'These are crticial times, but we shall get through them, and the harder we dig for victory the sooner will the roses be with us' Mr Middleton The Dig For Victory campaign to encourage people to grow their own food began in Britain in September 1940. This was the government's plan to avert hunger in the event of the war lasting more than a few months. Formal gardens, lawns and sports pitches were transformed into makeshift allotments. The campaign was launched by the first media gardening celebrity Mr Middleton on the BBC Home Service. These popular broadcasts, with around 3.5 million listeners, were published for the first time in 1942. This new edition of Digging For Victory brings Mr Middleton's pearls of wisdom to a new generation of gardeners who are increasingly interested in growing their own food. It is a timely publication in light of the recent surge in allotment owners. This beautifully designed book takes the reader through the seasons offering helpful gardening tips. Charming, chatty and immensely readable, Digging For Victory is the perfect book for all gardening fans. Mr C. H. Middleton was the first gardening media celebrity and a key figure in the Dig for Victory campaign. His popular broadcasts on the home service were listened to by over 3 million people.