What do you think?
Rate this book
The First time Gardener Growing Plants and Flowers: All the know-how you need to plant and tend outdoor areas using eco-friendly methods (The First-Time Gardener's Guides, 2)
There are no stupid questions here. Everyone has to start somewhere, after all. In The First-Time Gardener’s Guide to Growing Plants and Flowers, Sean and Allison McManus, the gardening pros behind the popular website and podcast Spoken Garden, answer all of your questions and more.
Caring for outdoor plantings can be intimidating, especially if the process is completely new to you. Before running to the hardware store to stock up on plastic bags of mulch and tools you don’t really need, arm yourself with the know-how to plant and tend outdoor areas correctly and safely. Doing so saves you time, money, and energy—and helps make the process a whole lot more fun!
With help from this easy-to-follow beginner gardening guide, you’ll learn:
Tips for selecting the best plants and flowers for your growing conditions
The best planting techniques for different types of plants
How to mulch trees, shrubs, and garden beds correctly
Pruning dos and don’ts for common garden plants
Ways to keep weeds out of outdoor areas—without using synthetic herbicides
How to recognize and manage different pests and diseases naturally
Insider tips on everything from the difference between annuals and perennials to choosing the best organic fertilizer
Plus, you’ll find time-management advice and tips for effective, resource-conscious gardening
You will close the book not only knowing how to care for your home's outdoor plantings using earth-friendly methods, but also knowing the satisfaction of a beautiful, all-natural landscape.
This book is part of The First-Time Gardener's Guides series from Cool Springs Press, which also includes The First-Time Gardener's Guide to Growing Vegetables. Each book in The First-Time Gardener's Guides series is aimed at beginner gardeners and offers clear, fact-based information that's presented in a friendly and accessible way, including step-by-step instructions and full-color illustrations throughout.
Caring for outdoor plantings can be intimidating, especially if the process is completely new to you. Before running to the hardware store to stock up on plastic bags of mulch and tools you don’t really need, arm yourself with the know-how to plant and tend outdoor areas correctly and safely. Doing so saves you time, money, and energy—and helps make the process a whole lot more fun!
With help from this easy-to-follow beginner gardening guide, you’ll learn:
Tips for selecting the best plants and flowers for your growing conditions
The best planting techniques for different types of plants
How to mulch trees, shrubs, and garden beds correctly
Pruning dos and don’ts for common garden plants
Ways to keep weeds out of outdoor areas—without using synthetic herbicides
How to recognize and manage different pests and diseases naturally
Insider tips on everything from the difference between annuals and perennials to choosing the best organic fertilizer
Plus, you’ll find time-management advice and tips for effective, resource-conscious gardening
You will close the book not only knowing how to care for your home's outdoor plantings using earth-friendly methods, but also knowing the satisfaction of a beautiful, all-natural landscape.
This book is part of The First-Time Gardener's Guides series from Cool Springs Press, which also includes The First-Time Gardener's Guide to Growing Vegetables. Each book in The First-Time Gardener's Guides series is aimed at beginner gardeners and offers clear, fact-based information that's presented in a friendly and accessible way, including step-by-step instructions and full-color illustrations throughout.
- GenresGardeningNonfiction
176 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2021
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Sean McManus
3 books3 followersSean McManus was born and raised in western Washington State (having various different hardiness zones and growing conditions) where at the early age of 5 years old, he began helping and learning how to propagate and grow at his parents Rhododendron Farm in Olympia, WA. Gardening also became part of Sean's interests at home helping care for different plants, which led him to have a lawn-cutting "business" at age 11. Up until graduating high school, Sean had various landscape and garden care jobs around the city for pruning, mulching, watering/irrigation, renovation, and installations. Sean eventually started studying environmental horticulture at Washington State University where he earned both a Bachelor's ('00) and Master's ('04) in Environmental Horticulture. The plan was for Sean and his twin to take over the family Rhododendron farm, but the business had to be closed before he graduated, so he made other plans. From that point until now, Sean was an assistant greenhouse grower, teach and research assistant, research associate, gardener/landscaper, project coordinator, and garden care podcaster/blogger/videographer. Sean and his wife Allison want to help you become better gardeners through their books, podcasts, blog, videos, and online courses. You can find out more about Sean, and Allison, at spokengarden.com .
