The Allotment Book

Product Information

This book deals with growing food on an allotment, how to find an allotment, how much does it cost to rent and how to plan what you want to grow etc. Numbers of plots and active tenancies reached a peak that has rarely been equalled since, even during the brief and idealized back-to-the-land fashion of the 1960s. This book has managed to cover off all the main topics from preparing land; siting of items such as greenhouses / cold frames; construction of raised beds / cold frames; through to composting and growing.

Andy Clevely captures the essence of the allotment, showing how it is a relaxing a socialble way to garden. Wherever you look, allotments continue to grow in social and economic importance as well as lively diversity. They turned a fundamental urgent need to fill empty bellies into political principles of social rights and economic equality that gathered support as discontent grew. A stunningly presented and passionately written narrative which will both enthuse and inspire beginners and provide a fresh perspective for seasoned growers. With the increase in popularity of grow your own, there's a need for straightforward practical advice.

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. With this book I defy anyone not to enjoy the wonderful world of the allotment, from the soil to the table. This title gives you the inside story of having an allotment, and of cultivating your garden away from home - full of the wise and often witty words of Ruth Binney - and more than 40 other allotment gardeners she has interviewed for the book. The following books are ones I have used and recommend because I think they give a good overall knowledge. This new edition has updated recommendations for the best varieties to grow and all the latest expert gardening advice.

An excellent book for all allotment holders, which offers practical advice on all aspects of allotment gardening.With a new introduction by Olivia Laing, this is a story that is just as relevant today, and is essential for those interested in social history, land ownership and gardening in twenty-first century Britain. 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. 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. While it does not give amounts and is not based on a short allotment work week, it does give some very good advice on different plants that you will need, what their needs are and how to care for them. All land has a hidden history and, unless the site is very new, you will be treading in the footsteps of previous tenants, possibly going back for generations.

Easy Jams, Chutneys and Preserves was a collaboration with his wife, Val, and it has become a bestseller because of it's straightforward, honest style. These days, urban allotments are just as likely to sport barbecue sites, wildlife sanctuaries, heritage seed collections, forest gardens, sculpture, beehives and ponds as once-derided rows of yellowing Brussels sprouts.Other hands turned the same soil before you, sowing seeds, tending rows of plants and harvesting produce from the piece of earth that is now yours. Brazilian street children grow radishes for sale, St Petersburg prisoners raise black trifele tomatoes in their prison rooftop allotment, and German Kleingartens help refugee women to settle in their new home as they grow their traditional crops. This was most prevalent at harvest time when she made jellies, jams and chutneys, which we used throughout the winter months and which she also gave as Christmas presents to friends and family. Potatoes – A Guide to Growing, Harvesting, and Storing Potatoes is the first in a series of more in depth guides on growing your own, storing the harvest, and cooking up the fruits of your labour.

The word ‘allotment’ means portion, in this context a rented allocation of ground, together with conditions of tenure and use that will vary depending on the owner or the culture. If you love spending time on your allotment or ‘Grow Your Own’, we’re sure you’ll love this inspirational allotment guide… full of allotment tips, allotment advice and a fantastic reference point if you’re new to allotments, starting a new allotment or just looking for allotment ideas… Its been four years in the development, two years in the writing, 172 pages. Ideas and attitudes might change – modern tenants may be quite different from their predecessors of two or three generations back, and allotments continue to evolve socially, from ‘plots for the poor’ to ‘gardens for a greener world’.I also remember the delight of helping to pick the strawberries, which included eating as many as I put in the punnet. Our contributors are encouraged to go forth and find distinctive visions that startle us, rural or urban, modern or prehistoric, industrial, post-industrial, fantastical, natural, political, however they come.