Allotments / Community gardens Books

Book SynopsisAlan Buckingham is a freelance writer, editor, gardener and photographer. He has over twenty years' experience in illustrated publishing, both as an editor and as an author, and has worked on countless books, including DK's Grow Fruit and Grow Vegetables, plus of course the bestselling Allotment Month by Month. Alan is a long-time plot-holder on the prestigious Royal Paddocks Allotments near Hampton Court Palace, south-west London.Trade ReviewFind out how to organise your plot, when to plant and harvest, plus which jobs you should be tackling when, in this useful guide. * Ideal Home *This comprehensive reference book is a real gem. * Garden Answers *

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Book SynopsisLucy ChamberlainLucy is Head Gardener at East Donyland Hall, a dream job for her as it has an incredibly productive walled kitchen garden. Before this, she worked at the RHS Garden Wisley and as editor at Grow Your Own magazine. Lucy was raised on her family's smallholding and has been cultivating salads and vegetables since her teenage years. Lucy describes her own vegetable plot as a walled edible garden in miniature that keeps her and her husband self-sufficient in produce all year round.Trade Review"Those fairly new to growing fruit and veg, or anyone looking to branch out to the more unusual varieties, will find it full of useful information." * Amateur Gardening *

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Book SynopsisThe content of this book originally appeared in The New Kitchen Garden, published in 2015. ''An endless selection of delicious produce you can plant, grow and then cook with.'' Raymond Blanc OBENow you can create your own delicious edible garden at home!More and more people are being inspired to grow a little of what they eat at home. But while starting your own kitchen garden may seem like a daunting task at first, Grow & Cookmakes it easy.Award-winning author and gardener, Mark Diacono, has distilled years of knowledge into this pocket-sized book. Whether you are new to gardening and only have a small window box or you are much more experienced with the space to experiment, this user-friendly handbook will inspire and help you. Mark is here to show you that there are plenty of options for everyone and lots of exciting new varieties to discover.Each variety in the book includes a wealth of informationTrade ReviewDiacono wants new gardeners to learn to think for themselves and build their own strategies from the many modes of food production. * Irish Sunday Times *Visionary and useful, this is altogether an inspiring book. * The Lady *Rush out and buy it. It is really very good. * Monty Don, @TheMontyDon *Mark's writing style is conversational and engaging, he's deeply knowledgeable, yet he's low-key and modest. He's 'can-do' and accessible without ever being patronising. * English Garden *The New Kitchen Garden doesn't begin with the usual plan of an allotment quartered into beds awaiting their rotation, it starts by asking what you need. * Sunday Mirror - Book of the Week *

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Book SynopsisThe Complete Guide to No-Dig Gardening is a warm and friendly, yet science-based, guide where readers learn how to grow a healthy, productive garden without ever turning over the soil.Trade Review"To assist both beginning and experienced gardeners, information on every aspect of gardening from seeding to harvesting is also included throughout this book." * Triangle Gardener *"...if you want to garden in a way that aligns better with nature and builds on what nature has to offer; and if you want to garden in a way that makes your life easier – this book is a great addition to your library." * Homestead How-To *Table of ContentsIntroduction: What is No-Dig Gardening? 1 The Benefits of No-Dig Gardening 2 Soil Considerations in the No-Dig Garden 3 Building a No-Dig Garden from Scratch 4 Converting an Existing Garden to No-Dig 5 Planting and Growing in Your No-Dig Garden 6 Variations on the No-Dig Concept 7 Containers—The Original No-Dig Garden 8 Bringing It Indoors Resources Acknowledgments About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisWelcome to Rekha''s Kitchen Garden: a North London allotment that is bursting with the very best seasonal produce all year round. With more than 30 years'' experience as both an amateur and professional gardener, there is no better guide to home-grown produce than Rekha. Let her teach you the tricks and share the lessons she has learned from a lifetime of sowing, digging, and harvesting. This isn''t your average introduction to growing your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Packed with personality and stunning photography, this is a celebration of more than 40 seasonal crops that will inspire you to make the most of your allotment or kitchen garden.So what are you waiting for? Dive straight in to discover: - More than 40 profiles on different allotment crops, including vegetables, fruit, and herbs, with each one showcasing Rekha''s personal experience and advice for achieving the best results.- Profiles organised by harvest season,

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Book SynopsisEllen Miles is an activist and author whose work centres on bringing nature to neighbourhoods. She runs Nature is a Human Right, the campaign for the United Nations to enshrine daily access to nature as a legal right for all, and Dream Green, a social enterprise that helps communities get guerrilla gardening. @OctaviaChill

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Book Synopsis‘Every vegetable needs different skills and Rob guides you through a great spectrum of possibilities. His advice is super comprehensive, and of particular use to beginners.’ – Charles Dowding ‘What a great book for those new to growing their own vegetables and there are still things to be learnt for us seasoned growers. There are a vast range of vegetables to grow and there is advice for them all, so if you haven’t grown some before, now is your chance for success and the opportunity to taste a new flavour.’ – Terry Walton, BBC Radio 2 ‘Grow to Eat is an absolute credit to Rob, jam packed with golden garden nuggets of information for the reader. I grow food on a daily basis, but I have been inspired to get growing some unique and colourful varieties for taste and visual delight. This book is a must for the garden library.’ – August Bernstein, Head Tutor at the Raymond Blanc Garde

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Book SynopsisRevised, updated and expanded edition Joy Larkcom's classic guide to growing your own vegetables.Trade ReviewAs any allotmenteer will tell you, this is the GYO bible, by the Delia Smith of the vegetable garden

