Potatoes are very easy to grow, and the taste of newly harvested potatoes is incomparable. This book describes and illlustrates the best-loved varieties, from the internationally popular Desiree and King Edward to the specialist Pink Fir Apple and Forty Fold. There are stepby-step instructions for sowing potatoes in rows and containers, chitting and planting, protecting and earthing up, and how to harvest and store potatoes. There are also suggestions for when and where to plant potatoes, and how to keep plants in tip-top condition by dealing with any pests and diseases. With over 180 photographs, this book is a must for both novices and experienced growers.

Squashes and pumpkins come in many shapes and sizes, and they are particularly tasty when home-grown and eaten soon after harvesting. In this book, the main types are described and illustrated, from marrows and pattypan squashes to butternut squashes and cucumbers. There is key advice on growing and caring for each type, how to harvest and store them, and how to keep plants in good condition by dealing with any pests and diseases. There is also advice on how to carve squashes and pumpkins to make lanterns and other decorations. The book provides reliable information for all gardeners who would like to experiment with new varieties.

This is the complete practical guide to kitchen gardening, from planning and planting to harvesting and storing. It shows you how to design the kitchen garden that's right for you, with original plans for a range of gardens of all shapes and sizes, including a large-scale vegetable plot, a potager, and a courtyard kitchen garden. It covers all the main vegetables, fruit and herbs, with detailed advice on the best varieties to choose.

Greens are highly nutritious, contributing essential vitamins and minerals to the diet, and they are particularly tasty if they are home-grown and eaten soon after harvesting. In this book, the main types of greens are described and illustrated, with useful information about the different varieties that can be grown, their history, cultivation requirements and cooking uses. There are step-by-step instructions for planting greens, as well as keeping them in tip-top condition by dealing with pests and diseases. A must for novices and experienced growers alike, the book is ideal for anyone who wants to experiment with new varieties.

This is a directory of varieties and how to cultivate them successfully. It is an illustrated gardener's guide to the different varieties of bulb vegetables, their history and cooking uses. It features step-by-step instructions for preparing the soil, sowing from seed and from sets, and harvesting and storing. It includes practical advice on cultivating a wide range of bulbs, including onions, shallots, garlic, spring onions and scallions, leeks, chives and Florence fennel. It contains helpful hints on how to avoid pests and diseases, and what to do when problems occur. Bulb vegetables have leaves that are adapted to store food reserves below or just above the ground, creating fleshy leaf bulbs. This book describes and illustrates all the main types, and includes useful information about the different varieties that can be grown and their cooking uses. There is practical advice for preparing the soil for new crops, making compost and growing bulb vegetables both from seed and from sets, as well as guidance on growing and caring for vegetables and how to harvest and store them. There are also suggestions for dealing with any pests and diseases.This handy book is suitable for novices and experienced gardeners alike.

This is a directory of varieties and how to cultivate them successfully. It is an illustrated gardener's guide to the different varieties of herbs, their history and cooking uses. It offers step-by-step instructions for planting herbs outdoors and indoors, growing from seed, taking cuttings, harvesting, drying and storing. It offers practical advice on cultivating basil, bay, caraway, chervil, dill, fennel, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, savory and thyme. It includes helpful hints on how to avoid common pests and diseases, and what to do when problems occur. Growing your own herbs is immensely rewarding, providing fresh materials for use in recipes and home remedies, as well as creating attractive and fragrant areas in the garden. All the main types of herbs are described and illustrated in this beautiful handbook. There is step-by-step advice on planting outdoors and indoors, growing in containers, growing from seed, taking cuttings, dividing plants, and harvesting and storing. The book shows how to maintain and care for each type of herb, including when and where to plant them, and how to keep them in tip-top condition.It is a must for any gardener who wants to grow these wonderfully aromatic plants.