This book is an odd combo of elementary level info and just technical enough for you to be like "what is that" and "I don't own that" for the first few chapters.

For example: I don't know what blood meal is (I do know what bone meal is though and I am hoping blood meal isn't the equivalent), I don't have ready access to potash, or azomite, or mycorrhizal inoculant or kelp meal. Hell, I don't even know what two of those things are really. One's a mineral. I know that much already, thanks, and the other she says, in brackets, that it's to help protect against pathogens. Okay...but what is it and where would one find that?

Author doesn't always explain terms used either, for example: T5 light output. What does that mean? No idea, but we apparently want it for our plants.

If you live outside of the United States, none of the more climate geared info pertains to you. Temperatures are in Fahrenheit, with Celsius in brackets for that's fine, and the author only covers things that direct you to United States weather info. Useless for anyone else who happens to live in North America but not in the U.S. So I took a star off for that, cause the info provided is absolutely useless to me. So is the soil test info where she tells you "you can find out about soil tests from your state's extension service." Thanks, but I don't live in a state and even if I did, some general direction of where that info might be might help?

Author isn't concerned with really explaining things or the alternatives a gardener can use. Buy a grow light, buy a soil test to figure what kind of soil you have, buy a Ph tester or kit (though she does give a general gloss over of what Ph is here). Buy a nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus testing kit.

The info, for the amount if it that is available (some pages are just solid text with not even a picture for reprieve), isn't actually all that helpful. In Canada, at least, you learn the general science of soil and climate and how it effects plants in general in elementary school. Or at least I did. Hell, I had a teacher who taught us how to compost using worms and had everyone grow a tomato plant, a sunflower plant, etc. I was in grade 4, I think. So to me I felt like I was being told things that are considered general knowledge where I live.

The book started hitting it's stride around Chapter 5, when you actually start getting into structures for gardening and some methods. By chapter 7 I felt like I was finally getting some useful information, mostly because of the At-A-Glance chart for different types of herbs. That series of charts is what really redeemed this book, in my opinion. Plant Profiles was also a handy chapter, but note that it is very basic info of the chosen plants. BUT beautiful full colour pictures. From there on out, this book had useful and interesting information, redeeming it somewhat from the rough beginning...Minus some of the crafts that I just wasn't interested in, but that's completely a personal choice thing so I just ignored those crafts.

My only little complaint with the layout, once we got past the first 4 chapters, was the recipe layout, really. Some pages had multiple recipes crammed onto their pages using a two column set up. My brain sometimes has "SQUIRREL!" moments when I try to read recipes in that format. It's not as bad as some full-fledged recipe books I've read, but I would have appreciated a little more separation. But once I zeroed in on what I was trying to read I found the recipes easy to follow and I, again, loved the beautiful pictures provided.

I love to garden but I haven't dabbled into herbs as much, I typically do tomatoes, potatoes, beans, etc. So, I found this a very helpful and informative book that gave me the confidence I was looking for to grow herbs for various uses. There are recipes and plenty of helpful tips for a successful start to growing herbs.

This book could be great for beginners or experts. It covers various topics, from terminology, to planting, harvesting, how to use the herbs, and more. There are handy plant profiles, recipes to try and even craft ideas. There are useful photos included too. Full of practical advice and fun projects to try. I have so many things I want to do with my herbs now! Making my own herbal tea as well as skin care and bath products being at the top of the list! Anyone could benefit from reading this book.

I was very impressed with the amount of information that was in the book. It was full of everything that you needed to know about growing herbs. It was a great resource for my backyard garden needs. The added bonus of crafts was nice.

This book is well researched and informative. I’ve been slowly trying my hand at gardening (herbs and vegetables) and can definitely use more help. I’ll be referencing this book as I prepare my small space for the new season.

I wish the formatting of this advanced ebook was better though. None of the tables were accessible, which really stinks because the At-a-Glance table would have been helpful.
—it’s also difficult following along with the main text when the photos/captions and the interviews are not formatted well. A sentence would be cut off, followed by a few photos and (what I’m assuming) is the caption, and then that sentence would finally be completed a few pages later.

I haven't yet read this whole book but from reading some and turning through every page, I see that it will be a wonderful resource for gardening. Everything from why grow our own, terminology, soil choice and preparation, choosing plants and locations, care, protecting, pests, weather, to harvesting and using your herbs plus more. There are lots of photos and charts and every page is beautifully laid out, so it's also eye candy for inspiration. This is an excellent resource to have in a gardener's collection.

