The Allotment Book
Published on 4. February 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-0-00-727077-4 (ISBN)
Description
New paperback edition of Collins' best-selling gardening title. This wonderfully illustrated book celebrates the blood, sweat and joy to be had in 'growing your own' in an allotment. Includes in-depth, practical gardening know-how, stories from allotmenteers and recipes.
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, 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
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, 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
Reviews / Votes
'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
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 246 mm
Width: 189 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
840 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-00-727077-4 (9780007270774)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Andi Clevely is one of Britain's most renowned gardening writers, and has written over 20 gardening books. He is also a regular TV presenter, appearing on Granada's Cook's Garden and From the Ground Up for Carlton.