It’s Not Too Late to Plant!
Starting a summer garden doesn’t have to be complicated, and yes, there’s still time! Summer is nearly half-over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the weather and try your hand at gardening. It’s still summertime, after all, and a garden is a fun, rewarding project that families can take part in together. There are three growing seasons where we are (which is the Midwest—find out what growing seasons are in your area). So while crops differ from season to season, there’s still plenty of time this summer to get started.
Summer Garden Fun: Pick Your First Growing Project
Hoopla makes it easy to find inspiration: Choose the button that matches your gardening style—Grow Something Fast, Grow Something Indoor-Friendly, or Grow Something I Can Eat—and discover your next favorite gardening guide on Hoopla.
Grow Something Fast
Want quick results? Fast-growing plants help build confidence and keep gardening fun. Choose books about easy-growing favorites and get growing!
Grow Your Own Basil by Lisa J. Amstutz
Basil is an easy, beginner-friendly plant that sprouts quickly. Follow simple steps from seed to harvest and watch your garden come to life. Perfect for young gardeners and anyone ready for a quick growing win.
The Ultimate Guide to Gardening by Lisa J. Amstutz
This book is packed with easy projects featuring fast-growing plants you can grow indoors or outside. Simple step-by-step instructions and colorful photos make it easy to start planting and enjoy results before you know it.
Garden Flowers by Cath Senker
See colorful results in your garden while learning how flowers grow. Learn the difference between annuals and perennials, explore pollination and plant life cycles, and pick blooms that will brighten your garden in no time. Bright photos make it fun for young readers.
Grow Something Indoor-Friendly
No backyard? No problem. We’ve got books about how to garden indoors, and it’s easier than you might think. Hoopla’s helpful guides are filled with tips for lighting, watering, and simple DIY gardening projects that brighten any space, no matter how small.
My First Book of Houseplants from Duopress Labs and illustrated by Åsa Gilland
Bring the garden indoors! This sweet book introduces little ones to houseplants with simple words and charming illustrations. It’s a fun way to explore indoor-friendly plants while learning the basics of caring for nature together.
Plants by Jon Richards
Discover amazing plants from around the world, including plenty that thrive indoors. With colorful infographics and easy-to-understand facts, this book explores where different plants grow, what they need, and why they’re such an important part of our everyday lives.
Meat-Eating Venus Flytraps by Mary Griffin
Looking for a unique (and slightly scary) houseplant? Meet the Venus flytrap! Learn how this fascinating indoor-friendly plant catches insects, digests its meals, and survives. Packed with fun facts and colorful photos.
Grow Something You Can Eat
Nothing beats picking fresh ingredients from your own garden. If your goal is to grow your own food, check out these practical resources to help you plan, plant, and enjoy a productive harvest that will make your family proud.
Gardening with Emma by Emma Biggs and Steven Biggs
Grow your own food with tips from a kid who loves to garden (and her dad)! Learn how to plant tasty vegetables, care for your garden through the seasons, and have fun getting your hands dirty. It has lots of easy ideas and inspiration for young growers.
Grow Your Own Green Beans by Lisa J. Amstutz
Even if you don’t like eating green beans, you might discover you love to grow them. This easy guide walks families through planting and caring for bean plants from seed to harvest. It’s a fun, hands-on project that helps young gardeners grow their own food and celebrate their success.
Fruit Gardens by Angela Lim
Growing fruit is a fun way to enjoy fresh food right from your own garden! Learn how to plant, care for, and harvest delicious fruits while discovering how gardens help pollinators. Bright photos and simple tips make gardening easy and enjoyable for all ages.
Get to Growing
Wherever you begin, the best way to read about gardening is with helpful resources available from your library and Hoopla. And check out Hoopla’s From Seed to Table collection for even more gardening ideas. Get your hands in the dirt and see what you can do!
*Titles may vary by library
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