How to grow perennial vegetables: low-impact, low-maintenance vegetable gardening - Martin Crawford Perennial vegetables are a joy to grow and require a lot less time and effort than annuals. In this book Martin Crawford gives comprehensive advice on all types of perennial vegetable (edible plants that live longer than three years), from ground-cover plants and coppiced trees to plants for bog gardens and edible woodland plants.
There are many advantages to growing perennial vegetables, for example:
* they need less tillage than conventional vegetables and so help retain carbon in the soil * the soil structure is not disturbed in their cultivation * they extend the harvesting season, especially in early spring * and, of course, they are much less work.
Part One looks at why and how to grow these crops, and how to look after them for maximum health.
Part Two features over 100 perennial edibles in detail, both common and unusual - from rhubarb to skirret; Jerusalem artichoke to nodding onions. This book offers inspiration and information for all gardeners, whether experienced or beginner, and also includes plenty of cooking tips. It includes beautiful colour photographs and illustrations throughout. 224pp Buy this book
Practical allotments - Paul Wagland Having an allotment, or at least growing some of your own fruit and vegetables, is currently very popular. This book features the non-growing side of allotment gardening; the more practical and functional elements of a typical plot. Clearly defined by season the projects are further broken down into twelve monthly chapters with appropriate projects and techniques in each. All projects are illustrated by step-by-step photography and artwork. Projects range from very basic and intermediate to more complex tasks, such as building a shed. 176pp Buy this book
Organic gardening the natural, no-dig way - Charles Dowding In Organic Gardening Charles Dowding shares the philosophy, tips and techniques that have enabled him to run a successful organic garden supplying local restaurants and shops for over 25 years. Forget the 'received wisdom' about gardening. Observe what is going on in the soil and with your plants, in your own garden and climate. Respect and encourage life as much as you can, chiefly by spreading good compost or manure. There is no need to dig in compost and manure - just spread it on top and let worms take it in. Digging can harm soil structure, and is not helpful to plants. Based on his experience of using a system of permanent raised beds, Charles takes you through a delicious variety of fruit and vegetables: explaining what to choose, when to plant and harvest, and how best to avoid pests and diseases. With simple recipes for your fresh-picked produce, this second edition features new photographs and more tips and advice. 272pp Buy this book
