The Allotment Book - Hardcover

Andi Clevely

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 000720759X ISBN 13: 9780007207596

Publisher: Harper Collins, 2006

Synopsis

A wonderfully illustrated celebration of the blood, sweat and joy to be had 'growing your own' in an allotment - with the in-depth, practical gardening know-how Collins is renowned for. No longer considered the preserve of old men in sheds, allotment gardening is currently enjoying a renaissance of interest. People of all ages and from all walks of life are digging their own plots in search of the ultimate in fresh, organic produce - and you cannot get more locally-sourced than your own allotment! 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. Open to all the new eco-gardening techniques, and the various weird and wonderful ways people make use of their plots, contents include: the history of allotments - from 19th century origins, through wartime 'Dig for Victory', to the cosmopolitan communities of today; features photos and interviews with current plot-holders; planning your perfect allotment - finding it, assessing it, clearing the ground and working out what to grow the brown stuff - all you need to know about soil management. It also features the key to growing success choosing a gardening method - organic, biodynamic, rotation beds, companion planting, greenhouse, multi-level, potager, cottage garden, and so on. The hard stuff - constructing sheds, compost bins, cold frames, fruit cages, ponds, seating and play areas selecting crops - what and how to grow, from parsnips and peas to chilli peppers and lemon grass cultivation techniques - digging, sowing, feeding, weeding and harvesting, plus troubleshooting pests and diseases the allotment calendar - extensive, month-by-month look at what's in season, jobs for now and looking ahead.

About this title

About the Author

Andi Clevely has been a working gardener for more than 35 years and has written more than 20 gardening books, including The Allotment Seasonal Planner and The Kitchen Garden Month-by-Month.

Review

'It is full of colourful and relevant illustrations...The content is packed with excellent down-to-earth advice. Andy Clevely captures the essence of the allotment, showing how it is a relaxing a socialble way to garden. The Allotment Book is a must for the bookshelf.' - The Garden magazine'This is an excellent book.' - The Telegraph'It's the ultimate guide to a bumper harvest.' - Sunday Magazine'Clear and concise, it will take pride of place in your garden shed.' - Daily Mail`This book testifies the new vibrancy of allotment culture, and provides all the knowledge needed to turn a patch of soil into a lifelong adventure.' - The Northern Echo`This is a book you'll want to return to again and again.' - Garden Answers`This book is excellent, rising above the usual dutiful trek through chores and cultivars and capturing the life-expanding possibilities of a new plot.' - Optima Magazine

Edition details

• Publisher: Harper Collins
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 000720759X
• ISBN 13: 9780007207596
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224