The Allotment Planner

I was asked if I would like to review a new book which is about to be released, The Allotment Planner: More Than 200 Ways To Enjoy Your Plot Month By Month by Matthew Appleby, and I jumped at the chance.

I've had allotment planners in the past and was expecting something along the same lines, a book divided in to monthly sections with guidelines on what to sow when, and what you should be doing on your plot at a particular time. This book does have those features but so much more besides.

There is an introduction by Alys Fowler, and as she says, "Just don't - whatever you do - leave this book at home: it's one to sit in the allotment shed". I believe this is true, it's got a nice sturdy hardback cover and the attached elastic ensures that the book remains closed. Essentials if it's going to withstand being used on an allotment site.

Each monthly section gives details of what to sow and what to harvest as well as providing space to jot down any notes. There are also gardening quotes from famous people such as Frances Hodgson Burnett, Iggy Pop, Jane Austen and Thomas Jefferson to name but a few.

The thing which I love most about this book are the ideas to really get the most from your allotment and make it more than just a place to grow food. There's projects entitled Dinner On Your Plot, Aim High With Sunflowers, Create Your Own Buzz and Create A Haven For Birds as well as many more.

So many people take on an allotment only to give it up after a season or two because they find it too much work. Making the time spent on your allotment fun and enjoyable could really help with this issue.

There's some lovely photography in the book too which illustrates the projects very well.

This is a book I can see myself dipping in to quite a bit over winter while I'm waiting for the new gardening season to start. It should give me some good ideas for next year.

If you'd like to have a copy of this book yourself, the publishers, Aurum Publishing Group, are offering one as a giveaway prize. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post before twelve noon on Sunday the 10th of November 2013, after which, a name will be drawn at random. Please note that this giveaway is open to UK/EU only and that I will be passing on the winner's name and address details to the publishing company in order for them to send out your prize.

To order The Allotment Planner at the discounted price of £12.00 including p&p* (RRP: £14.99), telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk and quote the offer code APG34. 

Alternatively, send a cheque made payable to: 

Littlehampton Book Services Mail Order Department, 

Littlehampton Book Services, 

PO Box 4264, 

Worthing, West Sussex 

BN13 3RB. 

Please quote the offer code APG34 and include your name and address details. 

 

 

*UK ONLY - Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas.