Homegrown Herbs: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Enjoying More Than 100 Herbs

paper, 255 pp., $19.95

Author and commercial herb grower Tammi Hartung has 30 years of experience growing and working with herbs. When choosing plants for this book, Hartung considered personal preferences and specific purposes, such as cooking, health issues, unusual plant varieties, etc. Based on these, the reader is then advised to consider plant habitat preferences. A series of attractive garden plans based on themes —culinary, apothecary, etc.—is followed by chapters on establishing and maintaining healthy soil, directions on propagation, pest and disease control, harvesting the garden, and finally, how to use the crops. Descriptions of her favorite plants include further directions on plant culture and uses.

— Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden