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. Discover how to grow fresh, seasonal produce in your allotment or garden all year round with the bestselling guide from Alan Buckingham. If you're lucky enough to be allocated a plot (or half-plot) at your local allotment, this guide will quickly get you up to speed with getting the most from your plot.

Their protest gradually provoked a response, at first local and individual – a few far-sighted landlords supplied their labourers with plots for cultivation – and then more generally as crucial legislation was passed. Whether you are a budding newbie or a seasoned gardener, there's a wonderful range of books on allotment gardening to help you create the perfect plot. You could then move on to Organic Gardening: The Natural No-dig Way which gives more details on sowing, planting.You'll also find easy projects such as making a simple compost bin and planting a fruit tree and tips to attract wildlife along with simple, delicious ways to enjoy your produce. TIME It is possible to manage a plot well with a single weekly visit, although you will probably want to visit more often, especially when regular watering and harvesting are necessary. No longer considered the preserve of old men in sheds, allotment gardening is currently enjoying a renaissance of interest. Andy Clevely captures the essence of the allotment, showing how it is a relaxing a socialble way to garden. The Essential Allotment Guide is the next best thing to having a weather-beaten old gardener as a next-door neighbour.

Tells us like it is please; this will improve our understanding of what we do wrong and what we get right.However, with colourful photos and an easy-to-read layout, it’s a book that certainly makes managing a vegetable garden less daunting. Changing fortunes For many people, however, desperate hunger or economic need was the chief, often sole reason for growing their own, a drive that was reinforced early last century by the equally imperative national demands of world war and inter-war depression.

Cultivating some soils can be strenuous work, and you might prefer to get someone to rotavate the plot for you. My aim is to help you achieve this vision of utopia and this book series may just be the key to help you unlock the gate, take one giant step onto your new plot and have the confidence and tools to help you understand what working the land actually entails. In this beautiful book, Andi Clevely captures the essence of the allotment, showing how it is a relaxing and sociable way to garden, and a great opportunity to meet fellow gardeners, young and old. He also demystifies gardening terminology and gives good basic down-to-earth information on dealing with pests and diseases, making this book relevant for both the novice and the connoisseur. The Essential Allotment Guide is aimed at those with an allotment, looking for an allotment or growing on a larger plot.You are free to grow your food by your own chosen methods, indulging whim, tradition and individuality to your own satisfaction, and to harvest it close to home in peak condition. John served on the National Executive of the National Vegetable Society, a charity promoting the cultivation and showing of vegetables until recently and is a fellow of the society. Ideal for first-time vegetable growers, urban gardeners, and seasoned allotment owners alike, Allotment Month by Month has everything you need to know to make the most of your plot. Schools use sites for wildlife projects, environmental groups turn them into tree nurseries for urban regeneration and disabled gardeners have found new challenges and satisfactions on allotment sites.