Description
Book SynopsisThe UK's leading no-dig gardening expert, Charles Dowding, draws on his years of experience to show how easy it is to start a new vegetable garden.Any plot - whether a building site, overgrown with weeds or unwanted lawn - can be turned into a beautiful and productive vegetable area. Charles''s no-nonsense and straightforward advice is the perfect starting point for the beginner or experienced gardener.The book takes you step-by-step through everything - from planning, clearing the ground and the early stages of starting a vegetable garden, to growing in polytunnels and greenhouses. There is also helpful guidance on how to use mulch, ways to minimise digging, and planting/sowing tips across the seasons.Filled with labour-saving ideas and the techniques that Charles uses to garden so successfully,
How to Create a Vegetable Garden is illustrated throughout with photos and tales from Charles''s first year in his new vegetable garden.
Trade ReviewAnother inspiring yet practical book from Charles Dowding. -- Rozie Apps * Permaculture Magazine *
It is impossible not to feel inspired by the unique combination of helpful guidance and enthusiastic encouragement of experimentation. As Charles proves, there is no plot of land too wild to tame, a building site too overgrown with weeds or an unwanted lawn that can't be turned into a productive and beautiful garden area. -- Chris Allen * Gardening TImes *
This is yet another book that will, as a manual, be on my bookshelf, but it will sure spend more in my hand than on the shelf. -- Michael Smith * Green (Living) Review *
How to Create a New Vegetable Garden is the best vegetable gardening book I have read for a long time. -- ThePottingShed.co.uk
If this doesn't encourage more of us to turn our gardens into productive and beautiful spaces, I don't know what will. -- Anne Swithinbank, broadcaster and gardening writer
Whether you're a dedicated gardener or a newcomer to the word of growing, take a look: Charles's methods work beautifully. -- Mark Diacono, gardener, food writer and broadcaster
How to clear weeds and grow great plants: Charles explains from a wealth of experience. -- Sarah Raven, journalist and garden writer
Table of ContentsForeword by Steve Mercer Introduction Part One: Clearing ground and preparing soil 1. Starting points 2. Beauty in the food garden 3. The setting 4. Clearing ground 5. Mulching 6. Building beds 7. Dig versus no-dig (with compost) 8. Dig versus no-dig (without compost) Part Two: Sowing and growing 9. Raising plants under cover 10. Early sowing and plantings 11. Successional sowings and plantings 12. One bed, one year 13. Growing under cover 14. Hot beds 15. Perennial vegetables Appendix: Seasons and climate zones Glossary Resources Index
