Daily work is often far removed from the basic satisfaction of making or producing something, while increasing pressure on the use of land results in gardens becoming ever smaller. The feel-good factor that comes with growing and nurturing your own food is intoxicating, especially if it’s for the wider family. This book has managed to cover off all the main topics from preparing land; siting of items such as greenhouses / cold frames; construction of raised beds / cold frames; through to composting and growing.

One example is using plug plants, which, although more expensive than seed, do cut down on time-consuming sowing and pricking out. Loads of helpful information - advice, planting/harvest schedule, how to grow all kinds of produce and treatment of pests and diseases. This book testifies to the new vibrancy of allotment culture, aiming both to inspire the next generation of plot-holders and to provide all the practical knowledge needed to turn a patch of soil into a lifelong adventure.There is information on how to plan your plot, choosing what to grow with recommended varieties and detailed growing advice. John Harrison isa master at explaining in simple English what he has to say and with over 30 years of allotment gardening knowledge he knows what he is talking about. Allotment Month by Month takes the uncertainty out of your harvest with clear, reliable gardening advice for every month of the year. I know that are things that I can do to help reduce the time needed so that the time I am at the allotment is the time I want to be if it is longer than the 2. This new edition has updated recommendations for the best varieties to grow and all the latest advice on pesticide use.

These are a hand picked selection of books on self sufficiency and sustainable living that we have read and found useful. No longer considered the preserve of old men in sheds, allotment gardening is currently enjoying a renaissance of interest. It stands head and shoulders above many other books on this subject because of its honesty" -- gardenaction.Discover everything you need to know to leave the supermarket behind in favour of tastier and healthier home-grown fruit and veg.

A tenancy agreement, which usually lasts for a year and is renewable, is signed by you and the owner or owner’s agent (such as a site association) and you will pay rent, which the law says must be reasonable, in advance. Actually according to the 1/2 Hour Allotment you can actually grow for a family of 4 in a space not much bigger than my 1/4 of a plot. If you love spending time on your allotment or ‘Grow Your Own’, we’re sure you’ll love this inspirational allotment guide… full of allotment tips, allotment advice and a fantastic reference point if you’re new to allotments, starting a new allotment or just looking for allotment ideas… Its been four years in the development, two years in the writing, 172 pages. Designing your plot layout to work best for you and to minimise problems via crop rotation is tackled first, followed by a directory of vegetables to grow (both the usual suspects and more unusual crops) , techniques to use and ending with a guide to the seasonal year are all explained in detail, accompanied by lavish photographs and sprinkled with seasonal recipes.You ultimately decide how much or how little you do, and even sitting out a rain shower in the shed can be therapeutic. An excellent book for all allotment holders, which offers practical advice on all aspects of allotment gardening. We've included allotment planners and cookbooks in our list to help you get growing and reap the fruits of your labour and make great allotment gifts.

There's a wide range of top-rated gardening books out there - from practical how-to guides to allotment community and sustainability-focused books - so there's bound to be a book that's right for you. Contents: The plot: finding the right plot; growing fruit, vegetables and flowers; sheds and greenhouses; communal tools; dealing with weeds; entering competitions. The situation was gravest wherever ancient local traditions and conventions allowing people to cultivate common land and to pasture animals had been eroded by the rich and powerful. I also remember the delight of helping to pick the strawberries, which included eating as many as I put in the punnet.i cant speak for all, but i can say it has helped me immensity to tackle my first year with confidence and a better understanding. If you're lucky enough to be allocated a plot (or half-plot) at your local allotment, this guide will quickly get you up to speed with getting the most from your plot. You are guaranteed the sharing of fresh food, expertise, gossip, fun and friendship, which goes to prove that the allotment is a microcosm of today’s society without walls. I often feel overwhelmed by the number of jobs that need doing in my veg plot and it’s easy to end up dithering between seed-sowing or watering, harvesting or weeding.