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Book SynopsisGarden Alchemy is filled with recipes and instructions for making homemade versions of dozens of gardening products, including fertilizers, pest deterrents, potting soils, and more. Trade Review"Rose’s comprehensive yet compact book will profit beginning and advanced gardeners alike." * Publishers Weekly *"As someone who's made a career out of growing in small urban spaces, Stephanie’s Garden Alchemy is a treasure trove of creative, DIY recipes to grow healthier, stronger plants, beautify your garden, and cultivate more biodiversity in your yard.”⠀- Kevin Espiritu, gardener, author of Field Guide to Urban Gardening -- Kevin Espiritu * Epic Gardening *"Stephanie empowers the reader to experiment with ways to fix common garden problems with minimal effort — and showing how there are so many things the home gardener can do before deciding to buy a "problem-solving" product at the store." * Frau Zinnie *"Equipped with a copy of Rose’s new book, gardeners will feel confident that they’re ready to tackle any problems that come up. Soil or fertilizer recipes needed? Check. Pest control problem? Double check. Propagation or composting question? She’s got you covered." -- Shannon Cowan * EarthEasy.com *"Rose’s rich guide, a mix of recipes and inviting do-it-yourself projects, kept my attention throughout its 128 pages...a thoughtful and informative guide." -- Sally Peterson * OregonLive.com *"...chock full of useful and magical recipes and elixirs sure to elevate your garden and garden experience...a delightful and enlightening read." -- Julie Bawden Davis * JulieBawdenDavis.com *"...this book is amazing... I see this being a book I am likely going to be referencing a lot in the future for my own garden!" * Budget Earth *"Every page is chock full of tips and tricks for how to create happier growth in your garden and how to use every part of that garden to create new and exciting things." * City Book Review *"...a compact, easy-to-follow, and visually attractive collection of recipes for do-it-yourself garden rejuvenation." * Washington Gardener *"I think this book deserves a spot on the bookshelf, or better yet, in the potting shed, where the recipes will soon be as dog-eared and annotated as any of your favorite cookbooks." * Gardener's Path *Table of ContentsIntroduction What Is Garden Alchemy Chapter 1: Soils and Mulches Make homemade soil tests, potting soil recipes, and mulches Chapter 2: Propagation Create your own seed bombs, planting pots, seed tapes, and rooting hormone Chapter 3: Compost Adjust soil pH, add organic matter, make compost booster, and more ways to improve your soil Chapter 4: Fertilizers and Garden Teas Boost plant health with recipes for customized fertilizer blends and growth-enhancing sprays Chapter 5: Birds, Bees, and Bugs Recipes and tips for encouraging beneficial wildlife, plus DIY pest traps, baits, and deterrents Resources Acknowledgements About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisWhen I am disturbed, even angry, gardening has been a therapy. When I don''t want to talk I turn to Plot 29, or to a wilder piece of land by a northern sea. There, among seeds and trees, my breathing slows; my heart rate too. My anxieties slip away.'As a young boy in 1960s Plymouth, Allan Jenkins and his brother, Christopher, were rescued from their care home and fostered by an elderly couple. There, the brothers started to grow flowers in their riverside cottage. They found a new life with their new mum and dad.As Allan grew older, his foster parents were never quite able to provide the family he and his brother needed, but the solace he found in tending a small London allotment echoed the childhood moments when he grew nasturtiums from seed.Over the course of a year, Allan digs deeper into his past, seeking to learn more about his absent parents. Examining the truths and untruths that he'd been told, he discovers the secrets to why the two boys were in care. What emerges is a vivid pTrade Review‘Plot 29 is a superbly written testament to the power of earth to nourish and heal. The writing is taut and honed to a sinewy strength, but rich with evocation and delight … I loved it’ Monty Don ‘The sort of book you never forget reading: devastating, haunting and utterly beautiful’ India Knight ‘An absolutely original book. Absolutely brilliant. The best family memoir I’ve read in years’ Bill Buford ‘A thoughtful and beautifully realised meditation on families and all the love, loss, pain, healing and regeneration they can bring in their wake. A remarkable achievement’ William Dalrymple ‘Allan Jenkins blooms. His garden bears fruit. Enter the seasons with him and grow. I love this book’ Lemn Sissay ‘Brave, exquisitely written and utterly compelling’ Nigel Slater ‘A compelling read … Jenkins’ story raises many questions, not least that of whether it’s possible to transcend one’s past. After his own agony, is redemption possible? Read this brilliant book, and weep’ The Herald

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Book SynopsisAllotment Gardening For Dummies is a lively, hands-on guide to getting the most out of your allotment. Whether you're interested in eating fresh, saving money, getting exercise or enjoying wholesome family fun, this is the guide for you.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part I: Getting to Grips with Allotment Gardening 7 Chapter 1: Discovering What Allotments Are All About 9 Chapter 2: Getting Hold of an Allotment 17 Part II: Preparing for Allotment Success 25 Chapter 3: Getting Started 27 Chapter 4: Deciding What to Grow and When 43 Chapter 5: Preparing Your Plot 57 Chapter 6: Keeping Your Soil Healthy 77 Chapter 7: Keeping Your Plants Healthy 97 Chapter 8: Growing Organic 125 Part III: Growing Your Favourite Vegetables 139 Chapter 9: Going Underground with Root Vegetables 141 Chapter 10: Exploring More Root Vegetables 161 Chapter 11: Bringing Home the Brassicas 175 Chapter 12: Growing Wholesome Herbs 195 Chapter 13: Cultivating Everyday Essentials 215 Chapter 14: Growing Leafy Greens 245 Chapter 15: Planting Beans, Peas and Other Odds and Pods 265 Chapter 16: Growing More Unusual Veg 285 Part IV: Extending Your Allotment Repertoire 307 Chapter 17: Growing Fruitful Fruit 309 Chapter 18: Nurturing Flowers on an Allotment 339 Part V: Getting the Most Out of Your Allotment 355 Chapter 19: Involving Children on the Allotment 357 Chapter 20: Hobnobbing with Allotment Society 371 Chapter 21: Entering the World of Giants 379 Part VI: The Part of Tens 395 Chapter 22: Ten Common Mistakes to Avoid 397 Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Revive a Flagging Allotment 405 Index 411

