The Allotment Book

A wonderfully illustrated celebration of the blood, sweat and joy to be had ‘growing your own’ in an allotment – with the in-depth, practical gardening know-how for which Collins is renowned.

No longer considered the preserve of old men in sheds, allotment gardening is currently enjoying a renaissance of interest. People of all ages and from all walks of life are digging their own plots in search of the ultimate in fresh, organic produce – and you cannot get more locally-sourced than your own allotment!

This book testifies to the 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 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-holdersplanning your perfect allotment – finding it, assessing it, clearing the ground and working out what to growthe brown stuff – all you need to know about soil management, the key to growing successchoosing a gardening method – organic, biodynamic, rotation beds, companion planting, greenhouse, multi-level, potager, cottage garden, and so on…the hard stuff – constructing sheds, compost bins, cold frames, fruit cages, ponds, seating and play areasselecting crops – what and how to grow, from parsnips and peas to chilli peppers and lemon grasscultivation techniques – digging, sowing, feeding, weeding and harvesting, plus troubleshooting pests and diseasesthe allotment calendar – extensive, month-by-month look at what’s in season, jobs for now and looking ahead
Reviews

'It is full of colourful and relevant illustrations…The content is packed with excellent down-to-earth advice. Andy Clevely captures the essence of the allotment, showing how it is a relaxing a socialble way to garden. The Allotment Book is a must for the bookshelf.' – The Garden magazine

'This is an excellent book.' – The Telegraph

'It's the ultimate guide to a bumper harvest.' – Sunday Magazine

'Clear and concise, it will take pride of place in your garden shed.' – Daily Mail

‘This book testifies the new vibrancy of allotment culture, and provides all the knowledge needed to turn a patch of soil into a lifelong adventure.’ – The Northern Echo

‘This is a book you’ll want to return to again and again.’ – Garden Answers

‘This book is excellent, rising above the usual dutiful trek through chores and cultivars and capturing the life-expanding possibilities of a new plot.’ – Optima Magazine

About the author

Andi Clevely has been a working gardener for 34 years. He rebelled from academic life at Oxford (Hons degree in English) to start a gardening career, progressing to the Crown Estate at Windsor Great Park and thereafter employed as a head gardener in private service (initially for J B Priestley and Jacquetta Hawkes, who encouraged early potting-shed writing projects). Now responsible for managing a country estate and sprawling garden, which is gradually being restored as a cottage and forest garden, based on self-sufficiency, eco-friendly and pro-wildlife practices.

He has written numerous books and is a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines. Andi was awarded Practical Journalist of the Year 2003 by the Garden Writers' Guild.