Regular readers might remember that I reviewed a book by Jane Moore a couple of years ago which I really enjoyed. When I was asked if I wanted to review this new book I very quickly said yes.
I have not paid for this book and I have not been paid to review this book. My words and opinions are as ever my own.
This is a wonderful little book. It has a nice handy size so that you can easily read through it and you might pick it up quickly to check something. Handy sized it may be, but it is also packed with useful information. Jane does not waste time, she quickly gets into her subject matter telling you the things you need to know and need to consider. You are taken through how to get growing and about pests and diseases you need to be aware of. Then Jane goes through various 'small spots' you might be wanting to grow in. So you learn about growing on windowsills and what will grow well. You learn about if you have a small garden or a small space in your garden. You also learn about how to grow food in containers both big and small.
What I like about this book is that it goes through the basics that you might expect to see: 'how to grow tomatoes, how to grow lettuce', but Jane also encourage us to push ourselves a little too. Jane suggests crops you might not think you can grow in a small space, or maybe have not even heard of (or is it just me who did not know what callaloo is?).
Each crop is described is a set easy to follow template. This means you can find the information you need quickly. There are graphics that tell you which season to sow and harvest, how long it will take to grow and if it is easy or hard. You get full information on how to plant, grow and harvest. If there are common pests to watch out for Jane tells us. Jane also recommends what else we might want to grow alongside the crop.
I really like the style of the book, it is practical and pragmatic. Jane does not waste our time with overly fulsome descriptions, this is a book for people who do not wish to consider how many cress seeds can you balance on a pin, this is a book for those who want to get on with it and grow things successfully.
The photographs in the book are by Emli Bendixon and are worthy of note. They are beautiful, encouraging and where needed, a good guide to what you are trying to achieve.
The little book of Crops in Small Spots by Jane Moore is published by Hardie Grant
