Garden blogging
How to write a useful garden book review
A good garden book review helps a reader decide one thing: should I spend money and shelf space on this book? Write it around that question.
Updated 26 Oct 2026 · Facts checked against the sources at the end.
What to cover
- Who it is for: beginners, experienced growers, a region or climate, small spaces.
- What it covers and how it is organized: plant profiles, how-to steps, design ideas.
- Photos and illustrations: are they clear and useful?
- Accuracy and region: does the advice suit your zone and conditions? Note if it was written for another country.
- What you tried: one or two methods you actually used and how they went.
- What is missing or could be better.
- Your verdict in one or two sentences.
Fair and legal
- If the publisher sent you the book, say so clearly near the start; see disclosure and trust.
- Describe the book in your own words. Quote only a few words if you must, and never copy pages or photos.
- Photograph the cover yourself rather than copying images from the publisher's site, unless they give permission.
A simple structure
- One-sentence verdict.
- Who should buy it, and who should not.
- What is inside.
- What you tried from it.
- Strengths and gaps.
- Details: title, author, publisher, year.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a garden book review be?
Long enough to answer who the book is for, what is in it and whether it is worth buying; often 400 to 800 words.
Can I quote from the book in my review?
Keep quotes very short and describe the content in your own words. Never copy pages or photos.
Do I have to say if I got the book for free?
Yes. FTC guidance expects you to disclose free products clearly near the review.
Sources
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.