpful charts

When delving into the world of self-sufficient gardening, The Complete Guide to Growing Your Own Food truly stands out as a gem.

Published by Creative Homeowner, it spans 192 pages packed with well-organized content that makes finding information a breeze.

The helpful charts are a delightful touch, simplifying complex concepts for even the novice gardener.

However, we found it slightly lacking in hydroponics specifics, which might disappoint indoor growers.

Additionally, it assumes a transition to outdoor gardening, leaving some indoor enthusiasts wanting more.

Nevertheless, with an impressive 4.6-star rating from 297 reviews, this guide is a solid companion on your gardening journey!

Be sure to also check out the best above ground pool fountain for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for How to Garden Indoors on Amazon

Beginner's Survival Gardening Guide

Beginner's Survival Gardening Guide: Grow, Harvest, and Store 15 Crops to Guarantee Your Own Food Supply for Years to Come
Highlights
Easy to follow instructions
Suitable for all skill levels
Comprehensive reference guide

We’re excited to share a gem in the world of gardening literature!

This comprehensive reference guide is perfect for anyone looking to grow their own food, regardless of skill level.

With easy-to-follow instructions, even novice gardeners will feel confident diving in.

While it may not dive deep into advanced techniques, it covers all the essentials for beginners, making it a fantastic starting point.

We do note that it can be a bit lengthy for casual readers, but the wealth of knowledge packed into its 246 pages is undeniably valuable.

So, if you’re ready to dig into your gardening journey, this book might just be your new best friend!

Be sure to also check out the best rocks for drainage in pots for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Beginner's Survival Gardening Guide on Amazon

Greenhouse Gardening

Greenhouse Gardening for Beginners: Build Your Own Greenhouse and Grow Amazing Organic Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, And Flowers All-Year-Round. | BONUS: Plans & Ideas for Extending the Growing Season
Highlights
Step-by-step instructions
Comprehensive guide
DIY projects for savings

We're excited to share our thoughts on this fantastic book, which has quickly climbed the ranks in the yard and garden literature.

With step-by-step instructions and a comprehensive guide, it's perfect for beginners looking to grow their own food with confidence. 🥕 While DIY projects can help you save money, more seasoned gardeners may find the content a bit basic.

A sprinkle of illustrations would elevate the experience, but the wealth of practical information easily outweighs this limitation.

With a solid 4.5-star rating from 346 reviews, this book is a must-have for any aspiring green thumb. 🌱

Be sure to also check out the best above ground pool padding for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Greenhouse Gardening on Amazon

Beginner's Guide to Container Gardening Books on Growing Your Own Food

Beginner's Guide to Successful Container Gardening: Grow Your Own Food in Small Places! 25+ Proven DIY Methods for Composting, Companion Planting, ... McKay's Easy and Effective Gardening Series)
Highlights
Comprehensive container gardening guide
Affordable and accessible
Great for beginners and experts

When it comes to container gardening, “The Container Gardening Handbook” by Sophie McKay is our go-to pick.

This comprehensive guide is perfect for both newcomers and seasoned growers, making it an essential addition to your bookshelf.

The affordable price paired with its solid 4.6-star rating from nearly 250 readers speaks volumes about its value.

However, it has its limitations; the focus is strictly on container gardening, and some information might feel a little repetitive.

Plus, not every plant is covered.

Still, for those looking to make the most out of limited space, this book is a must-read!

Be sure to also check out the best hooks for outdoor christmas lights for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Beginner's Guide to Container Gardening on Amazon

Prepper's Food Survival Handbook

The Prepper's Food Survival Handbook: A Beginner’s Guide on How to Acquire, Grow, Raise, Preserve, and Store Food for Emergency Preparedness, Ensuring ... of Uncertainty (Self Reliance Essentials)
Highlights
Comprehensive guidance
Budget-friendly tips
Practical, clear instructions

If you're diving into the world of food cultivation, this book is a solid guide!

With comprehensive guidance and budget-friendly tips, it’s perfect for those looking to maximize their yield without breaking the bank.

The practical, clear instructions make each gardening task feel achievable.

However, be prepared; the information can be a bit dense at times, and some may find it slightly overwhelming.

While not all beginners will find it user-friendly, we believe seasoned gardeners will really appreciate its depth.

Overall, this book is a treasure trove for anyone eager to dig into self-sufficiency with fresh produce!

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Price history for Prepper's Food Survival Handbook on Amazon

Backyard Homestead

The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!
Highlights
Comprehensive information
Simple, straightforward instructions
Great for beginners

Dive into the world of homegrown goodness with this fantastic guide!

Published by Storey Publishing, this book not only offers comprehensive information but also serves up simple, straightforward instructions that make it perfect for beginners.

We love how it manages to cover a wide range of topics without overwhelming you with endless details.

Just keep in mind, while it’s not a detailed step-by-step manual, you may need to do a little additional research to dive deeper.

With a stellar rating of 4.8 stars, it’s definitely a gem in the realm of sustainable agriculture and vegetable gardening! 🌱

Be sure to also check out the best waterproofing for outdoor cushions for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Backyard Homestead on Amazon

Complete Dehydrator Cookbook Books on Growing Your Own Food

Complete Dehydrator Cookbook: How to Dehydrate Fruit, Vegetables, Meat & More
Highlights
Great beginner-friendly recipes
Informative how-to guide
Unique and fun recipes

We’re excited to introduce a must-have for anyone looking to cultivate their own food—a delightful guide that blends simplicity with creativity!

This book stands out with its beginner-friendly recipes and solid how-to instructions that make starting your garden journey feel like a playful adventure.

While it excels in offering unique dishes, we did note the absence of pictures, which some may find a little limiting.

It's important to mention that seasoned growers might not find as much value here.

However, if you're ready to dig in and discover the joys of growing your own food, this book is a fantastic companion!

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Price history for Complete Dehydrator Cookbook on Amazon

Natural Soap Making

The Natural Soap Making Book for Beginners: Do-It-Yourself Soaps Using All-Natural Herbs, Spices, and Essential Oils
Highlights
Well-written for beginners
Comprehensive and detailed
Includes practical recipes

We absolutely adore this guide, perfect for anyone venturing into the world of homegrown goodness!

With its well-written and comprehensive approach, it doesn’t just scratch the surface; it invites beginners to dive deep into the art of growing your own food.

The practical recipes are a delightful bonus, helping you transform your harvest into delicious dishes.

However, be prepared—advanced gardeners might find it lacks some intricate techniques, and the absence of visual aids could be a small hiccup.

Overall, it’s a fantastic starting point for your gardening journey, offering a treasure trove of knowledge within its 220 pages.

Happy planting!

Be sure to also check out the best tool for digging up bamboo roots for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for Natural Soap Making on Amazon

The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible

The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible: How to Grow a Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs, and Other Containers
Highlights
Easy to read
Great container gardening tips
Useful for small spaces

We absolutely love "Container Gardening for Beginners" by Storey Publishing!

This beautifully illustrated book is a treasure trove of easy-to-read guidance, particularly suitable for those of us with limited outdoor space.

It shines with practical tips for container gardening that can turn even the smallest balcony into a lush green oasis.

However, it’s worth noting that this book focuses mainly on container gardening, which may not appeal to every aspiring gardener.

If you have a penchant for self-watering systems and larger containers, you might need to adapt a bit.

Overall, it’s a delightful and essential read for new garden enthusiasts!

Be sure to also check out the best extension cord for outdoor string lights for more options! Also, here is the price history so you know exactly when to buy!

Price history for The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible on Amazon

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