BOOKS AND RESOURCES FOR BAY AREA GARDENERS

Like everything else about gardening, an herb garden isn’t a onesize-fits-all deal. We’re most excited by the actual herb growing and culinary possibilities. But there are a number of things to take into account from soil and climate to water, pruning and propagation. That’s where books and videos can be so helpful.

“Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs”

Written by Claire Kowlachik and William H. Hylton, this encyclopedic book (Rodale Press, $27) includes color photographs of more than 140 herbs, as well as black-and-white sketches of individual plants. The volume delves into the history, cultivation and uses of herbs in cooking, healing, cosmetics and as dyes, with recipes for food and drinks, perfumes, poultices and medicinal syrups.

“Healing with Medicinal Plants of the West”

This book by Cecilia Garcia, James Adams, Michelle Wong and Enrique Villasenor, now in its fourth edition (Abedus Press, $20), explores the cultural and scientific basis behind medicinal herbs and their uses. There are photographs of each plant, along with identifying descriptions, plant chemistry, safe uses and recommendations.

Morningsun Herb Farm videos

Rose Loveall’s Vacaville Herb Farm has a treasure trove of videos available at morningsunherbfarm.com. You’ll find an eight-part series under the “more” tab that teaches you how to grow, care for, harvest and use some of the most popular herbs. Episodes include “All About Basil,” “Top 5 Culinary Herbs to Grow,” “The Herbal Tea Garden” and “Growing Herbs in Pots and Containers.”