If you’ve ever dreamed of plucking fresh herbs straight from your garden for recipes, drinks, or crafts, Kim Roman’s guide is here to make that dream a reality. This book covers it all—prep your soil, master the lighting game, water like a pro, and keep pests at bay. Whether you’re planting indoors or outdoors, Kim’s tips ensure you’ll grow herbs that thrive.

With quick-reference charts and detailed profiles for 36 popular herbs, you’ll feel like an herb-growing expert in no time. And the fun doesn’t stop there—Kim also shares her favorite ways to use your harvest. From infused oils and herby cocktails to focaccia bread and teas, she’ll have you feeling like a chef and a crafter rolled into one.

This book is part gardening guide, part recipe book, and part crafting inspiration. It’s perfect for green thumbs and kitchen creatives alike! 🌱

This is a nice in-depth guide to producing herbs and seeds from your own home and yard. There's lots of helpful tips for both the beginner and experienced gardener, and it's in a well organized format with beautiful photos scattered throughout the book.

One of the things I found most interesting is the recipes and list of helpful herbs for various healthful uses. So cool!

I recieved a complimentary e-book from the publisher through Netgalley to review. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

This is such an informative guide! I absolutely recommend this to anyone who is diving into gardening and wants to see what can be used with your garden. I love how much information there was available in this book and the addition of an interview or even just an explanation of a small business depending on the topic was a cherry on top! I cannot wait to look into every resource that was listed and now use the many ideas that were given for my herbs especially! Please look into this book as it gives so much useful information!

Nice book! All about what you need to know to grow these herbs! Tells you coming invasive bugs, info on growing season too! Best of all is the recipes and crafts!

Roman’s citation of research throughout this book provides a wealth of information regarding the positive impact of the use of herbs. Her vast background in square foot gardening is helpful as this blends her knowledge of the why with the how. She discusses each of the highlighted herbs in detail along with tips for growing outdoor or indoors as well as what common pests and diseases may be found. Roman also provides a section on easily harvesting and processing the herbs you grow so nothing goes to waste. The big payoff for me was the section on using the harvest as I found additional ways to incorporate herbs into simple oil, vinegar, butter and salt recipes. Overall, this is full of a great deal of information for the novice or seasoned herb grower- or for someone who is interested in furthering their knowledge on the benefits of herbs.
Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Growing Herbs for Health, Wellness, Cooking, and Crafts by Kim Roman is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in herb gardening, particularly in the USA, though much of the information is universally applicable to home gardeners anywhere. The book offers practical guidance on everything from soil mixes to easy-to-follow charts, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

What sets this book apart from other herb-growing guides is not only its wealth of information but also its focus on the many ways herbs can be used beyond the garden. From cooking to crafting, the book offers endless inspiration on how to incorporate herbs into everyday life.
One section I found particularly useful was the guide on collecting and storing herb seeds. This is a great way to save money and ensure a continuous supply of fresh herbs year after year. Roman also provides clear, step-by-step instructions, making the process accessible to gardeners at any level.

The book itself is beautifully presented. The layout is clean and easy to navigate, with plenty of high-quality photographs that complement the information. This makes it not only informative but also visually appealing—a pleasure to flip through as you plan your herb garden.

Chapter 14 was a highlight for me, as it dives into self-sufficiency and how to use homegrown herbs in a variety of creative ways. From making infused oils and herb sugars to dips and breads, the book offers practical recipes and tips. There's even a section on skincare, which I personally loved, as I enjoy making my own hair rinses. The book includes several DIY beauty recipes that are simple and effective, catering to those looking to explore the full range of herb uses.

Overall, there's truly something for everyone in this book. Whether you're just starting your herb-growing journey or have been gardening for years and are looking for new ways to use your herbs, Growing Herbs for Health, Wellness, Cooking, and Crafts is a wonderful guide.

I highly recommend it to anyone passionate about growing and using herbs in their daily life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for providing me with an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review.

Fun and informative and useful. I totally want to grow herbs and this book was a treasure trove for me. loved the photos and reference charts and methods for growing them. recommend!

This book is a good resource for beginners -- it includes lots of photos, reference charts and related info that makes it a helpful reference resource. I was looking for something to help me get started and not kill my recent herb purchases (because that's what usually happens)... still to be determined but I found this book helpful to get me started! It was actually a little more in-depth than I was expecting at times (ex: testing soil pH), but I appreciated it covering the basics for how herbs could also be used for wellness and even had some recipes and craft ideas.

