The Allotment Book

by Andi Clevely (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2006

  $3.29

  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.

• Used

  Paperback
  2008

  $3.29

  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