Seed-starting books

These two excellent seed-starting books will help you get the jump on spring.

Starting your own plants from seed is a great way to have lots of new plants for your flower garden – without having them cost the earth.

The Gardener’s A-Z Guide to Growing Flowers from Seed to Bloom

This book by Eileen Powell lists germination and growing information for over 500 flowering plants.

The book starts with a great section on the techniques and equipment, and includes essential tips such as timing (when to start particular species), whether special care is needed (such as which varieties need light and which like it dark to germinate).

Powell also lists whether a given plant is easy or difficult to grow. I found this book indispensable when I was getting started with propagation.

Making More Plants: The Science, Art, and Joy of Propagation

This book by prolific garden writer and photographer Ken Druse is one of those truly inspirational gardening books.

Based on several years of personal research, this book is as beautiful to look at as it is practical. Seed-starting and other popular methods of plant propagation (division, taking cuttings, and more) are described and photographed step-by-step.

With this book, Druse takes the mystery out of techniques such as seed conditioning, bulb division, leaf and stem cuttings, grafting and more.

Making More Plants won the top garden writing award the year it was published and deservedly so: it’s an inspiring guide packed with solid information. It appeals to beginning and experienced gardeners alike.