I’ve always believed that the best things in life are grown slowly—with love, intention, and a little dirt under your nails. So when I came across Start with Soil by Juliet Sargeant, I knew it was a book I’d not only enjoy, but recommend to every gardener, green thumb, or curious nature-lover in my life.
This isn’t just a book about dirt (though spoiler: soil is so much more than dirt). It’s a gentle, beautiful guide to building a better garden by nurturing the very thing it grows from. Juliet Sargeant—garden designer, BBC Gardeners’ Question Time panelist, and one of my new favorite voices in the gardening world—invites us to slow down, dig deep (literally), and reconnect with the soil beneath our feet.
🌿 What I Loved About This Book
Juliet has a way of making science feel like storytelling. You don’t need to be an expert to follow along—she walks you through the basics of soil health, composting, no-dig gardening, and even creating rain gardens, all with a calm, encouraging tone. It feels like chatting with a wise friend who happens to know a lot about growing good things.
The illustrations are beautiful, the steps are practical, and whether you’re tending a big backyard garden or a tiny container setup on your porch, you’ll find something in here that resonates.
🧡 Why Soil Matters (Now More Than Ever)
Here’s something Juliet reminds us of again and again: healthy soil = a healthy planet. The way we treat our gardens affects everything from local ecosystems to global climate resilience. And while that might sound overwhelming, she makes it feel empowering. Because when we tend to the soil, even in our own backyard, we’re participating in something much bigger than ourselves.
You’ll walk away from this book knowing:
🌱 How to feed your soil, not just your plants
🍂 Why compost is gold (and easier than you think)
🌧️ How rainwater, mulch, and native plants work together
💚 That even small changes can make a big difference
🌼 A Spring Must-Read for Garden Lovers
As we tiptoe into spring, Start with Soil has become my morning companion—right alongside my cup of coffee and seed catalog stack. It’s inspired me to try a new composting method, rethink how I prep my beds, and—maybe most importantly—pause and appreciate the magic happening underground.
This is the kind of book you’ll dog-ear, reference, and pass along to a fellow plant-loving friend. It’s full of gentle guidance, thoughtful practices, and a whole lot of love for the natural world.
📚 Ready to Dig In?
You can pre-order Start with Soil here, and it officially releases on April 29, 2025. If you’re dreaming of a thriving, regenerative garden—or just want to fall in love with your soil again—this one’s for you.
Let’s get our hands dirty in the best way possible. 🌱
