A useful reference book

This is a very useful reference book and whilst some of the advice might not be practical for some of us, it is nevertheless very interesting.

My copy is very well thumbed!

Even if you do not anticipate a glut of a particular vegetable at the moment, you never know what the next season's weather will bring. Maybe this WILL be a good year for beetroot!

A great book!

I was given this book as a gift and thoroughly enjoyed it. I concur with other reviewers so won't waffle on about how good it is. Why only 4 stars? There's nothing on the importance of companion planting when using organic methods and without this, my veg patch wouldn't survive. This info can be researched elsewhere, so other than that, I would recommend this book, especially for a beginner. I'm just about to buy another copy for my best friend who is just that!

It's okay...

If, like me, you need an allotment book which assumes you know v little, but have already made the decision to work an allotment, don't necessarily put this book at the top of your list. i didn't need a chapter telling me why people have allotments. i didn't need recipes. i didn't need to know that someone has been labeled"the queen of herbs" by jamie oliver. i didn't need a page on bees. i need a book that allows me to look up raspberries, rhubarb, potatoes, courgettes, or whatever, and be directed to a page with everything i needed to know about those fruits/vegetables, plus a section that outlines everything i need to plan for each season. the latter section is here, and it is *almost* acceptable, but it assumes too much prior knowledge. if, like me, you didn't pick up a lifetime's worth of gardening tips from your ancient relatives, e.g. you don't know exactly how to"force" a vegetable, how to prune, etc., then this book isn't the one you need. fair play to the guy - it probably does have a large audience and it's good value for money - but it isn't being marketed at its real audience.

from novice to experienced -worth it

Bought this book 2 plus yrs ago. Brilliant. I admit was initially sad by lack of colour pictures!! but as time has gone on and have now managed to dig most of my veg. plot (rather than stare at it in hope) and made time to plan, this book has been invaluable. There's loads of info. on the web (some a little confusing and a little conflicting) but Ms Larkcom's info. is steadfast and logical and is my first and sometimes, only, port of call. It's a valuable reference for both new and experienced allotment keepers. I've given away my glossy, pretty, fairly useless allotment books and kept to hand this superbly informative and helpful reference. Cheers Ms Larkcom, it was worth every penny.

Growing into an expert

Just moved from London with a shady patio to a country acre, with greenhouse and allotment sized veg patch - and not had to buy a vegetable since March. I was worried gardening was one of those things you couldn't do by book-learning, but of the four tomes I picked up, this is the only one I would use. Brilliant, and inspiring confidence straight away - I'm buying the rest of the series!

Best book bought for a long time....

The moment i received this book i could barely put it down for days, beautiful pictures and easy to follow, all the projects are items you would want to make! Have already tried two projects from the book and have not been disappointed with the result.

How to Grow

A delightful read. A"must" for ANY gardener. I felt so sad when I turned the page for the last week of January and found the year's week-by-week guide had finished. I wanted to just start all over again!

Can we have an extended edition please?

I have just borrowed this from the library. I found it an interesting and easy-to-read book and the short 'chapters' on each garden are great for busy gardeners on a tea break, as it stops you reading too much at once! However, I found the lack of photos disappointing, especially as Don would sometimes explain at length how a particular planting scheme or garden area was so effective...but the only photo would be of something else! And like many other 'celebrity' books, an irritatingly large number of views were obscured by Monty in the foreground! I haven't seen the accompanying tv series, so it might perhaps be a more satisfying read if you have seen the gardens on screen. It's well worth reading, and I might possibly buy it in the future, but what I would really like to see is an expanded version with lots more photos...yes, it would be more expensive, but well worth the price. The current edition leaves me feeling a little short-changed (and what a hideous cover!)

Fruit Expert review

I have used The Fruit Expert for many years in managing my garden fruit.
It is simple, clear easy to use and has very useful information on how to grow, prune and pests or diseases.
Sadly measurements are only given in imperial. UK schooling has been teaching only metric units for some time now and there is nothing more discouraging than giving a potential garden enthusiast a book they cannot understand.
I only hope that the author realises this and updates the book so that I can buy it again.

The Tree and Shrub Expert

Another book that I wouldnt know what to do with out it, I have looked to buy many trees in the past that have a great write up but after reading this book it will say; Not for the small garden or shelter fronn winds etc.
A lot of information but also very easy ti understand.
I keep this book very close to hand and have taken it with me to many peoples gardesn to help identify trees.
A must for me when it comes to tree's location and pruning if any.
I had a tree with an unusal bark feature but I soon found the cause.
A must have book for anyone with 1 or more tree's in the garden.

HOW INCREDIBLY FUNNY!!!

when i got this book i just opened it at a random page and now i just drop in at any time.

every killing method is rereadable, some methods sick but some hilariously funny....

Great for ANY gardener

A pleasure to open this book

Easy to follow charts and instructions, but please note that this book is identical to 100 Afghan Squares to Knit by Debbie Abrahams but with a different publisher (Trafalgar Square). Blankets and Throws to Knit is cheaper!

Good improvements in this 4th edition of a popular text

This new edition of a core text for students of horticulture is welcomed. The addition of colour plates is helpful and the layout has generally improved. I think the book does a difficult job well as the subject is huge and it must be very difficult to decide what to leave out and how much depth to go to. I'm hoping it will help me with the RHS Advanced Cerificate exam.

Anyone can cram enough time into their week to grow vegetables!

So many people take an allotment plot on with great intentions - then realise the commitment and aren't able to keep it up. This book provides all the information that could be needed to manage your plot in minimum time. This means it's not necessarily for everyone - those who are able to spend long days on their plot may not feel that it's applicable to them. But I'd suggest that the book still contains plenty of hints, tips and advice on how to get the best from your plot.