Book Review | Charles Dowding's VEG Journal

After placing my order with Seed Saver's Exchange last week, I was thrilled to find Charles Dowdings' VEG Journal: Expert no-dig advice, month by month in my mailbox for review from Frances Lincoln Publishing.

The book uses the seasonal checklists, advice and hard-won experience of the Uk's best-known no-dig gardener to plan a year's veg growing. The information is based on the author's successful Charles Dowding Vegetable Course, updated and arranged in a useful monthly journal so that no activity is overlooked and readers can follow his mantra of 'a little and often'.

The journal, which is filled with lush photos, explains how to plan a veg garden, construct a raised bed, sow seed indoors and outdoors in spring, grow on young crops, protect plants from the weather and from pests through the season until you can celebrate the joy of harvesting. The information is organized monthly from January to December, with key crops, activities and essential reminders.

The book is organized in monthly sections, providing simple steps and seasonal checklists to plan a year of vegetable growing that you’ll want to refer to time and time again. Filled with expert advice and planting tips throughout, the book offers detailed information on growing vegetables, herbs and salad leaves, monthly jobs and key dates for sowing and harvesting, tackling weeds and pests, and making sweet-smelling compost (I'm totally going to be using this info).

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and feel that it will be come an essential gardening companion during the next growing season and beyond. I'll be referring to it again and again. The best part is that the VEG Journal is suitable for the absolute beginner (me) while still illuminating for the experienced veg grower. If you're hoping to get the most out of your vegetable garden, this book should be in your library.