2008-02-28 Brilliant guide to growing your own vegetables ++++

I found this book in the bookclub pile during a dull afternoon at work. I bought it off Amazon that evening. It's truly excellent - the kind of book everyone should own whether they have an allotment or not. I don't have one - but I'm using it for guidance on growing vegetables in my back garden. The kind of stuff you need to know is all here - it's like having an experienced gardener helping you out and offering advice over your shoulder as you go - I don't have anyone to ask so it's wonderful for me - and I haven't yet had a question that isn't answered in this book.

The layout is clear and succinct. The plant details are consistent and presented clearly - a picture of the vegetable (invaluable for beginners!), origin, soil and situation, sowing, aftercare, pests and diseases. There's also an at a glance summary of each veg. You get suggested layouts, how to rotate crops (everyone talks about it, first time I've seen a suggested order of planting over four years, finally!). Sections on what not to do in your new community, soil improvement, sowing, kit you'll need.... it's all here.

It's quite tempting to get an allotment next year!