Copyright

First published in Great Britain in 2008 by W. Foulsham & Co. Ltd

Cover photograph © James Murphy

A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library

The moral right of the authors has been asserted

Epub ISBN 9780572040369

Kindle ISBN 9780572040352

Print ISBN 9780572034948

The Copyright Act prohibits (subject to certain very limited exceptions) the making of copies of any copyright work or of a substantial part of such a work, including the making of copies by photocopying or similar process. Written permission to make a copy or copies must therefore normally be obtained from the publisher in advance. It is advisable also to consult the publisher if in any doubt as to the legality of any copyright which is to be undertaken.

W. Foulsham & Co. Ltd

Capital Point, 33 Bath Road

Slough, Berkshire

SL1 3UF, England

www.foulsham.com

Introduction

The easy-to-follow A-to-Z format of this practical guide takes you through the crops commonly grown in the UK and explains the essential tasks you will need for success both in the garden and in the kitchen.

Everyone loves to eat healthy food, and more and more people are discovering the benefits of growing their own fresh produce. No wonder – home-grown produce has so many advantages over shop-bought food: it tastes better, is guaranteed free from harmful pesticides and, since it hasn’t travelled half way around the world to reach your plate, is environmentally friendly, too. It’s also fun, great exercise and can bring the family together.

Gone are the days when owning an allotment was seen as the preserve of men. More women than ever before are taking up their trowels – indeed it is common to see whole families enjoying life on the allotment with many sites having long waiting lists for vacant plots.

Some would-be growers are put off by believing that growing your own takes lots of knowledge or a great deal of space. This is a shame since it is so easy and satisfying to do and can be done on the smallest plot.

A complete guide to growing and cooking your own fruit and veg, this superb practical guide shows just how easy it can be by providing you with all the information you need – whether you are a beginner or experienced grower. The A-to-Z format is easy to follow and looks at the most popular crops, explaining all the essential tasks you will need for a bumper harvest, whether you have an allotment, a vegetable plot in the garden, or simply a few tubs or a growbag on the patio or a balcony.

This guide takes the muck and mystery out of growing vegetables, fruit and herbs by showing exactly when and how to sow, how to tend, and how to harvest, prepare and store the most popular varieties. It will give beginners the confidence they need to grow their own five-a¬day for their families. And, of course, there is a mouthwatering, easy-to-follow recipe or meal idea for every fruit and vegetable to inspire you, no matter how basic your cooking skills.