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Book SynopsisBerlin has survived two world wars, was divided by a wall during the Cold War, and after the fall of the wall was reunited. The city emerged as a center of European power and culture. From 1860 to the present day, this book is the most comprehensive photographic study of this extraordinary city, dense with spirit as much as with history. Some 560 pages gather aerial views, street scenes, portraits, and more to trace Berlin history from the Imperial Era as capital of Prussia through the Roaring Twenties to devastating images of war to heartwarming postwar photos of a city picking up the pieces—the Reichstag in ruins and later wrapped by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Among the photographs are works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Helmut Newton, René Burri, Robert Capa, Thomas Struth, and Wolfgang Tillmans in addition to well-known Berlin photo-chroniclers such as Friedrich Seidenstücker, Erich Salomon, Willy Römer, and Heinrich Zille (an index of photographers’ biographies is also included). The images are accompanied by quotes from Berliners and Berlin connoisseurs such as Vladimir Nabokov, Alfred Döblin, Herwarth Walden, Marlene Dietrich, Billy Wilder, John F. Kennedy, Willy Brandt, Helmut Newton, Sir Simon Rattle, and David Bowie. More than a tribute to the city and its civic, social, and photographic history, this book pays homage to Berlin’s inhabitants: full of hope and strength, in their faces is reflected Berlin’s undying soul.Trade Review“This volume of photographs takes the reader on a journey through 150 years of German history, with all its turbulences … garnished with brilliant essays and quotations and a superb layout that does not detract from the photographs.” * Der Spiegel *“An illustrated history of Berlin. The magnificence of the German capital and its turbulent story is told through images from many international photographers… If you are interested in the history of Berlin and world-class photography, this book will be a great addition to the book-shelf.” * Amateur Photographer *

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Book SynopsisThe book explains the philosophy of spending half an hour each day on the allotment in order to produce something to harvest and eat every day.Table of ContentsCONTENTS 1 The Half-Hour Principle 6 2 Taking on a plot 18 Seating and shelter 34 Setting up a shed 38 3 Deciding what to grow 44 4 Growing the best varieties 62 5 Keeping on top of your plot 90 A cut flower garden 106 6 The first year 112 7 Nurturing your plants 128 8 Managing pests and diseases 154 A wildlife garden 172 9 An allotment for children 174 10 What next? 184 Some mail order suppliers 202 Further reading 204 Acknowledgements 205 Index 206

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Book SynopsisSetting up your first raised bed garden? With help from YouTube gardening star CaliKim, you’ll soon be growing your own fresh, organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers like a pro. Whether your yard is big or small, raised beds are the perfect fit. They allow you to create a controlled growing environment, filled with fertile soil, where plants thrive. Raised beds help gardeners overcome rocky or less-than-ideal soils, there’s little to no weeding involved, and they can be as large or as petite as you’d like. You can even use an elevated or mobile raised bed if the only sunny space you have to grow is on a patio, deck, or driveway. In The First-Time Gardener: Raised Bed Gardening, you’ll learn how to select the best raised bed for your space, what to fill it with, and tips for staking and trellising plants to save space and improve yields. Additional advice found inside inTrade Review"It has everything you need to create your first raised bed garden and even has reference information perfect for experienced gardeners." -- Susan Bewley * Budget Earth *Table of ContentsIntroductionWelcome to Raised Bed GardeningWhat Are Raised Beds?1 Getting StartedThe Best Journey Starts with a Plan2 Building Your Raised BedsMaking the Dream into a Reality3 Filling Your Raised BedsIt’s All in the Soil4 Planting and G rowing in Your Raised BedsKeep It Simple, Expand LaterBeginner-Friendly Crops to Grow in Raised BedsStaking, Trellising, and Other Structures5 Layouts and Planting Plans for Your Raised BedsHere We Grow!ConclusionResourcesAbout the AuthorIndex

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Book SynopsisDiscover a new, more dynamic and durable way to grow food in the extremes of our changing climate in The Climate Change–Resilient Vegetable Garden.Whether it’s water-usage restrictions, extended heat waves, disastrous flooding, “super weeds,” or prolonged pest lifecycles, the coming years will be filled with daunting challenges for food growers around the world. What’s a gardener to do? Author Kim Stoddart outlines a clear path toward building resilience in your vegetable plants, your soil, and yourself. With actionable tasks that reduce resource use, stabilize the garden’s ecosystem, and offer regenerative solutions to the most challenging issues faced by gardeners, Kim comes to the rescue with advice to help you weather these storms with ease. Learn to:  Foster adaptation by selectively breeding your favorite veggie varieties for local growing conditions Nurture biologicTable of ContentsIntroduction - What climate challenges are we facing, and what’s to come? 1 How to Be a Resilient Grower Why building resilience in the gardener is as important as building resilience in the garden itself. Plus, project ideas to gain confidence. 2 Building Resilience from the Ground Up How to nurture biodiversity below ground, and why it matters. 3 Climate Change–Friendly Garden Design Ideas Tips to protect against the extremes, including the risk of wildfires. 4 Saving Resources How to reduce water use by capturing rainwater, layering plants, mulching properly, and irrigating in a more regenerative way. 5 Save Money While Saving the Planet by Recycling and Repurposing How to transform waste into wonderous gardening materials. 6 Breed and Propagate Locally Resilient Plants How to select the best, most resilient plant traits for your specific climate. 7 Climate Change SOS Quick solutions for extremes of weather, from floods and droughts to wildfires and insect plagues. 8 Natural Pest Control in a Changing Climate How to deal with introduced pests, encourage a diversity of “good bugs,” and create a balance so pests don’t become problematic in the first place. 9 Vegetable Garden Planting Guide A crop-by-crop look at how to build resilience into your favorite edible garden crops—plus meet some untraditional crops that already come with resilience built in. 10 Plant Protection Learn how to use structures and plant covers to protect your veggie plants from climate extremes. 11 Troubleshooting Guide Helpful solutions to some of climate change’s biggest vegetable gardening challenges, including timesaving tips. Conclusion How to connect with and enjoy your vegetable garden in a changing climate. Resources Acknowledgments About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisForget the farmer’s market. Grow your own delicious, organic apples, figs, peaches, plums, strawberries, blackberries, citrus fruits, and more with Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden. No green thumb required. Even beginners become successful fruit 'farmers' with the techniques and advice offered by author Christy Wilhelmi, the force behind the popular gardening website, Gardenerd. Selecting the best small-scale fruit trees, bushes, vines, and plants for your climate, siting them properly, and pruning your compact trees for health and productivity are some of the many topics covered in the pages of this bible of small-space fruit growing. You’ll also discover how to: Turn your urban, suburban, or rural garden into a fruit factory, no matter its size Maximize production from edible container fruit gardens Grow more food in less space Limit your family’s synthetic pesticide coTrade Review"...you’ll be almost overwhelmed with tips and techniques for creating what can only be described as a wonderland dreamscape, but with Wilhelmi’s immersive knowledge, could actually be rendered into reality. The book is a one-stop shop—vertical gardening, arbor making, espalier building, tree grafting, soil prep, compost building, drainage designing, container gardening, pruning strategies, drip irrigation building, disease resistance techniques, pest control, feeding and fertilization, and finally harvesting." -- Beth Py-Lieberman * Washington Gardener Magazine *"Many green thumbs for this book...it’s a great read. Highly recommended." -- Andrew Messinger * The Hampton Gardener/27East.com *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION Welcome to the world of small-space fruit gardening CHAPTER 1 What’s a Mini Fruit Garden? CHAPTER 2 Here’s to Your Success! CHAPTER 3 Choosing the Best Fruit Trees for Your Climate CHAPTER 4 Grafted Trees and Their Importance to Small-Scale Home Orchards CHAPTER 5 Let’s Get Planting! CHAPTER 6 Berries and Other Fruits CHAPTER 7 Caring for Your Home Fruit Garden CHAPTER 8 Pruning for Production, Size, and Structure CHAPTER 9 Managing Pests and Diseases Last Thoughts Appendix A Resources Acknowledgments About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisWith guidance from The Elegant and Edible Garden, you’ll learn how to create a one-of-a-kind food garden that’s just as beautiful as it is functional. Trade Review"Perhaps most importantly, Vater reminds us that the joy is in our gardening journeys and in the multifaceted beauty of the gardens we create and share with others." -- Andrea Siegel * Washington Gardener *"Are you looking for the perfect gardening book to inspire you to create the perfect kitchen garden? If so, we think you will loveThe Elegant & Edible Garden." -- Susan Bewley * Budget Earth *"...as The Elegant and Edible Garden illustrates, with a bow to necessity, it is possible to create the garden of our dreams..." * Connecticut Horticultural Society *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction PART I ASPIRATION Chapter 1 Beauty and Sensual Appeal Decide What You Want Chapter 2 Garden Style and Setting Make It Your Own PART II INSPIRATION Chapter 3 Garden Design Formulate a Plan Chapter 4 Garden Organization, Scale, and Access Make It Work Chapter 5 Flexibility and Adaptability Think Both Short and Long Term Chapter 6 Color and Composition Express Yourself Express Yourself PART III MOTIVATION Chapter 7 Garden Stewardship Garden Responsibly Chapter 8 Lifestyle and Wellness Grow Your Own Chapter 9 Community and Seasonal Celebration Harvest Joy and Live a Garden Life Products and Resources Acknowledgments About the Author Photography Credits Index

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Allotments are a much-loved part of every British city, town and many villages. At the height of their popularity around the Second World War, allotments were increasingly neglected towards the end of the twentieth century, but are now in the throes of a full-scale revival. Many allotments now have long waiting lists, and allotment keeping has become a fashionable hobby. This book explores the fascinating story of the allotment, from its roots in the Diggers of the seventeenth century to the influence of ‘food miles’ and GM. It includes insights into quirky rules and regulations, murder and looting, and even art and opera on the allotment. Drawing on archival and contemporary material, this richly illustrated book considers both the history and the future of the not-so-humble allotment. This book is part of the Britain’s Heritage series, which provides definitive introductions to the riches of Britain’s past, and is the perfect way to get acquainted with allotments in all their variety.

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Book Synopsis''Thoroughly entertaining. The characters are warm and well drawn. I thoroughly recommend this book if you are looking for a light-hearted read. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'' SUE ROBERTS''I loved spending time on Shetland with this story!'' CHRISTINA COURTENAYIf you love Lucy Diamond, Phillipa Ashley, Sue Moorcroft and Holly Martin, you''ll LOVE Erin Green''s novels of love, life and laughter!''Wow! Reading this book was like comfrey tea. The more it fermented the better it got'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐''What a lovely and uplifting read. I really really enjoyed it. Definitely one of my faves from 2021 so far!'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐''A perfect heartwarming read which has provided a great escape'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐''Loved this thoroughly feel good read & now I

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Book Synopsis'An experienced horticulturist's monthly guide to gardening, with wise, clear and helpful advice on tackling the essential tasks and dealing with problems.' Gardens IllustratedOne of the keys to happy gardening is knowing what to do and when for the best results. In this handy guide, experienced horticulturist Martyn Cox takes you through the gardening year, month by month, offering wise, clear and helpful advice on the essential tasks and how to avoid problems along the way.No matter the size of the plot, nor the expertise of the gardener, The Gardener's Yearbook is the perfect handbook to return to throughout the seasons, with tips including:- How to get your lawn into shape for the summer- When you should plant lilies, roses and sweet peas- How and when to harvest and store your fruit and vegetables- When to prepare containers for winter- How to fit a water butt and start a compost bin- An easy-to-follow crop plannerFeaturing specially commissioned linocuts by artist Heather Tempest-Elliott.

