The Allotment Book
On Sale: 04/15/2010
The Allotment Book
On Sale: 04/15/2010
Format:
About the Book
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 for which Collins is renowned.
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 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 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, 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
Critical Praise
'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
-Resources
Product Details
- ISBN: 9780007372454
- ISBN 10: 0007372450
- Imprint: Collins
- On Sale: 04/15/2010
- Pages: 224
- List Price:14.99 CAD
- BISAC1 : GARDENING / Vegetables
- BISAC2 : GARDENING / Techniques
- BISAC3 : GARDENING / Organic
- BISAC4 : GARDENING / Urban
- BISAC5 : GARDENING / Fruit