 |
Find an allotment book that suits your needsTo help you allotment gardening it is important to have at least one allotment book as reference. The book should provide inspiration, guidance, confidence and vital information on your journey from inexperienced new grower, or starting a new weedy plot, to fully fledged allotment holder with a productive full-filling plot, or provide new tips and techniques to help the more experienced grower. Look for great advice on clearing a weedy plot, managing different soils, composting, how to lay out the plot, what to grow and how to grow it, details on different vegetables, herbs and even flowers, harvesting and storage. My suggested allotment books'The Allotment Book' by Andi Clevely, published by Collins 2006, which costs £17.99 RRP. It is beautifully illustrated, very practical and a great reference. It provides a great source of information on everything from clearing the ground, to improving the soil, to crop rotation, growing vegetables, harvesting and storage, including many useful techniques and is thus of use to all allotment gardeners.'Allotment gardening - An organic guide for beginners', by Susan Berger, published by Green books Ltd 2005, and costs £9.95 RRP. This covers all the basics clearly from choice of tools, clearing the plot, planning and digging, to planting and care with details on vegetables, herbs and flowers. Great for the beginner but less useful for the more experienced gardener. 'The Vegetable and Herb Expert' by Dr D.G. Hessayon, published by Transworld Publishers. Which costs (RRP) £7.99 sterling, $14.95 US. This provides the essential guidance on individual crops, with detail on sowing, planting, growing, varietal choice and diseases. Also comes as a pocket guide which useful on the vegetable plot. 'The A-Z of allotment vegetables' by Caroline Foley, published by New Holland Publishers Ltd 2006, costing £12.99. This book focusses on detailed information about vegetables, varietal choice and how to grow them. An excellent source of such information. 'The half hour allotment' by Lia Leendertz, Frances Lincoln Publishers 2006, which costs £16.99 RRP, provides guidance on time management; little and often takes less time on the vegetable patch. It really pays off to go more often for 30 minutes or so; more achieved with less strain. For more information
|