Learning to grow your own plants requires the courage to fail and a lot of trial and error. Often, you might wonder if these efforts are worth it, especially in the beginning when buying the final product from the grocery store seems so easy and economical, even for organic items. At the same time, witnessing a plant grow from seed to fruit can provide a unique sense of satisfaction. An endearing aspect of this process is having a well-researched, well-experimented guide, rather than relying on random videos and articles available online without any real references. Growing Herbs for Health, Wellness, Cooking, and Crafts by Kim Roman is an excellent example of such a guide. From the start, it illustrates the long path of uncertainty one faces when deciding to grow herbs—or any plants, for that matter. Anyone who wants to start gardening should first ask, “What’s your why?”
After a humble but thought-provoking beginning, the book covers various topics, from basic terminology to how to use the harvest. It provides essential information for every step until the harvest and can definitely be a helpful resource if you get stuck at any level of growing your own herbs. One of the interesting sections discusses different outdoor methods exclusively for growing herbs. It explains how to plan the sowing of seeds and how to extend seasons to promote herb growth, which seems to be an important aspect in hindsight. Each plant profile discussed includes valuable information, especially in the introductory paragraphs. Th. The most saddening section of the book is ‘Spices That Belong in Your Pantry (but You Probably Won’t Grow)’, that too is discussed in much details with all the possible reasoning. At the end, some recipes and examples from health care books can definitely address “Your why.”
A good graphic designer and better photographs could elevate this book to the next level, but overall, it is truly a handbook for both beginners and experienced gardeners. I would give it four out of five stars.

This is a handy resource about herbs with all the caring, growing details and how to and when to use them.
I cannot speak for the health and wellness aspects, though the information is well-researched and detailed.
I was not a fan of the design of the book (the look) - it is a bit old school, but this is a minor aspect.

As a novice in the world of herb gardening, I have always felt a bit intimidated by the idea of growing plants. My past attempts at cultivating flowers and vegetables haven’t been very successful, and I often doubted my "green thumb." However, "Growing Herbs for Health, Wellness, Cooking, and Crafts" by Roman has been a game-changer for me.

This book is perfect for beginners like myself. Roman provides easy-to-follow instructions that make the process of growing herbs straightforward and approachable. Her clear guidance and practical tips have helped me realize what I have been doing wrong and how to grow healthier, more robust herbs in my garden.

One of the standout features of this book is its versatility. Roman doesn’t just stop at teaching you how to grow herbs; she also incorporates recipes, crafts, and various how-to's that show you what to do with the herbs you’ve grown. I was particularly delighted with the herb butter recipe. It’s incredibly simple, and I happened to have silicon heart molds on hand, which made the butter look as lovely as the illustrations in the book.

Recently, I purchased an oil/vinegar herb infuser but was clueless about how to use it. Roman’s book provided clear instructions on creating herb-infused oils and vinegars, and it turned out to be much simpler than I anticipated. This newfound skill has added a delightful twist to my culinary adventures.

For those just beginning their journey into the world of herbs, this book is an excellent starting point. It covers a wide range of uses for herbs, from creating your own salves, balms, and teas to making cocktails, mocktails, sachets, and skincare products. The potential for creativity is endless, and I am excited about the rewarding experiences ahead.

In summary, "Growing Herbs for Health, Wellness, Cooking, and Crafts" is an invaluable resource for beginners. Roman’s expertise and approachable writing style make herb gardening accessible and enjoyable. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to explore the wonderful world of herbs.

Thank you, Fox Chapel Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this lovely book for review.

Educational
Ms. Roman's instructional book on herbs is an interesting read. I found a few things I hadn't already known. I find it to be a great starting point for anyone interested in starting an herb garden with lots if information to get a great start.
I requested and received an ARC from NetGalley gratis and offer my own opinion in the same.

This is actually a great resource for gardening. At just over 200 pages, the book covers different ways of gardening to suit lifestyles and home arrangements. There are There's a wide range of plant profiles, pages dedicated to talking about soil quality and improvement, harvesting, storing and best ways to utilize your bounty. There are also edible recipes, personal care recipes, crafts. My most favorite parts are the herb-infused oils and the personal care recipes. Though this book is focused on the USA, lots of information are still useful for us in the tropical side of the world.

A complete guide to growing herbs at home and utilising them for different things, this was a fun book to read, mainly because I enjoy gardening and have grown my produce at home. There were a lot of herbs I haven’t attempted growing but this would be helpful to read again when I do get around to it.