Perennials for Ontario by Alison Beck

This is the most used book in my garden library.  First, it’s packed with great information on perennials for Ontario, including but not limited to dividing plants.  Second, there are tips for what pests to watch out for. Third, and perhaps my favourite part of the book, the chart that allows you to find perennials by colour, height, hardiness and bloom season.

Annuals for Ontario by Alison Beck

Normally I’m not a big fan of annuals, but when you have a spot where you may want to experiment with colour and blossom variety – knowing what annuals have to offer is key.  

Flower Gardening by Reader’s Digest

For both the beginner and experienced gardener,  this book includes the newest flower species, plus the latest trends in flower gardening, including butterfly gardens, wedding bouquets, and dwarf and miniature gardens

A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants by Christopher Brickel

Comprehensive, detailed, and beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs, this alphabetical guide to some 15,000 ornamental plants is an essential reference for all gardeners and horticulturists

Canadian Encyclopedia of Gardening by DK

This  comprehensive gardening reference is packed with helpful advice. From  the growing popularity of green roofs and crevice gardening to an  expanded section on how to grow fruit and vegetables in containers, this  fully revised encyclopedia includes new photography and step-by-step  techniques.

Canadian Vegetable Gardening Guide by Douglas Green

Filled with  information on planting, growing and harvesting more than 50 vegetables and herbs, plus it includes full-color images as well as helpful maps and charts.

All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholemew

In this new volume, you’ll find discussions on one of the most popular gardening trends today: vertical gardening, as well as making gardening fun for kids, plus an expanded section on pest control. Rich with new full-color images and updated tips for selecting materials.

Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth

A complete seed-saving guide that describes specific techniques for saving the seeds of 160 different vegetables. This book contains detailed information about each vegetable, including its botanical classification, flower structure and means of pollination.  Also, required population size, techniques for hand-pollination, and the proper methods for harvesting, drying, cleaning, and storing the seeds.

Container Herb Gardening by Rosita Burnette

In Container Herb Gardening, you’re given you all of the information that you need to get started with container herb gardening in your home or apartment. Not only supplies you’ll need and tips to get started, but also how to find the best herbs to grow.  

Herbs: the Complete Gardener’s Guide by Patrick Lima

 

Photographs and watercolor illustrations capture all the beauty and detail of these fascinating and practical plants, and the entertaining text is chock-full of clear information, helpful advice and wry anecdotes.

A Gardener’s Journal by Lee Valley Tools

A ten year chronicle style journal packed with extras.  This is totally worth the price, and you can and will keep it forever.

 

See all of our gardening posts here and don’t forget to get your printable Planting Schedule -Starting Indoors – for reference and to help keep you on track, and check out these other gardening posts to help you get the most out of your gardenStarting Seedlings , Laying out your Plot, Maintenance Planners, Journals, Planting Schedules for Direct Seeding, and Planting Schedules for Starting Seeds Indoors  

What are your favourite go to gardening books?