[hayles62]

All very good choices, but as a beginner I would have to pick Allotted Time by Robin Shelton. Perhaps not much use to expert veg. growers, but written for hopeless novices, by hopeless novices, in a witty style. Says a lot about day to day survival too. I keep re-reading it again and again.

Just ordered it and am looking forward to reading it, thank you.

[hayles62]

Finaly got "Alloted Time" yesterday and read a quarter already it is as funny as foook, i'd recomend it wether you have a lotty or not.

[mellowmick]

Something by William Cobbett; either Rural Rides or Cottage Economy. Written in the 1820s and maybe not of a lot of practical use, but fascinating documents which still have a vividness today. Cottage Economy has the most (unintentionally) hilarious comparison between the benefits of beer against tea. Anyone living around the South and South East of England should get Rural Rides for the local references and descriptions of what farmers were growing where. Go here for a flavour; http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/text/contents_page.jsp?t_id=Cobbett

[Oliver]

Go here for a flavour; http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/text/contents_page.jsp?t_id=Cobbett

I never cease to be amazed at what is on the www. Thanks Mellowmick, her Christmas list is growing.

[Judymac]

I think Milkman has got my bookshelf!  

I would add a very old book though, you may be able to find it second hand, Food from your Garden by Readers Digest. A wonderful book given to me by my neighbour before we came to Burgundy. It covers everything from planning your plot, to growing veggies, winemaking and fruit /veg preserving.

In fact I just checked ebay and they have six copies up for sale!

It has the best beetroot chutney recipe ever!

Judy