Allotments 4 All

Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: debster on May 25, 2007, 10:42:49

Title: books
Post by: debster on May 25, 2007, 10:42:49
can anyone recommend any good gardening books to read i have a couple and have picked up a few tips from each but would like to read some more
Title: Re: books
Post by: emmy1978 on May 25, 2007, 11:08:35
When i first started gardening OH bought me Alan Titch's books 'how to be a gardener' 1 & 2 and they are gorgeous but very basic - still useful though. I have Caroline Foleys Practical Allotment Gardening which is really good for when you first get your plot and the Allotment Handbook which is more in depth. I also have some older books from my grandparents - readers digest and 70's books which are great but full of Lime this, nitrogen that, bit complicated for me and all the advice for pests is - NUKE 'EM!
I also have and adore the RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of garden plants and RHS Plants for Places.
Title: Re: books
Post by: Si on May 25, 2007, 11:37:39
The Complete Book of Self Sufficiency by John Seymour is the best one I've ever read!
Title: Re: books
Post by: quizzical1 on May 25, 2007, 11:58:06
If you can still find a copy of it, "The Allotment Gardener's Handbook" by Alan Titchmarsh. (ISBN...0-7278-2026-5) Published by Severn House Publishers Ltd..

First written in around 1982 though, so may well be out of print by now. I was fortunate enough to be given a copy by my parents, who are now 78 and 81 and have given up allotmenteering, although they do come and "lend a hand" occasionally.
Title: Re: books
Post by: sarah on May 25, 2007, 12:35:02
can i recommend Joy Larkcom 'Grow your own vegetables'. 
Title: Re: books
Post by: Cuke on May 25, 2007, 14:10:13
This being my first year growing veg I've only got the one book, but its a cracker and I've refered to it endlessly although I imagine it may get less usefull the more experienced I become.

It's "Grow Your Own Veg" by Carol Klein (the book of the BBC TV series)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Your-Own-Veg-Rhs/dp/1845332938/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/026-3914883-6830825?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180098484&sr=8-1
Title: Re: books
Post by: redrichwen on May 25, 2007, 14:18:53
Quote from: Cuke on May 25, 2007, 14:10:13
This being my first year growing veg I've only got the one book, but its a cracker and I've refered to it endlessly although I imagine it may get less usefull the more experienced I become.

It's "Grow Your Own Veg" by Carol Klein (the book of the BBC TV series)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Your-Own-Veg-Rhs/dp/1845332938/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/026-3914883-6830825?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180098484&sr=8-1

This is also available from The Book People's website for £5. There was a post on here yesterday giving a code for free delivery, so i'll go and look for it and post back here if i find it.
Title: Re: books
Post by: redrichwen on May 25, 2007, 14:21:35
The voucher code for free delivery from The Book People is '157FREE' and expires 31/05/07.

This info was courtesy of LJ, thread is in the Bargains section on the general forum
Title: Re: books
Post by: manicscousers on May 25, 2007, 17:55:33
bob flowerdew's organic bible  :)
Title: Re: books
Post by: mellor on May 27, 2007, 13:03:34
The veg and herb expert by Dr H.

Is great just to keep a copy in the shed for spacing guides etc.
Title: Re: books
Post by: asbean on May 27, 2007, 17:40:35
Quote from: mellor on May 27, 2007, 13:03:34
The veg and herb expert by Dr H.

Is great just to keep a copy in the shed for spacing guides etc.

Hear Hear  :)  Ours is falling to pieces through use.  We used it all the time when we first started with the allotment (4 years ago) and still dip into it from time to time.
Title: Re: books
Post by: caroline7758 on May 27, 2007, 19:00:18
I'd also recommend Dr Hessayon. It's certainly not organic, but it's a really useful idiot's guide.
Title: Re: books
Post by: flowerlady on May 28, 2007, 17:20:38
Quote from: sarah on May 25, 2007, 12:35:02
can i recommend Joy Larkcom 'Grow your own vegetables'. 


Absolutely  :D... if you can only afford one book ... make it this  ;D