The Ultimate Guide to Gardening (Craft It Yourself)

Don’t let the name intimidate you—this guide is as extensive as it is accessible.

The book features 111 pleasingly well laid out pages, each with full-color imagery worthy of Pinterest. There are plenty of quick tips, interesting facts, detailed instructions, and even a few recipes. The writing style is informative without being dull, and the contents range from practical all the way to whimsical.

Section categories include: Edible Gardening, Indoor Gardening, Creative Gardening, and Enchanted Gardening. There is also a basic introduction called “Get Growing,” and a special 2-page section at the back dedicated to plant troubleshooting.

The variety of ideas and potential activities are impressive all on their own, but it’s the affordability of most of these suggestions that most delighted this reader(/wannabe guerilla gardener.) Repurposing or recycling existing materials is a consistent theme, along with thoughts on how to procure them for cheap or free if you don’t have them handy. Vessel recommendations include: candy tins, spice jars, pallets, cinder blocks, or baskets… as well as damaged/discarded things like books, tea cups, coffee cans, or shoes. Even the more decorative garden concept offer alternative options based on already on-hand items.

Both fun and functional, this book is a great resource for any budding young gardener.