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Book SynopsisNo matter how small your space, green-fingered Sam Corfield (aka The Hairy Horticulturist) shows you how simple it is to grow your own edible garden.Covering over 50 roots, shoots, flowers, leaves and fruits, he’ll guide you through his foolproof three-step method of sow–grow–gather, while providing useful tips and tricks along the way. Showcasing delicious vegetables, fruits and herbs that anyone can easily grow at home, Sam will also introduce you to some more unusual and colourful veggies (like purple carrots, rainbow radishes and cucamelons!) to show just how exciting growing-your-own can be.Whether you have a small garden, balcony or windowsill, Sow Grow Gather will demystify the growing process, explain useful gardening equipment and reveal how to fit different containers and pots into every corner of your space. With beautiful photography and advice on which plants will suit your plot, as well as how to care for them, you’ll go from veg-patch beginner to edible-garden-expert in no time, and have fun during the process.

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Book SynopsisAn allotment can be a source of abundant fresh fruit and vegetables for the home, as well as an oasis of calm for all the family to enjoy, but taking one on and learning how to grow your own can be an intimidating prospect. Alan Titchmarsh makes allotment gardening easy by explaining how to get the most from your plot with easy-to-follow, practical information and advice on what to grow, when to harvest and how to store your produce.* How to assess your plot and work with what you've got * Advice on layout and crop rotation * Expert guidance on care and maintenance * Directory of vegetables, fruit and herbs * Seasonal calendar of what to do when

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Book SynopsisA celebration of some of Britain's most important and beloved buildings – its sheds. From the humble to the not so humble. ‘An eloquent exploration of the creative, reflective and innovative space of the shed via some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.’ – Gardens Illustrated magazine The National Trust looks after many of Britain's most important and beloved buildings – its sheds. They lurk in the shadow of grand country houses; they brave the elements on the tops of cliffs; they have inspired famous writers and housed everything from beehives to birdwatchers. These beautiful and sometimes eccentric structures are as individual as their owners. A Victorian coastal shed in Cornwall is where the Reverend Hawker went to write verse, and smoke opium. It's also the smallest building cared for by the National Trust. George Bernard Shaw’s shed could be rotated throughout the day to make the most of the sun, while sculptor Barbara Hepworth used hers for napping in. Rather than a place in which to create, many of these sheds are the creation. Alongside the literary writing dens and horticultural hideaways there are also floating sheds, coastguards’ sheds, artists’ studios, summer houses, beach huts, camping pods, bothies, teahouses, follies and much more. ‘This illustrated book will bring on a serious case of wanderlust.’ – The English Garden magazine Trade Review'A perfect gift for lovers of quirky architecture and interior design' * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisThe award-winning television and podcast host Joe Lamp’l is here with insider tips and next-level insight for creating a lush, fruitful, and resilient vegetable garden.*Winner of the GardenComm 2023 Laurel Media Awards Silver Award in the Book Publisher/Producer General Readership Category*Just when you think you have a secure grip on what it takes to grow a vegetable garden, a pro like Joe comes along to surprise you with a wheelbarrow full of new-to-you information to knock your gardening socks right off. In The Vegetable Gardening Book, Joe distills insight from years interviewing highly experienced growers for public television’s Growing a Greener World and The joe gardener® Show Podcastalong with his own extensive, hands-on knowledge of the craft to present practical and useful info on everything from starting seeds and selecting varieties to building the perfect tomato cage, encouraging pollinTrade Review“Joe is a life-long vegetable gardener. He has the unique perspective of learning from his personal experiences in his own gardens and hosting a gardening podcast and TV show where he has gleaned tips from other expert gardeners. The result is this comprehensive, organic gardening book filled with Joe's inspiration and practical advice.” -- Charlie Nardozzi, author of The Complete Guide to No-Dig Gardening“Despite the many vegetable gardening books already on the market, Joe Lamp'l's entry is by far the best of the lot. The conversational tone made it especially easy to read. The comprehensive coverage of the topic, having everything in one place, and the handy index will prove invaluable for experienced and novice gardeners alike. The vegetable grow guide is a treasure.” -- Lorraine Ballato, horticulturist, and author of Success with Hydrangeas"...one of my top five gardening books for beginners. It has everything a beginner gardener needs to know, from picking their spots to the things you wouldn’t even think about, such as picking the right mulch." * Budget Earth *“…this is the only book on growing vegetables you need to have in your library. There are not enough superlatives to describe its comprehensive, step-by-step, description of the process of creating a food garden.” * Los Angeles Daily News *"Even seasoned vegetable gardeners can learn from this comprehensive book." * California Bountiful *Table of ContentsPREFACE: The Joy and Importance of Growing Your Own Food INTRODUCTION Start Here It's All About the Soil Plant Basics Where to Grow Your Food Feeding Your Plants Seeds and Seedlings Getting the Timing Right Mulch Matters Getting the Watering Right Extending the Season Insects and Bugs: Friend or Foe? Diseases: Managing the Inevitable GROW GUIDES: The Fab 40 for Filling Your Vegetable Garden ABOUT THE AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS PHOTO CREDITS INDEX

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Book Synopsis This gift edition of critically acclaimed Indoor Kitchen Gardening teaches you how to grow microgreens, sprouts, herbs, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers and more inside your own home, where you won’t have to worry about season changes or weather conditions. Trade Review“This is a great book for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. Millard reiterates often the importance of good upfront work and paying attention to your indoor garden and reminds us the payoff will be worth it. Her book is like having her next to us, cheering us along the way.” * The American Gardener Magazine from The American Horticultural Horticultural Society *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION GROWING EDIBLES INDOORS Thinking Ahead Find Your Space Getting Started Common Problems Attitude MICROGREENS, SHOOTS, HERBS,WHEATGRASS, SPROUTS,AND MUSHROOMS Microgreens Plant Shoots Herbs Wheatgrass & Pet Grass Sprouts Mushrooms RADISHES, CARROTS, TOMATOES,AND OTHER CROPS Lettuces Radishes Carrots Kale & Chard Spinach Beets Hot Peppers Potatoes Tomatoes INDEX

