I got jekka from a recommendition from someone on here flora_uk I seam to remember

I recommended the Tammi Hartung book in another post. Still love it for basic growing/use info.

If you're into getting serious culinary with fresh herbs, then I also like The Herbfarm Cookbook by Jerry Traunfeld. Most of the recipes aren't for general home cook, more suited to restaurant, but there are bunches of charts on uses of herbs that are very useful, and some basic recipes for such as herbed sauces, creams, sorbets, etc.

All of the herb books in our library are the classics.

For up-to date information, we rely on publications by the Herb Society of America. Some of them are freely available to the public on the HSA website, but for others you have to be a member..

Here is a link that might be useful: The HSA'a Essential Guide to The Beginner's Herb Garden

thanks, y'all!! i ordered the hartung and jekka books from half.com and will def check out the hsa's guide!!

What are you looking for in a book? Growing, recipes, medicinal and other uses as well as culinary, a combination, ? It would help us suggest titles.

FataMorgana

i would say i'm looking for a good combination of all uses as well as optimal conditions for them and maybe some ideas on companion plantings...

I recommend the internet..it is big, it is free and it is the best encyclopedia

But books that provide a good reference are so valuable and make it soooooo easy to access information ---- especially for new herb gardeners.

For 1 all around book, I do love New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses by Deni Bown. See if you can pick up a used copy. It has both growing and using info - including culinary, medicinal, dyeing, etc. herbs. Having info about more than just your standard kitchen herbs is so wonderful.

FataMorgana

thanks fatamorgana!! i'll check those out.
and there is nothing like the smell of a book!!

Ah, the smell and the feel of the page.... And curling up with a good book, is like sharing a cup of tea with an old friend. It is priceless.

Good general references on gardening and seed starting are very useful as well to the herb gardener.

FataMorgana