Written by expert allotment holders for those who want to get more from their plot, this is the must-have book for all would-be and existing allotmenteers and those who grow their own. Four RHS expert authors share their wisdom and experience on growing fruit, veg and flowers on allotments, and getting the most from allotment life. From getting an allotment to bringing home the carrots!

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Go for an allotment The importance of food provenance; its beneficial health effects; getting inspiration on site; best varieties to grow and eat; money-saving benefits; tools you will need. CH1 Where to start Applying for a new plot, new neighbours, viewing potential sites, clearing the ground, soil testing, planning what crops to grow. Establishing your ethos: no dig, double dig, raised beds, organic, using chemicals, biodynamic, the one-hour allotment, the one-day allotment. Planning your allotment: designing something different, typical constraints, paths and boundaries, companion planting and catch-cropping, furniture, sheds, water supply, crop rotation, compost. Ch2 Planning your crops: cultivating advice, soil requirements, sowing/planting, watering, feeding, spacing, general health and a list of top RHS Recommended varieties. Roots & tubers: Potatoes, Carrots, Beetroots, Radishes, Parsnips, Swedes, Turnips, Jerusalem artichokes. Vegetable fruits: tomatoes, courgettes, marrows, pumpkins, squashes, sweetcorn, peppers, aubergines. The onion family: onions, garlic, shallots, leeks. The pumpkin family: squashes and melons: Stem and perennial vegetables: asparagus, celery, rhubarb, Legumes: peas, broad beans, runner beans, French beans. Brassicas: cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels, kale. Salads and leaves: lettuce, spinach, chicory, rocket, cucumber. Herbs: basil, bay, borage, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, marjoram, mint, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme. Tree fruit: apples, pears, plums, cherries, figs, peaches, Soft fruit: currants, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, Vine fruit: grapes, melons, kiwi. Edible and ornamental flowers. Crop planner: Sowing, harvesting times for every crop included. Problem solver: Weeds: identifying and solving; Pests: identifying and solving; Diseases: identifying and solving Reference section: Seed suppliers. Allotment organisations. Useful contacts. Index Acknowledgements