Books to help you plan a garden

Although the growing season is still a couple months away, homeowners can start dreaming about their gardens now. Whether one lives in an apartment or on an acreage, there are many ways to get plants growing. Here are a few reads for those who are thinking ahead to the spring planting season.

‘All New Square Foot Gardening’

By Mel Bartholomew

In this book, Mel Bartholomew, inventor of the Square Foot Gardening Method, schools readers to the technique, which aims to help gardeners, with the help of simple, inexpensive tools, grow more produce using less space and less labor.

‘Big Yields, Little Pots: Container Gardening for the Creative Gardener’

By Rosefiend Cordell

Gardeners who lack space but have the desire to add homegrown produce to their diets can learn to grow edible plants in containers on balconies or window sills with this book, which teaches techniques for container gardening.

‘Gardentopia: Design Basics for Creating Beautiful Outdoor Spaces’

By Jan Johnsen

Those who would like to turn their visions of a lushly landscaped backyard into a reality can learn the ins and outs of landscape design with this read, which considers both the technical and aesthetic sides of planting a garden.

‘The Kinfolk Garden: How to Live With Nature’

By John Burns

Inspiration and eye candy are highlights of this read, which profiles a variety of greenthumbed experts, exploring their lush gardens and plant-friendly homes while providing practical tips for those who aspire to connect with nature.