New paperback edition of Collins' best-selling gardening title. This wonderfully illustrated book celebrates the blood sweat & joy to be had in 'growing your own' in an allotment.
Includes:: in-depth practical gardening know-how stories from allotmenteers & recipes. No longer considered the preserve of old men in sheds allotment gardening is currently enjoying a renaissance of interest. People of all ages & from all walks of life are digging their own plots in search of the ultimate in fresh organic produce
- & 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 & 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 & the various weird & 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 & interviews with current plot-holders * planning your perfect allotment
- finding it assessing it clearing the ground & working out what to grow * the brown stuff
- all you need to know about soil management the key to growing success * choosing a gardening method
- organic biodynamic rotation beds companion planting greenhouse multi-level potager cottage garden & so on...* the hard stuff
- constructing sheds compost bins cold frames fruit cages ponds seating & play areas * selecting crops
- what & how to grow from parsnips & peas to chilli peppers & lemon grass * cultivation techniques
- digging sowing feeding weeding & harvesting plus troubleshooting pests & diseases * the allotment calendar
- extensive month-by-month look at what's in season jobs for now & looking ahead