Book recommendation

[u/ChampionUnfair6336]

Hey all, ive been wondering something.

So I've been self-studying horticulture for around a year, im yet to take a course but based on the past papers ive done I can easily pass the examination. see here's my thing, I have a real interest in the plants. having autism it's taken my whole mind over and I look for the deepest possible understanding I can, was curious what books I ought read to get this deep understanding?​

[u/Recent-Rip4567]

If you are looking for a really deep understanding I say go beyond general gardening books and get into plant physiology, soil science, and botany. Plant Physiology and Development is a good one if you’re comfortable with more technical material. For botany, Raven Biology of Plants is also worth looking at. You’ll probably find the deeper stuff way more interesting than the usual beginner horticulture books.

[u/ChampionUnfair6336 → u/Recent-Rip4567]

oh how interesting. ive actually been studying ravens biology of plants just recently, but ill add physiology and development to my list for sure. and you're right, the depth of the books are a lot more interesting. thanks a bunch!!

[u/gemgemleo → u/ChampionUnfair6336]

Morphology as well. So satisfying when you can look at a plant part and immediately know its family even if you don’t know what exactly it is. From there you can glean things like soil type/anamolies, bloom times, etc

[u/ChampionUnfair6336 → u/gemgemleo]

morphology is really interesting I agree with you there. do you know is there like a book specifically on that subject or is it just one of those things covered in the others im reading? thank you!!

[u/gemgemleo → u/ChampionUnfair6336]

I don’t remember the specific one we used in school but I’ve flipped through botany in a day and really liked that one

[u/Recent-Rip4567 → u/ChampionUnfair6336]

Raven is definitely a good one to get into. Plant Physiology and Development should be a fun next step if you're enjoying the deeper side of it. Hope you enjoy it

[u/DecidingToBeBetty]

Michael A. Dirr, Dirr's Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs

[u/angelbff]

obligatory recommendation for Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer :) It’s such a beautiful book i think everyone should read it lol

[u/DecidingToBeBetty → u/angelbff]

I bought myself a copy for Christmas, but have not read it. Then I accidentally reserved a copy of her audiobook, “The Serviceberry” and absolutely loved it.

[u/Halpaviitta]

You want really deep understanding? Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plants, Buchanan. almost 1300 pages of hard science

[u/squarahann]

Not exactly hort but “the lean farm” is a great book that discusses operational efficiency on farms. Really changed my life. Knowing plant science is great but scaling procedures to maintain quality with a team is a whole skill within itself.

[u/anonablous]

https://www.reddit.com/r/botany/comments/1vuynpo/plant_physiology_book_recommendations/

:)

[u/jpdamion78]

When you say a deep interest in the plants, do you mean identifying and learning their characteristics? Or the science end of things?

[u/MeasurementSelect251]

Raven’s Biology of Plants is a great start. I’d definitely go deeper into plant physiology and morphology next.

[u/chillbobaggens]

Botany of Empire by Banu Subramanium will give a deep understanding of the history of Horticulture and botany itself. Explains the format of the field of botany as we know it, including its flaws. Its full of important information to have as you seek to broaden your approach to studying plants.

[u/MxCrookshanks]

What examination? Anyways I would recommend this book called Natural Habitats and Wildlife Gardening: Inviting Nature into Your Backyard, that really helps you understand the ecology of gardening. I heard about it from a great podcast called The Plantastic Podcast.