Six Aussie Gardening Books To Read

Whether you’re stuck for Christmas present ideas, want to learn more about plants or simply enjoy a good read, these are our top Aussie gardening books to try.

While it’s no secret that reading is known to have a wide range of benefits, the proof can actually be found in the pudding. In fact, recent studies show that students who read independently have greater reading comprehension, verbal fluency and general knowledge than those who do not. They become better readers, score higher on achievement tests in all subject areas and have greater content knowledge than their non-reading peers.

Before electronics were as prevalent as they are now, no one had to be reminded why reading was important. Combing through the pages of a book was a ritual that almost every person who wanted to gain knowledge adapted, with some still regarded books as their go-to way to truly absorb information. 

For green thumb enthusiasts or anyone passionate about plants, gardening books simultaneously offer a way to wind down while learning a thing or two about their favourite hobby. For text that directly relates to our unique landscapes, here are our top picks for Australian gardening books. 

Our Top Recommendations For Aussie Gardening Books

For those that prefer the magic of the written word, even the most experienced gardening enthusiasts can learn a thing or two from some of Australia’s most famous horticulturalists. While big names in the gardening industry include the likes of Jamie Durie and Costa Georgiadis, many of our local gurus have made a name for themselves on television before publishing their own gardening books. 

However, some of Australia’s best gardening books also stem from people that don’t have such easily recognisable faces, but offer pearls of wisdom that are equally as helpful to new and experienced gardeners alike. For some of our top picks, check out the following good reads. 

Garden Like Nonno 

Gardening is one of the most common activities undertaken by Italians when spending time at home, and they have a well earned reputation for being quite good at it. In ‘Garden Like a Nonno,’ Jaclyn Crupi uncovers the secrets of the green-thumbed nonnos. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a sprawling backyard, you’ll be growing your own fruit and veggies in no time. 

Costa’s World: Gardening For The Soil, The Soul And The Suburbs

No list for the top Australian gardening books would be complete without the ABC’s beloved landscape architect, Costa Georgiadis. Bringing together all of Costa’s gardening and sustainability knowledge, this is a book for the whole family that reflects Costa’s philosophy and quirky sense of fun, jam packed with helpful tips and beautiful illustrations. 

Gardening Through The Year In Australia

As a love letter to our nation’s unique landscapes, ‘Gardening Through The Year In Australia’ takes readers systematically through a year in their garden, with each chapter taking an in-depth look at what to do, one month at a time. Ian Spence fills each chapter packed with advice on plant care, maintaining key features and what to prune when, with illustrated step-by-step projects. 

Homegrown: A Year of Growing, Cooking And Eating

Join River Cottage Australia host Paul West in his garden and kitchen as he shows you how to become that little bit more self-sufficient. ‘Homegrown’ is one of those rare gardening books that will give you the confidence and know-how that you’ll need to grow, cook and preserve your way through the year, and is also loaded with mouth-watering recipes as well. 

Green Thumb

In this comprehensive indoor plant guide, renowned Australian indoor ‘plantspert’ Craig Miller-Randle takes you through the basics of helping houseplants thrive. ‘Green Thumb’ is filled with advice that Craig has collected during his forty year career, and whether it’s choosing the right pot, propagating, watering or getting rid of pests, Craig has all the information you’ll need.

The City Gardener: Contemporary Urban Gardens

Demonstrating how inspired design can optimise the space we have – whether large or small – to create a plant paradise, ‘The City Gardener’ explores twenty private gardens created by Richard Unsworth and his design practice, Garden Life. Ranging from 38 to 1385 square metres, the gardens run the gamut of possibilities for revolutionising urban home life outdoors.

If someone you love is in the early days of exploring a gardening hobby, then reading gardening books is a must. While these types of texts will outline a wide range of tips and tricks on taking care of plants, the basics usually include a bit of forward thinking, particularly when it comes to the health of the plants. The good news is that gardening enthusiasts no longer need to turn to chemical based products to look after their leafy friends, as there’s now naturally derived alternatives. 

Introducing A Safer Way To Spray 

Bioweed is an organic, non selective weed killer that works fast on contact with the weed, in order to rapidly desiccate and burn even the most stubborn of plants. It can be used anywhere around the house including garden beds, veggie patches, paths and driveways, and is safe to use around children, animals and even native wildlife. 

The best part? Bioweed is the brainchild of well established agricultural leaders greenPRO, and is backed by over twenty years of research and development. Owned and manufactured in Australia, the primary ingredient of Bioweed is actually sustainably sourced pine oil, and is even approved by NASAA, ACO and APVMA for use around organic farms and food production. 

If you’re on the hunt for a nature friendly weed killer, or simply want to know more about eliminating weeds safely – check out other tips and tricks in our online advice forum, or contact us for any further queries.