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 28, 2020
The title is not lying. This is really for first time gardeners who don't know a thing about garden plants and flowers. It will walk you through things like the difference between an annual and perennial, bulbs and seeds, planning your plantings, etc. There are a good number of color photos. I really wish there were more lists of good plants and flowers for beginning gardeners and pictures of them. Still, it's a great resource for those who are brand new to gardening.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
May 15, 2021
Initially I liked this book. I'm a full time eco farmer. I mainly grow food & fiber crops along with herbs & flowers. I recently read an excellent book on houseplants titled 'My house plant changed my life' by David Domoney. After reading that book, I was much more interested in reading about growing plants. Obviously I'm not a first time gardener, but for the most part I have found that no matter how much you learn, you know nothing. Okay, not really, but the point is, even a book for beginners can teach an old dog new tricks or simply refresh us on things we may have forgotten.
So the beginning of this book starts off pretty good providing the newbie with the most basic of basics. I was rather surprised by just how basic it went truly keeping in line with what a beginner needs to know. However as I continued to read I became more & more disenchanted with this book. It is incredibly rare for me to not like a book on growing things. Sure, some may have some issues I will point out but generally, I find them all worth reading until now.
If someone orders a book that is supposed to teach them, they shouldn't have to go to other sources for additional information especially if this is basic information that is needed to do things properly. I get the distinct vibe that the authors wrote this book with one main goal in mind; to get you to go to their website. I don't know about you, but when I sit down to read a book, I don't want to be told to visit a website for more information. I want to read that information in the pages of the book I have before me. If I wanted to look this stuff up online, I'd be online!
I guess I also should point out to those "privileged" folks who enjoy cheap high speed internet & cell service that there are those of us who still don't have access to the internet unless we opt. for very expensive & very slow satellite. What about cellular? "Can you here me now?" Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Fingers & toes crossed that Elon Musk's Starlink will save us rural folks. This is the Great Rural Divide. It is more expensive for 10xs slower internet in rural areas than it is in NYC. We rural folks buy books & make good use of them. For the love of equality, stop sending us to the internet to learn more! We bought your book, so give us the info. we need.
Stepping off the soap box...
Back to the beginning. As stated, this is the most basic of basics & no more. No more I tell you! Have a bug problem? The book tells you to find ways to treat for them & not to use toxic chemicals. I'm all for avoiding toxic chemicals, but um how do we deal with the bugs? Hello? Fungal problem? Same deal. Soil problem? You got it, same deal.
You get told certain plants have certain requirements. Some need full sun, some part shade, some full shade. Some require more water than others. Some can tolerate different climates better than others. Okay, which plants are good for these different climates & light levels? Hello? H-e-l-l-o??? I'm going to take a leap of faith here & guess that you can find out more at the authors website. Ho hum.
Do you have problems with the wildlife? The book tells you we all have to deal with wildlife. Put up some fencing or something. Try hot pepper spray. That's about as helpful as it gets. Sure, fencing can keep out deer, but not just any fencing. Sigh. Deer jump. Hot pepper spray washes off...
There is simply too much important information missing from this book. There is plenty of white space in the book. Too bad the authors didn't decide to fill it with something useful to the reader.
Sadly, this book is not a keeper. I regret ever ordering it.
So the beginning of this book starts off pretty good providing the newbie with the most basic of basics. I was rather surprised by just how basic it went truly keeping in line with what a beginner needs to know. However as I continued to read I became more & more disenchanted with this book. It is incredibly rare for me to not like a book on growing things. Sure, some may have some issues I will point out but generally, I find them all worth reading until now.
If someone orders a book that is supposed to teach them, they shouldn't have to go to other sources for additional information especially if this is basic information that is needed to do things properly. I get the distinct vibe that the authors wrote this book with one main goal in mind; to get you to go to their website. I don't know about you, but when I sit down to read a book, I don't want to be told to visit a website for more information. I want to read that information in the pages of the book I have before me. If I wanted to look this stuff up online, I'd be online!
I guess I also should point out to those "privileged" folks who enjoy cheap high speed internet & cell service that there are those of us who still don't have access to the internet unless we opt. for very expensive & very slow satellite. What about cellular? "Can you here me now?" Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Fingers & toes crossed that Elon Musk's Starlink will save us rural folks. This is the Great Rural Divide. It is more expensive for 10xs slower internet in rural areas than it is in NYC. We rural folks buy books & make good use of them. For the love of equality, stop sending us to the internet to learn more! We bought your book, so give us the info. we need.