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Book Synopsis Grow oodles of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers with no heavy lifting or digging required! Grow bag gardening utilizes lightweight, eco-friendly, fabric planter bags to grow great plants with minimal space and care. Get all the know-how you need to successfully grow a hearty homegrown harvest in Grow Bag Gardening. Grow bags are perfect for urban, container, rooftop, balcony, and patio gardeners—but those with lots of property will find them useful, too. Grow bags fold flat for easy storage and are 100% frost-proof, so there’s no lugging heavy pots indoors for the winter. They can be used for many seasons and their mobility means you can easily move these pots around to maximize sunlight. Fabric grow bags offer gardeners a great way to grow that's cost effective, simple, and beneficial to plants.   In the pages of Grow Bag Gardening you’ll learn: Why gardening in these speciTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: Why Grow Bags? CHAPTER 2:. Choosing the Right Grow Bags CHAPTER 3:. What to Grow in Grow Bags CHAPTER 4: Filling Your Grow Bags CHAPTER 5:. Grow Bag Garden Maintenance CHAPTER 6: Grow Bag Planting Ideas AFTERWORD RESOURCES ABOUT THE AUTHOR INDEX

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Book SynopsisHow to Become a Gardener guides readers on a life-changing path from food insecurity to the joys of making your own homegrown harvests.Trade Review"...is a beautiful encapsulation of Thomas's love and appreciation for gardening that has everything you need to grow your own food and become the gardener you want to be." * Washington Gardener Magazine *“…grow an abundance of crops, including a variety of leafy greens, roots and tubers, and a whole host of fruits… With a garden, [the author] says, you’re not just cultivating a space – you’re cultivating yourself.” * Better Homes & Gardens *Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Journey to Becoming a Gardener CHAPTER 1 A GARDEN DEFINED What Makes a Space a Garden? CHAPTER 2 CREATING YOUR FOOD SECURITY Gardens as a Resilient Intervention CHAPTER 3 GETTING DOWN AND DIR TY Starting Your Garden and Overcoming the Challenges CHAPTER 4 SOWING GOOD SEED S Evaluating Seed Options for Your Garden CHAPTER 5 EMPOWERMENT THROUGH GROWING Reclaiming Your Food Authority CHAPTER 6 FREEDOM THROUGH FOOD The Power of Homegrown Food for Holistic Wellness CHAPTER 7 LESSONS LEARNED Virtues Learned as a Gardener CHAPTER 8 THE GARDEN GROWS YOU Appreciating Your Gardening Evolution REFERENCES PHOTO CREDITS ABOUT THE AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INDEX

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Book SynopsisA beautifully repackaged edition of Sarah Raven's Garden Cookbook – a modern classic celebrating fresh ideas, inspiration and deliciously simple recipes for eating seasonally. Taking us through the year in six seasonal chunks of two months each, Sarah Raven highlights the best vegetables, fruit and herbs grown in the UK. For each one, there are hosts of simple yet inspiring recipes - over 450 in all - ranging from Warm broad bean salad to Green mayonnaise; Spinach and Gruyère tart to Mint and pea tip risotto; Sweet potato gratin to Celeriac soufflé; and Basil ice cream to Damson and almond pudding. Sarah Raven's Garden Cookbook offers a practical, colourful and delicious repertoire of ideas that put vegetables, herbs and fruit at the centre of every meal, all year round.Trade ReviewSarah's recipes are friendly, practical, inspiring and often ingeniously simple. This brilliant and timely book puts fresh, seasonal, local fruit and veg back where they belong: right at the heart of every good cook's kitchen * Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall *How could anyone not want to grow and cook their own food after reading this book? Sarah's enthusiasm, wisdom and encouragement shine through on every page * Nigel Slater *Sarah is a superb cook and a truly fine gardener. Every page of this wonderful book is rich with authenticity and experience and a celebration of the best that a garden can produce. it is an inspiration * Monty Don *This is a unique book for both gardeners and cooks, combining Sarah’s passion for growing herbs, salads and vegetables with a wide variety of delicious seasonal recipes * Rose Gray *

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Book SynopsisPippa Greenwood ran the Plant Pathology department at the RHS and has been a gardening presenter on TV and radio for more than 25 years, most notably on the BBC for Gardeners' World and Gardeners' Question Time. Andrew Halstead was Principal Entomologist (an insect specialist) for the RHS and is now a gardening author, journalist, and lecturer.Trade ReviewAn invaluable quick reference guide to pretty much any garden pest or disease you're likely to encounter and how to deal with it. * Waitrose Weekend *

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Book Synopsis An extensive and info-packed bible of home vegetable growing from the editors of the world’s most-visited gardening resource, Gardening Know How. With the experts from Gardening Know How at your side, cultivating loads of fresh, homegrown food has never been simpler. This indispensable handbook for vegetable gardeners includes not only the essential information you need to succeed, but also a wealth of expert tips and real-world advice to smooth the many inevitable bumps on the road to a productive edible garden. Gardening Know How – The Complete Guide to Vegetable Gardening is here to answer your every veggie-growing question, from asparagus planting to zucchini pest control—and everything in between. Detailed plant profiles offer specific cultivation information and unique growing tips for each vegetable crop, allowing you to pick and choose which crops to grow based on your climateTrade Review"...a fantastic reference and educational book on teaching anyone how to garden." -- Susan Bewley * Budget Earth *Table of ContentsForeword: Food for Thought Introduction: The Joy of Growing Your Own Food PART ONE - THE VEGETABLE GARDEN’S FOUNDATIONS CHAPTER ONE: EDIBLE GARDEN BASICS PART TWO - PLANT PROFILES CHAPTER TWO: FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CHAPTER THREE: THE HERB GARDEN PART THREE – APPENDICES Source Your Seeds A Glossary of Vegetable Gardening Terms Index Photo Credits Acknowledgments

