In this new book, experts Michael and Christine Lavelle guide the budding allotmenteer through every step, from applying and early planning to planting and harvesting. Information on tools, equipment and soil management follows, along with a chapter on what to grow where, crop rotation, companion planning and growing both outdoors and in a greenhouse. Techniques such as sowing, propagation, feeding, watering, pruning, harvesting and storage are examined with easy-to-follow instructions and examples. Directories of vegetables, fruit and herbs outline the specific requirements of different crops while a section on plant health helps to deal with common pests and diseases and carry out weed management. A season-by-season calendar of care then presents an at-a-glance checklist of what to sow, plant out and harvest for every stage in the gardening year.