Stepping off the soap box...
Back to the beginning. As stated, this is the most basic of basics & no more. No more I tell you! Have a bug problem? The book tells you to find ways to treat for them & not to use toxic chemicals. I'm all for avoiding toxic chemicals, but um how do we deal with the bugs? Hello? Fungal problem? Same deal. Soil problem? You got it, same deal.
You get told certain plants have certain requirements. Some need full sun, some part shade, some full shade. Some require more water than others. Some can tolerate different climates better than others. Okay, which plants are good for these different climates & light levels? Hello? H-e-l-l-o??? I'm going to take a leap of faith here & guess that you can find out more at the authors website. Ho hum.
Do you have problems with the wildlife? The book tells you we all have to deal with wildlife. Put up some fencing or something. Try hot pepper spray. That's about as helpful as it gets. Sure, fencing can keep out deer, but not just any fencing. Sigh. Deer jump. Hot pepper spray washes off...
There is simply too much important information missing from this book. There is plenty of white space in the book. Too bad the authors didn't decide to fill it with something useful to the reader.
Sadly, this book is not a keeper. I regret ever ordering it.
April 11, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The First-Time Gardener: Growing Plants and Flowers is a tutorial gardening guide by Sean & Allison McManus. Due out 27th April 2021 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook available currently).
This is an information dense but also upbeat and accessible guide for readers planning and creating their first gardens. There's a lot of general garden siting/building/planning information, so this is also a valuable resource for readers looking for info on growing herbs, and other edible crops. There's also a sister volume with the same layout from the same publisher releasing roughly the same time which is vegetable specific in focus.
The book has a logical layout: a short (easily understandable, not too technical) intro on plants and some good advice with steps on how to *start* (and not get bogged down or overwhelmed) is followed by step-by-step chapters on siting and planning, tools, soil building, seeds and plant material, implementation, seasonal tasks, garden management, troubleshooting and planning for next year. The authors are very upbeat and encouraging and the text is easy to understand.
The book also includes appendices in the form of online links and resources for further reading and tie-in bonus material on the authors' website. They also have a podcast which is worth a listen.
The photography is simply gorgeous. Nearly every page has full color photographs and illustrations.
This is a useful resource. It would make a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, community garden groups, home library, and for homesteaders and home gardeners. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The First-Time Gardener: Growing Plants and Flowers is a tutorial gardening guide by Sean & Allison McManus. Due out 27th April 2021 from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats (ebook available currently).
This is an information dense but also upbeat and accessible guide for readers planning and creating their first gardens. There's a lot of general garden siting/building/planning information, so this is also a valuable resource for readers looking for info on growing herbs, and other edible crops. There's also a sister volume with the same layout from the same publisher releasing roughly the same time which is vegetable specific in focus.
The book has a logical layout: a short (easily understandable, not too technical) intro on plants and some good advice with steps on how to *start* (and not get bogged down or overwhelmed) is followed by step-by-step chapters on siting and planning, tools, soil building, seeds and plant material, implementation, seasonal tasks, garden management, troubleshooting and planning for next year. The authors are very upbeat and encouraging and the text is easy to understand.
The book also includes appendices in the form of online links and resources for further reading and tie-in bonus material on the authors' website. They also have a podcast which is worth a listen.
The photography is simply gorgeous. Nearly every page has full color photographs and illustrations.
This is a useful resource. It would make a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, community garden groups, home library, and for homesteaders and home gardeners. Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 11, 2021
First, oddly enough I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for their patience with my galley reviews; while we've all had a rough (2020), there were additional issues that have held me from reading (gasp -yeah, so sad but true). However, I was super excited to see my galleys and read The First-Time Gardener since I've been increasing my indoor plant collection and learning by trial and error. I've read other gardening books and this one was full of information for the first time gardener (which I admit to being, no matter then years I've been growing indoors). The authors did a wonderful job in holding my hand while I learned about the anatomy of a plant, types of naturally sourced mulches and their benefits, pest control, pruning, etc. It's still a bit too much information for me to process, but I'll know I have to revisit this great resource. Some of it I can't put into practice just because of being a city-dweller, but I think this book encompasses all that's needed to have a beautifully growing garden. #TheFirstTimeGardenerGrowingPlantsandFlowers #NetGalley
February 5, 2021
The First-Time Gardener: Growing Plants and Flowers: All the know-how you need to plant and tend outdoor areas using eco-friendly methods by Sean McManus & Allison McManus
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press
Genre: Home & Garden
Release Date: March 9, 2021
The First-Time Gardener: Growing Plants and Flowers: All the know-how you need to plant and tend outdoor areas using eco-friendly methods by Sean McManus & Allison McManus is a great guide for beginner gardeners!
