The Allotment Book

An accessible guide for horticulture enthusiasts on how to make the most of their land. Published to help civilians grow vegetables during the First World War, The Allotment Book is a practical guide to making the most of any yard or land you have. Though written more than one hundred years ago, it contains easy-to-follow, reassuring advice that is still pertinent today from an expert who believes we can all grow crops successfully. The chapters cover digging techniques, making compost, clearing neglected ground, fertilizers, recommended varieties, a handy month-by-month guide to maintaining the allotment throughout the year, and hints for novice growers. The philosophy of growing could not be more apt for our times: "There is comfort in the fact that all of us, farmers, allotment-holders, and cottagers are inclined to get all we can from our land during our tenancy, without putting any more into it than we can help." Charmingly simple line drawings and diagrams accompany this timeless text, an ideal gift for allotment growers everywhere.