Summer in Florida can be a season of maintenance rather than major planting projects. While the heat and humidity may slow things down in the garden, it's the perfect time to learn, plan, and gather ideas for the cooler months ahead. Before fall planting season arrives, consider adding a few gardening books to your reading list.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your expertise, these are some of the titles our team recommends most often.
Month-by-Month Gardening in Florida
By Tom MacCubbin
If you're only going to own one Florida gardening book, this may be the one. Tom MacCubbin's guide breaks down what to plant, when to fertilize, when to prune, and how to manage common pests and diseases throughout the year. It also covers lawn care and seasonal maintenance specific to Florida's climate.
For homeowners looking for practical, month-to-month guidance, it's a resource you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Gardening
By Robert Bowden
Growing your own food can feel intimidating at first, but Robert Bowden makes it approachable. This book focuses specifically on Florida conditions, helping gardeners understand what crops perform best, when to plant them, and how to keep them productive.
Whether you're interested in a few herbs on the patio or a larger backyard garden, this book provides a solid foundation for success.
Bringing Nature Home
By Douglas Tallamy
One of the most influential gardening books of the last two decades, Bringing Nature Home explores the connection between native plants and the wildlife that depends on them. Tallamy explains how homeowners can support birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial species simply by making thoughtful planting choices.
It's an eye-opening read for anyone interested in creating a landscape that's both beautiful and environmentally beneficial.
The Living Landscape
By Rick Darke and Douglas Tallamy
For those who enjoy landscape design as much as gardening, The Living Landscape offers a fresh perspective. The book combines practical design concepts with ecological principles, showing how landscapes can be visually appealing while also supporting local wildlife.
Filled with inspiring photography and real-world examples, it's a great read for homeowners looking to think more intentionally about how their outdoor spaces function.
The Well-Tended Perennial Garden
By Tracy DiSabato-Aust
If you're looking to take your gardening knowledge to the next level, this classic belongs on your shelf. The Well-Tended Perennial Garden focuses on pruning, maintenance, and long-term plant care strategies that help gardens look their best year after year.
While not Florida-specific, many of the principles apply across climates and offer valuable insight for gardeners who want to sharpen their skills.
Read Now, Plant Later
One of the best parts of gardening is that there's always something new to learn. Summer provides a natural opportunity to slow down, evaluate your landscape, and start planning for the seasons ahead. A few good books can spark ideas, answer questions, and help you approach future projects with confidence.
By the time cooler weather arrives and fall planting season begins, you'll have plenty of inspiration ready to put into action.
Liberty Landscape Supply is Northeast Florida's full-service garden center and landscape partner with four retail locations serving Jacksonville (North Main Street and San Jose Boulevard), Fernandina Beach, and St. Augustine, plus delivery across the region. From plants, trees, soil, mulch, rock, and gravel to hardscapes, pottery, lighting, irrigation, design support, and expert advice, Liberty helps homeowners and pros plan, shop, and install with confidence — making landscape projects easy.
To learn more, visit www.libertylandscapesupply.com.
Media Contact:
Veda Broderick
Digital Marketing Specialist
Veda@libertylandscapesupply.com