This easy to read guide is filled with so much information and beautiful pictures. I look forward to using some of these tips on my new garden!
I'm so grateful to Sean McManus & Allison McManus, Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press
Genre: Home & Garden
Release Date: March 9, 2021
The First-Time Gardener: Growing Plants and Flowers: All the know-how you need to plant and tend outdoor areas using eco-friendly methods by Sean McManus & Allison McManus is a great guide for beginner gardeners!
This easy to read guide is filled with so much information and beautiful pictures. I look forward to using some of these tips on my new garden!
I'm so grateful to Sean McManus & Allison McManus, Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.
May 10, 2021
When it comes to introductory gardening books, I honestly consider this book one of the best. The book itself goes deep into the basics, going over an introduction of what is considered a plant, the types of plants, what you need to consider before planting, soil conditions, and so much more. Throughout the book, the authors use an easy-to-follow format that helps make first-time gardeners excited about gardening, sharing their passion with fantastic information complemented by colorful illustrations and photography.
While the book may seem like a lot of information, it is perfect for holding any gardener’s hands while also still reminding experienced gardeners about basics that may very well be skipping over (and hurting their plants). So, if I had to pick one book to gift a new gardener, The First Time Gardener: Growing Plants and Flowers would be it!
While the book may seem like a lot of information, it is perfect for holding any gardener’s hands while also still reminding experienced gardeners about basics that may very well be skipping over (and hurting their plants). So, if I had to pick one book to gift a new gardener, The First Time Gardener: Growing Plants and Flowers would be it!
March 11, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Quarto Group - Cool Springs Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
These books are fantastic for the novice gardeners like myself and the layout of the book was so easy to follow with perfect descriptive step-by-step instructions. It was also educational learning about each flower and what their properties are and why they deserve the care they do. I have a little experience with gardening and now that I have read this book, my knowledge has grown significantly.
We will consider adding this title to our TT Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 4 stars.
These books are fantastic for the novice gardeners like myself and the layout of the book was so easy to follow with perfect descriptive step-by-step instructions. It was also educational learning about each flower and what their properties are and why they deserve the care they do. I have a little experience with gardening and now that I have read this book, my knowledge has grown significantly.
We will consider adding this title to our TT Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 4 stars.
June 30, 2021
Definitely a book for someone that doesn't know what a shovel or a pot is. So not only First-Time Gardener but also someone who has never looked at or spoken about a plant before, it's very, very basic.
I am a beginner gardener, growing my first plants and proud owner of my first house plant. However, I didn't learn anything from this book, which makes it a disappointing read for me.
The organization of the information is done well. Information in appropriate sections, but unfortunately the information is so minimal it's not something I would keep around as a reference book either.
I received an ARC of this book to read for free. My review is my honest opinion of the book.
I am a beginner gardener, growing my first plants and proud owner of my first house plant. However, I didn't learn anything from this book, which makes it a disappointing read for me.
The organization of the information is done well. Information in appropriate sections, but unfortunately the information is so minimal it's not something I would keep around as a reference book either.
I received an ARC of this book to read for free. My review is my honest opinion of the book.
March 6, 2021
Sean and Allison McManus have written a very thorough guide to start gardening. This was very comprehensive and my biggest complaint was that it was an e-book. When it comes to gardening/ self-help books I prefer a hard copy where I can take notes and just generally build off of. I wish they had discussed the container aspects a little more thoroughly but overall there was some very good explanations to what to look for when gardening.
4 stars for being a good guide with thorough information. Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group, Sean and Allison McManus.
4 stars for being a good guide with thorough information. Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group, Sean and Allison McManus.
June 3, 2021
Look forward to starting my garden!
February 22, 2022
This is a good book for the first time gardener. It teaches you a lot about the things you need to know to start your garden and take care of your plans and keep them going.
January 9, 2023
Good primer for gardening
January 13, 2023
Informative, but not overwhelming for new gardeners. Has helpful companion videos on YouTube.
February 23, 2023
Great information for gardeners of all types.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews