Allotments 4 All

Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: MaryM on August 19, 2005, 12:39:34

Title: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: MaryM on August 19, 2005, 12:39:34
It would be great to get some book recommendations on allotments and growing veg as I commute every day so have lots of time to read
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: mellor on August 19, 2005, 12:42:46
hi

i've just started an allotment and have got myself the Vegetable and herb expert which is very good and the allotment handbook.

i was lucky enough to inherit a copy of grow your own which was a 52 part magazine that did a different topic each week. Not sure when it was produced but its bob on!
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: Mrs Ava on August 19, 2005, 12:47:02
I subscribe to kitchen garden magazine - easy to read, good articles, occassional free seeds and special offers.  The books I have piled up next to me as I type are, The Vegetable Garden displayed - Joy Larkcom, The Fruit Garden displayed - The RHS, Bob Flowerdew's Complete Book of Companion Gardening,  The RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening, Carrots love Tomatoes - Louise Riotte.

p.s.  Just realised I also have the complete works of Shakespear on the go also, but I don't suppose that would be much use on the allotment....
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: bupster on August 19, 2005, 12:55:30
Grow your own vegetables, by Joy Larkcom. Like a pocket paperback bible.  :D
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: RosieM on August 19, 2005, 12:55:57
I use

'The Reader's Digest Gardening Year',
Gardening Which 'Gardening without Chemicals'

I should have more really, I have disproportionate number of flower books.

To be honest I use the net a lot as things change so quickly and opinions/fashions differ from year to year.

Rosie
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: aquilegia on August 19, 2005, 12:59:11
HDRA's encyclopedia of organic gardening - loads on the basics and growing veggies. It's my bible. (maybe a bit big for commuting, though!)
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: MaryM on August 19, 2005, 13:24:04
Thanks All for your recommendations.  For my own part, I have just been given Go Organic by Bob Flowerdew and I like it
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: daisymay on August 19, 2005, 13:54:04
Quote from: bupster on August 19, 2005, 12:55:30
Grow your own vegetables, by Joy Larkcom. Like a pocket paperback bible.  :D

would second that, we are new this year and this has sorted us out a treat!
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: Roy Bham UK on August 19, 2005, 21:30:27
Organic Gardening by Christine & Michael Lavelle Was £4.99 at WH Smith, well presented glossy hard back. ;)
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: jennym on August 19, 2005, 23:59:26
'Vegetables all year round'by H.Witham Fogg (probably out of print, my copy was bought second hand)
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: terrace max on August 20, 2005, 18:51:59
Quote from: MaryM on August 19, 2005, 13:24:04
Thanks All for your recommendations.  For my own part, I have just been given Go Organic by Bob Flowerdew and I like it

I like Bob's books too. Just got 'The Gourmet Gardener' out of the library. It's very quirky but there's gems of information in there which you don't find anywhere else...
Title: Re: Books you would recommend to new starters
Post by: supersprout on August 20, 2005, 21:47:26
My favourites are 'The Allotment Handbook' (not sure of author, but on Amazon) and 'Beds' (and anything written by) Joy Larkcomb. Happy reading! ;D