Veg Patch

More about the book

Drawing from his experience as a climate-change gardener and his work at River Cottage, Mark offers practical insights into organic gardening while eliminating complex jargon. He catalogs a variety of vegetables suitable for the UK, detailing their benefits, recommended varieties, dos and don'ts, and culinary uses. Readers are encouraged to create a wish list of foods, inspired by Mark’s own early gardening aspirations. He then guides us in transforming this wish list into a coherent kitchen garden plan tailored to our unique spaces, whether it’s a small patch of acidic soil, a rooftop, or an allotment, accommodating both dedicated and 'time-poor' gardeners. The practical advice covers soil nutrient management, pest and disease resistance, and sustainable gardening practices. Clear sections address essential topics such as seed trays, plant support structures, mulching, composting, companion planting, irrigation, and pollination enhancement. Additional resources include tables for sowing and harvesting times, plant sizes, and alternative varieties for different sites. The book concludes with around thirty recipes and a directory of helpful addresses, all complemented by vibrant color photography. With its textured hard cover and an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, this handbook is set to become an essential household reference.