Grow It!: Everything You Need for a Successful Allotment

Is it ever possible to stop slugs in their tracks and deter pigeons?

By Ruth Binney
Rydon Publishing
(1 June 2025)

Allotment gardening has never been more popular, and there is no more satisfying way to grow your own fresh produce. But getting an allotment into shape and raising healthy plants is a constant challenge. With this common-sense, practical guide you’ll discover all the best ways to plan and tend your plot year by year, choose the newest and best disease resistant varieties, and find a wealth of ideas for enjoying your abundant harvest in the kitchen. Attractively illustrated as well as practical, it is also a perfect gift for any allotment gardener. With sound advice based on experience, and dozens of invaluable hints and tips, you’ll find the answers here to the perennial questions that are key to allotment success, including: . What’s be best way of making compost ? and how can worms help? . Why are raised beds so good for growing carrots?

How and why is it essential to rotate your crops every year? . Which vegetables are best planted in blocks, not rows? . Is it ever possible to stop slugs in their tracks and deter pigeons? . How can you avoid gluts of courgettes? And what are the best and different ways to enjoy them? . Which fruit and vegetables are most successful for making jams and chutneys? With dozens of ‘Allotment Choices’ for recommended varieties, from old heritage favourites to the exciting newest arrivals like black tomatoes and purple kale, there are so many wonderful plants to grow, whether you’re new to an allotment or already working the soil. From fork to table, Grow It! is the book you need to inspire and guide your gardening adventure.

AUTHOR: Ruth Binney has been studying the natural world for most of her life. She holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and has been involved in countless publications during her career as an editor. She is the author of many successful natural history and gardening books including Weeds on Trial 9781910821275, Flower Garden Secrets 9781910821428, The English Countryside 9781910821459 and Coasts 9781910821398. She lives in Cardiff.

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