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Book Synopsis“Straightforward instructions, matrices, photos, and illustrations make this one of my new favorite gardening books.”  —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor Growing your own fresh, organic food in containers is a great way to begin your gardening journey! This friendly guide includes everything you need to know to get started. What’s holding you back from growing your own food? Are you nervous about having enough space? Do you question whether or not you have the time to make it happen? Are the growing conditions you have a little questionable? Is your budget at a bare-bones minimum? Then container gardening is the answer to all of your concerns! With a minimal investment in time, money, and space, and The First-Time Gardener: Container Food Gardening at your side, start your very first garden in containers, instead of in the ground. You just may find you’re capable of growing fantastic yields in spitTrade Review"Basic-but-important questions (“What does ‘full sun’ mean?” “Is there a ‘right side up’ when you plant seeds?”) are answered; gardening terms are defined; and step-by-step, photo-illustrated instructions are provided in a fun, conversational tone that educates in a down-toEarth fashion." * New York Newsday *"This book is perfect for any newcomer to the world of gardening. Containers can be a game changer in the garden. Farley offers details on appropriate sizes of contaners, obtaining proper drainage for containers, and the pests and problems commonly found on container plants. Easy to comprehend, great for gardeners of all ages, and packed with information, this is a great book to have in a beginner gardener's library." * Washington Gardener *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Why Grow Your Own Food? 2 Decide What to Grow Planting Recipes 3 Choose Your Containers 4 Container Gardening Soil 5 Sun & Location 6 Watering 7 Fertilizing & Soil Amendments 8 Troubleshooting Conclusion Glossary About the Author Acknowledgments Photo Credits Index

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Book Synopsis In The Tiny But Mighty Farm, author Jill Ragan of YouTube’s Whispering Willow Farm teaches you how to turn a typical suburban backyard into a productive mini farm.Backyard mini farming is about regular people who live in regular houses turning all or part of their property into a productive, high-yielding mini farm. Unlike gardening, mini farming takes a very deliberate approach, with the main goal being to grow as much food as you can with as little land and as few resources as possible. Everything is done with planning and purpose, rather than as a hobby. Whether your property is one-tenth of an acre, one full acre, or somewhere in between, there are so many opportunities to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs in creative and high-yielding ways.If concerns about food security and the rising cost of food have you feeling uneasy, or if you just want to play a bigger role in feeding your family and your community, starting a backyardTrade Review“The Tiny but Mighty Farm is a wonderful roadmap for gardeners and farmers of all types. Whether you are a hobby farmer, homesteader, or aspiring market gardener, Jill’s book is sure to inspire you to dream big. It will also equip you with the essential information needed to achieve those dreams. Small scale, sustainable farms are the answer to our broken food system, and this book shows you just how impactful they can be!” * Kim Doughty-McCannon, Bell Urban Farm * "I wish I would have had this book as a reference when I started flower farming 22 years ago. The principles of planning and implementing your dreams found in The Tiny but Mighty Farm are applicable to anything you want to cultivate as a small farm enterprise. Jill's passion for educating others about sustainable growing really shows in a writing style that is easy to understand and truly heartfelt.” * Steve Kaufer, Sunflower Steve Seed Co. *"The Tiny but Mighty Farm is a must read for anyone wanting to garden and be more self-sufficient. It is packed full of helpful tips, garden knowledge, and ways to cultivate a life well lived. There are also so many beautiful images and helpful charts to inspire your gardening journey. This book will be used in my home for many years to come" * Annette Thurmon, host of the Azure Farm podcast *“The Tiny but Mighty Farm will inspire you to dig deep, reflect, and create a life you are proud of. This is not just a book about growing food. You will gain an immense amount of knowledge, whether you are a first-time gardener or a long-time grower. It is also a book that is going to show you how to connect with your land and your community. I read it from front to back and felt moved the entire time.” * Mandi Pickering, Wild Oak Farms *“The Tiny but Mighty Farm has a beautiful, empowering way of inspiring us to not only learn more about gardening but to also evaluate our own aspirations and values. Jill encourages us to dream bigger while also giving us all of the tools and details to actually achieve our goals through everything she has learned. I know that this book will also inspire others as it has me - as a wife, mom, daughter, and farmer. I’ll definitely be sharing this book!” * Lindsey Gilbert, owner of Willow Tree Flower Market *Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Tiny Farm Journey CHAPTER 1 Small-Farm Values CHAPTER 2 What Kind of Farmer and Gardener Do You Want To Be? CHAPTER 3 Grow With Purpose CHAPTER 4 Soil: The Health & Longevity of Your Farm CHAPTER 5 In-Ground, Raised Beds & Indoor Growing: Which is Right for You? CHAPTER 6 Growing From Seed CHAPTER 7 Tools & Efficient Systems to Grow On CHAPTER 8 How Structures, High Tunnels & Greenhouses Help CHAPTER 9 Growing for Community: Turning Your Tiny Farm into a Business Conclusion: Keep Dreamin’ Acknowledgments About the Author Notes Index

