Welcome to my handpicked selection of books that have inspired, guided, and supported me on my journey from soil to supper. Whether you’re just starting out on your first allotment or looking for new ways to bring seasonal harvests into your kitchen, these books are packed with practical advice, beautiful photography, and time-tested knowledge.
I only recommend books I’ve used and loved myself — no fluff, just genuinely useful reads for gardeners, cooks, and anyone passionate about growing their own. Each link below is an Amazon affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy (at no extra cost to you). Every purchase helps keep this site going — thank you for your support! If you have any recommendations of your own then please send them on!
A Year at Otter Farm – Mark Diacono
This book was a turning point for me. A Year at Otter Farm doesn’t just offer a seasonal account of growing and cooking—it rewires the way you think about food and the land that produces it. Mark Diacono’s writing is warm, thoughtful, and gently radical; he invites you to look beyond the usual suspects and embrace variety, flavour, and experimentation in your garden and kitchen. From wasabi to mulberries, Diacono encourages you to grow what you love and what excites you, not just what’s always been done. I came away from this book inspired to rethink my growing plans, consider unusual crops, and build a more personal, joyful connection to the garden. Part memoir, part growing guide, part recipe book—it’s a celebration of seasonal living that will sit permanently on my shelf and get muddy fingerprints from going outside with me.
The Permaculture Garden – Huw Richards
Huw Richards brings permaculture principles to life in a way that feels completely achievable, even for the time-poor or space-limited grower. What I really appreciated about The Permaculture Garden is how Huw breaks down big ideas—like no-dig beds, companion planting, and closed-loop systems—into clear, practical steps. His approach is rooted in experience and observation, not theory for theory’s sake, and that makes it both relatable and motivating. This book encouraged me to slow down and consider the wider design of my growing space—not just what I could grow, but how and why. It’s full of visuals, tips, and honest reflections, all delivered in Huw’s calm, thoughtful voice. If you want to grow more food with less effort while building soil health and biodiversity, this book is a brilliant guide. It’s become one of my go-to references when planning changes to my allotment or rethinking my garden layout.
The Allotment Book – Andi Clevely
This was one of the first books I picked up when I got serious about growing food, and it remains one of the most reassuring and comprehensive guides out there. Andi Clevely brings a wealth of experience to The Allotment Book, but never talks down to the reader. It covers everything from site layout and crop rotation to composting and tool care, all delivered with clarity and encouragement. What I love most is the balance between practical advice and real-world insight—it doesn’t gloss over the hard work but reminds you of the joy and satisfaction that comes with it. The seasonal guides are particularly helpful for staying on track, and the beautiful photography keeps the inspiration flowing. Whether you’re taking on your first plot or looking to get more out of a long-held one, this book is like having a wise, good-humoured mentor on hand.
Allotment Month by Month – Alan Buckingham
This is the book I reach for when I need a practical, no-fuss reminder of what to do and when. Allotment Month by Monthby Alan Buckingham is a brilliantly structured, visually rich guide that walks you through the year on your plot with clarity and confidence. Each month is laid out with key jobs, sowing and planting timelines, and troubleshooting tips, all supported by helpful photos and diagrams. It’s ideal for beginners but equally useful for seasoned growers looking to stay on track. What I love most is how it encourages forward planning while keeping things flexible—acknowledging that no two seasons (or plots) are the same. The advice is realistic, well-paced, and easy to follow, making it a great companion to take down to the allotment or keep by the back door. If you’re looking to stay organised and make steady progress year-round, this book is gold.
The Self-Sufficiency Garden – Huw Richards & Sam Cooper
Having already been inspired by Huw Richards’ Permaculture Garden, I was curious to see how The Self-Sufficiency Garden would build on those principles—and it does so brilliantly. What sets this book apart is its focus on a specific, real-life garden, which makes the ideas feel grounded and immediately relatable. Instead of abstract theory, Huw and Sam Cooper take you through the practical decisions they made on their own plot, explaining not just what they did, but why. That transparency makes it far easier to understand and adapt the ideas to your own space. It’s a guide that champions simplicity and good planning over perfection, with useful tips on layout, crop choices, preserving, and reducing waste. The tone is honest and encouraging, and the book manages to be ambitious without ever feeling overwhelming. It’s a thoughtful companion for anyone looking to grow more and rely less on the supermarket.
Vegetables for the Gourmet Gardener – Simon Akeroyd
This is the book that makes you fall in love with growing vegetables all over again—but with a touch of flair. Vegetables for the Gourmet Gardener is a beautifully illustrated celebration of flavour, variety, and the joy of elevating the everyday. Rather than sticking to the usual veg patch staples, Simon Akeroyd tempts you with heirloom varieties, unusual cultivars, and growing tips that suit the adventurous cook. It’s not just about gardening—it’s about gardening with taste in mind. I found it a brilliant resource when planning crops that would genuinely excite me in the kitchen. The layout is clear and inspiring, with useful growing notes alongside flavour profiles and serving suggestions. Whether you’re aiming to impress at the dinner table or just bring more diversity to your plot, this book is perfect for bridging the gap between soil and plate in the most delicious way.
No Dig – Charles Dowding
Charles Dowding’s garden in Shepton Mallet isn’t far from my own, which makes his work feel all the more relevant and grounded. No Dig is more than just a method—it’s a mindset shift in how we treat soil, effort, and time. While I don’t yet follow everything he sets out, I’ve found his approach thoughtful, evidence-based, and refreshingly practical. This book lays out the principles and benefits of no dig gardening with clarity and calm authority, supported by real-world trials from his own plots. The focus on building soil health, reducing weed pressure, and letting nature do the heavy lifting is deeply appealing. It’s helped me re-evaluate how I manage my own beds, and I can see myself incorporating more of this approach in seasons to come. Whether you’re new to growing or looking to deepen your practice, No Dig offers guidance from someone who truly knows his soil.
Compost – Charles Dowding
Charles Dowding writes about compost with the kind of clarity and passion that makes you want to head straight to the heap. In Compost, he demystifies the process of turning waste into rich, living soil, drawing on years of experience. What I appreciate most is his straightforward, no-nonsense style—this isn’t about chasing perfection, but about understanding the materials, the conditions, and the natural cycles that create good compost. The book is full of practical advice: how to balance greens and browns, what to include (and avoid), how long to leave it, and how to use it most effectively. It’s helped me make better compost with less fuss, and I’ve noticed real improvements in soil structure and plant health as a result. Whether you’re working with a bin, a pile, or something in between, this book will make composting feel simple, satisfying, and essential.