Best Organic Gardening & Horticulture Books of 2026

Rebel Gardening: A Beginner's Handbook to Organic Urban Gardening by Alessandro Vitale, also known as Spicy Moustache, is a must-have guide for anyone looking to start an organic kitchen garden in an urban space. The book offers practical advice on how to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and wildflowers in any urban space. The author shares his expertise on organic gardening, companion planting, DIY raised beds, and saving seeds. The book also includes unique recipes such as making vegan honey from dandelions and brewing a natural antibiotic from garlic. Rebel Gardening is an inspiring and informative read that encourages readers to reconnect with nature and embrace the healing power of gardening.

Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre is a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about small-area farming. It offers a holistic approach to producing 85% of an average family's food on just a quarter acre while earning $10,000 in cash annually. The book includes topics such as composting, raising chickens, water and irrigation, dealing with pests, and much more. Brett L. Markham, the author of the bestselling Mini Farming series, provides detailed materials, tools, and techniques with photographs, tables, diagrams, and illustrations. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in self-sufficiency and small-scale farming.

Nature's Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy offers a grassroots approach to conservation by turning yards into habitats for wildlife. The book provides practical and easy suggestions for individuals to preserve wildlife and the planet for future generations. Tallamy's vision for a private initiative approach to conservation is immune from the whims of government policy. The book is a must-read for those concerned about the environment and offers a blueprint for taking action. Overall, Nature's Best Hope is a persuasive and original book that provides a solution to the urgent situation of wildlife populations in decline.

If you're a beginner looking for a guide on how to create a thriving, chemical-free vegetable garden, then "Companion Planting for Beginners" is the book for you. It offers practical advice and handy companion planting pairings for all of the most common garden vegetables. Expert organic gardener Brian Lowell shares his knowledge on how to create a beautiful, vibrant vegetable garden that will be free of toxic chemicals. With troubleshooting tips and practical advice on watering, soil management, and more, this book is a must-have for any gardener looking to go organic.

Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening, written by Louise Riotte, is a must-have guide for any gardener of edibles, whether serious or casual. The book offers insightful advice on how to utilize the natural properties of plants to nourish the soil, repel pests, and secure a greater harvest. Riotte provides suggestions for planting schemes, how to use herbal sprays to control insects, what wild plants to encourage in the garden, and much more. The book is a practical and informative guide that has become legendary in gardening circles since its first publication in 1975.

"Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World" is a groundbreaking text that explores the potential of mushrooms in saving the environment. Written by renowned mushroom expert Paul Stamets, the book presents an exciting new concept of mycorestoration, which involves using mycelium to decompose toxic wastes, control insect populations, and enhance the health of our forests and gardens. With chapters on medicinal and nutritional properties of mushrooms, inoculation methods, and species selection, the book is a comprehensive guide for those interested in mycology. As a physician and practitioner of integrative medicine, Andrew Weil, MD, finds the book optimistic and exciting, offering nonharmful solutions to serious environmental problems."

The Vegetable Gardener's Bible, 2nd Edition is a comprehensive guide to high-yield gardening using wide rows, organic methods, raised beds, and deep soil. The book offers expert advice on growing hundreds of popular vegetable varieties, including new and unusual options, as well as innovative solutions for small-space and extended-season gardening. Written by best-selling author Edward C. Smith, the book is an inspiring roadmap for gardeners of all skill levels to enjoy abundant homegrown vegetables. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their vegetable gardening skills using organic methods.

Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden is a 2021 AHS Book Award Winner that provides scientifically tested plant partnerships to improve soil health, decrease pest damage, and increase biodiversity in gardens. This book offers more than just specific plant pairings; it encourages readers to think about the relationships between plants, resulting in real and measurable impacts in the garden. The book is a well-researched, fun and fascinating read, and it is highly recommended for gardeners seeking to grow their best garden ever.

The First-Time Gardener: Growing Vegetables is an excellent guide for those who are just starting with their vegetable garden. Written by homesteader Jessica Sowards, this book provides a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to planting, growing, and harvesting vegetables. From soil preparation to eco-friendly layout design, this book covers everything a beginner gardener needs to know. With helpful time-management tips and inspiring advice, the author encourages readers to fall in love with growing their own food. A great addition to the First-Time Gardener’s Guides series from Cool Springs Press, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the joy of gardening.

The Complete Gardener by Monty Don is an extensively revised edition of his 2003 book, which covers the most important aspects of gardening. With organic techniques at the core of his practice, this new edition also emphasizes the need to provide habitats for local wildlife. The book features over half new photographs, taken over a year in Monty's Long Meadow garden, and he has ensured that the text reflects his latest approach. Monty Don, an experienced organic gardener, has been gardening on TV for over 25 years for ITV, Channel 4, and the BBC. This book is a comprehensive, practical, and highly illustrated guide to gardening.