Who would have guessed that a gardening book could be such an enjoyable read? Permaculture Gardening for the Absolute Beginner is not only inviting and informative but also genuinely inspiring. 

The book is impressively well-organized. Our gardening journey begins with demystifying permaculture as more of a mindset than an exact science. It takes you through the essential steps, from soil preparation to seed planting and expansion. The author manages to instill a sense of empowerment, making you feel like you can conquer the world, one raised bed at a time—and that’s a wonderful feeling!

Infused with humor and practical knowledge, the author shares her gardening passion through the written word, making permaculture principles accessible to every level of gardener. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the significance of native plants. Often, gardeners focus solely on crops, overlooking the essential role native plants play in the ecosystem.

This ecological perspective extends further in the chapter on integrating animal life. Pollinators, wildlife, and small livestock are integral components of permaculture, and the provided tips simplify the process of encouraging their presence.

But the helpful tips don’t stop there! The resource section is a goldmine, offering information on collecting rainwater, windbreaks, considerations for sun exposure when planting, companion gardening, and even a breakdown of composting into easily understandable bits of information everyone can follow with cute and informative graphics. 

If you are already a permaculture enthusiast, you may find this book a little too simplistic. The writing is quirky and fun, which might not appeal to every reader. This simplicity of the content and the whimsical tone may be perceived as a departure from the in-depth and serious exploration often associated with permaculture literature. So, while some readers may appreciate the lighthearted approach, those seeking a more scholarly examination of permaculture principles may find this book less satisfying. 

That being said, Permaculture Gardening for the Absolute Beginner is the best permaculture/gardening how-to book I’ve ever read!

I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery. You can see my review HERE.