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Book SynopsisA guide on how to start your own community orchard - from getting support and tackling legal issues to organising working parties and selling produce. Since the 1950s we have lost 63 per cent of our orchards through development or neglect, and even though we have been able to grow 3,000 varieties of apple in England, almost 70 per cent of apples we buy are imported. Common Ground has worked to interest local communities in creating and saving orchards to provide fruit and nuts, havens for wildlife and places of beauty. The Community Orchards Handbook shows how to start your own Community Orchard, from getting support and tackling legal issues, to organising work, selling produce and enjoying the fruits of your work together. It gives suggestions on ‘apple mapping’ and saving local varieties, and practical advice on planting, harvesting and safeguarding your orchard. It also includes a comprehensive resources section and is full of examples of diverse Community Orchard projects across the UK.Trade ReviewAnyone thinking of establishing a community orchard would be foolish not to pay close attention to the points made, and will find helpful resources abound, both as website links within the text and in an appendix bursting with legal and policy documents, ideas for funding, sources of equipment, and contact details of national and local groups. * Smallholder *This new, revised edition has sections on how to get started with planning an orchard, gaining support, writing a consultation, talking leases and other legalities such as insurance, securing access, dealing with health and safety and organising work parties. * The Landsman *The new editiom reflects the increased interest in community food growing and will be invaluable help for communities and schools wanting to establish an orchard. * This Is Dorset *The idea of Community Orchards is so good, so obviously right, that I think it's fair to describe it as vital. It will bring so much benefit to so many, in such an upbeat and positive way. I can't wait to see it happen more and more widely. Congratulations to Common Ground for their inspirational leadership and whole hearted good sense. * Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall *Common Ground's Community Orchards Handbook is a rich and diverse eco-system in itself, at once practical and lyrical, with elegy and energy intertwined. It's a handbook to be revelled in as much as dipped into for the handy hints. * Jonathon Porritt *The Community Orchards Handbook sits within arm's reach of my desk, along with one or two other Common Ground publications. It is an indispensable and inspiring reference for anyone wanting to enrich the meaning of where they live and introduce biodiversity and delight into their locality. * Kevin McCloud, presenter of Grand Designs *This wonderful book is an invaluable source of information for anyone interested in community, locally-produced food, and preserving and planting orchards. It is a 'must' for anyone who cares about these things. * Rosie Sanders, artist and author of The Apple Book *This book is aimed at anyone who wants to establish a local community orchard. It is an infectious well-judged mix of the inspirational and the practical. If you are thinking of setting up a local community orchard, the first thing you should do is buy this book. * Richard Borrie, editor of www.orangepippin.com *Community Orchards Handbook is a delicious book. It argues that we need orchards around us not just because they reconnect us to culture, our sense of place and our history, and not just because they can boost our food security, but because they have a great potential for bringing us closer together, to form a focus point for community. A new social and cultural renaissance based on apples? Why not... * Rob Hopkins, Transition Towns Network *We used Common Ground's Community Orchards Handbook when we started The London Orchard Project, and it has proved invaluable ever since. It is a must-have for the aspiring orchard leader. * Carina Dunkerley & Rowena Ganguli, founders of The London Orchard Project *Common Ground has made thousands of people aware of the value of the local, the ordinary, the commonplace, and the everyday in their lives... It has renewed interest in the English apple and created a feast for it (Apple Day in October). For speaking to a part of our hearts that no one knew how to speak to before, Common Ground is the best green charity in these islands. * Michael McCarthy, The Indepedent *This book encourages and celebrates the community spirits, social health and wellbeing that can be generated by fruit trees and orchards. * Reforesting Scotland *Table of ContentsForeword 1. Orchards and Local Distinctiveness 2. What are Community Orchards? 3. The place of orchards in our landscape and culture 4. Some success stories: land and orchards saved as Community Orchards 5. Community Orchards – how to start 6. Finding out more 7. Planting a Community Orchard 8. Adopting an old orchard 9. Conserving and attracting wild life 10. What to do with the harvest 11. Celebration 12. Safeguarding your orchard 13. Orchard fruits and wild fruits Appendices 1) Choosing the right legal structure for your Community Orchard 2) Model Constitution, Draft Tenancy Agreement, Draft Donations Policy and Example Risk Assessment 3) Orchard groups and support organisations 4) National contacts

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Book SynopsisThis updated edition of Straw Bale Gardens Complete is the only book you need to get started with the revolutionary gardening method that has taken the world by storm. Written by Joel Karsten, the originator of Straw Bale Gardening, this exciting update contains detailed, start-to-finish instructions for growing vegetables in straw anywhere, plus many new ideas and projects, including how to set up a greenhouse for less than $100 that allows you to start seeds on top of heat-generating straw bale benches. Whatever your gardening challenge, Straw Bale Gardening holds the solution. Have a small or unusual space? Straw Bale Gardening is perfect for urban, rooftop, and balcony gardens. Contaminated soil? Planting in straw bales eliminates the problem. Are you inundated by weeds? With straw bales, there is no weeding. The advantages of growing a Straw Bale Garden go on and on:

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Book SynopsisThe First-Time Gardener: Growing Vegetables is an essential tool for newbie gardeners, handing them all the practical and inspirational know-how they need to grow a fruitful garden, even if it's their very first time sinking a seed into the soil. Trade Review"Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout in full color photography...the ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, school, and community library Gardening & Horticulture instructional reference collections." * Midwest Book Review *“… answers every question from where to put the garden to how to prepare soil to deciding which veggies to plant.” * CNN Underscored *"Sowards welcomes new gardeners to growing vegetables with a cheerful voice and a can-do attitude." -- Heather Prince * American Gardener *"Sowards is also a gifted writer. Her words bring the many acts and facts of gardening to life and illustrate her principles as vividly as her photographs." * Provincetown Independent *'a useful and inspiring guide for those at the beginning of the veg-growing journey.' * Countryfile Magazine *Table of Contents1 Welcome to the Classroom 2 The Foundation—What Every Garden Needs to Succeed 3 Creating Your Garden 4 Growing with the Seasons 5 The Need for Seed . . .or Not 6 Grow Something Lovely—Designing a Captivating Space 7 The Nitty-Gritty of Garden Management 8 Making the Harvest CONCLUSION Grow on, Gardener About the Author Acknowledgments Index

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