This would be a good book for an absolute beginner who’s looking to grow culinary herbs. It is definitely not a good fit for someone looking for herbalism information, which is my area of interest. I didn’t learn anything new and was frustrated by the lack of depth. It’s great if you just want to grow some herbs in your garden though, or want beginner level knowledge of things like what a tisane (tea) is or what lasagna gardening is. Lots of photos and great info for novices who just want to grow herbs like marjoram and cilantro and want an entry level course on herbs.

(Note to authors- please stop recommending peat moss in homemade soil recipes. It is disastrous to the environment and sustainable gardeners stopped using it 20 years ago.)

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

This is a gem of a book for beginner herb and spice growing enthusiasts. The author is a gardening educator and the wealth of information in this book is just enough to have all the basics answered and then some. There are answers to questions I had always wondered about and many that I never even knew to ask. As a fairly beginner gardener myself, I can’t wait to apply the knowledge in this book for the upcoming growing season this spring.

A very comprehensive book regarding herbs/spices including terminology as well as details from seeds to use. The book is definitively one to add to your library if you are interested in gardening and cooking. Includes recipes and gift giving ideas.

Thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the opportunity.

Growing Herbs for Health, Wellness, Cooking and Crafts
Includes 51Culinary Herbs & Spices, 25 Recipes, and 18 Crafts (Creative Homeowner) Plant Profiles and Gardening How-To
Kim Roman
Herbs have many uses besides cooking. They can be used for wellness and medicinal purposes, cleaning and a number of other purposes. The art of growing herbs is good for you, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. There is a difference between Herbs and Spices. Leaves are an herb where rest of the plant is a spice. You should also know which plants are annuals, there are hardy annuals, half-hardy annuals and tender annuals. Perennial plants can be hardy perennials, half-hardy perennials and tender perennials. There are also biennial plants. You will need to be aware of your plant hardiness zone and frost dates. You will need to check the pH of your soil. There are several methods for growing herbs: raised beds, classic row garden, back to Eden gardening, lasagna gardening, and Hugelkultur. My favorite method is raised beds or patio gardening. Among the methods of raised beds there is the Square Foot method, Mittleider gardening, and Herb Spiral. My method is closer to the container garden. I like to raise my garden on my deck. You can also use the Hydroponic method. I have attempted the vertical garden but did not have much luck. I wish I had a green house to extend my growing season.
The first step in raising herbs is planning, then comes the planting. Usually, you will start with seeds as that is the more economical method. My favorite herbs are lavender, basil, chives, dill, lemon balm, oregano, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint, thyme, garlic, ginger, and one of my favorites and my husband’s least favorite, dandelion. That’s right dandelions are herbs.
I have only touched on a few of the things discussed in this book. I found this book educational and interesting.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy to review. My reviews are always my personal opinion.

What a great informative book about herbs! I learned a lot about how to grow, care for, what they need...as well as what they're good for! Eating, medicinal...all different types. With beautiful photos and charts, it's a really great go-to for all your herb needs...and even things you didn't know you needed to know about herbs! Great book!