How to Grow a Greener Thumb: The Art and Science of Tending a Garden Paperback – February 8, 2026

Would you like to be a better gardener? Do you wish you had a greener thumb? No matter the size of our garden, from a few potted plants to acres in the country, we all want to fulfill our gardening dreams. We want a more productive relationship with the plants we tend.The main difference between a Green Thumb gardener and others is a little bit of know-how and a lot of passion for our plants. Garden writer Elizabeth McCoy tells stories about some of the many challenges she faced while adjusting to her new woodland garden and uses those experiences to illustrate a variety of simple strategies we all can use to improve our own gardening skills.You will learn how to Grow a Greener Thumb through 30 practical, science-based ‘Green Thumb Tips’ that demonstrate how to work with the ways and rhythms of nature, and 6 clear ‘Botany for Gardeners’ sections that explain the science behind the strategies in clear, easy to understand terms.Let this guide show you how to: Choose plants that will thrive in your yardImprove your soil and build new planting bedsChoose the best fertilizers for your situationPropagate the plants you already haveSelect the best location for each plant to growProtect plants during extreme weather eventsCreate four-dimensional container gardensUnderstand the ecological services of the plants you growUnderstand issues related to native and invasive plantsEdit your garden effectively so it brings you more joyMake the most of the natural resources at your fingertipsCope with deer, rabbits, and voles in your yardLocate the books and resources that will help you expand your knowledgeThe author distills decades of gardening experience, garden photography, and garden writing in this beautifully illustrated guide dedicated to helping you garden more effectively and with more insight and joy. Punctuated with poetry and quotations, this is a volume you will turn to again and again for practical advice and seasonal inspiration. Read more