One example is using plug plants, which, although more expensive than seed, do cut down on time-consuming sowing and pricking out. In this beautiful book, Andi Clevely captures the essence of the allotment, showing how it is a relaxing and sociable way to garden, and a great opportunity to meet fellow gardeners, young and old. With this vegetable gardening book, you can start growing your own organic produce from the comfort of your own home.

Although you will probably alter or adjust things as you go on, discoveries and decisions that are made now can affect future plans. It doesn't matter how much space you have available, with key techniques such as sowing seeds, assessing soil and choosing the right plants for each environment - these top tips and tricks are all featured within this how-to-garden book.Prioritise key tasks, learn crop rotation techniques, and try step-by-step garden projects, such as sowing peas in guttering and making your own compost bin. Discover everything you need to know to leave the supermarket behind in favour of tastier and healthier home-grown fruit and veg. Crowned the ‘queen of herbs’ by Jamie Oliver and one of Rick Stein’s food heroes, Jekka McVicar is the UK’s leading organic herb grower. All in all, a well written book, which is easy to read, crammed with information for those starting out in allotment gardening, like myself.

The following books are ones I have used and recommend because I think they give a good overall knowledge. Grow fresh, seasonal produce in your allotment or kitchen garden all year round with the bestselling guide from Alan Buckingham.

The many bonuses of being brought up with a productive garden was not only the abundance of fruit and vegetables but also the fact that, because my mother was a fantastic cook, the house was often filled with the aroma of wonderful food. John served on the National Executive of the National Vegetable Society, a charity promoting the cultivation and showing of vegetables until recently and is a fellow of the society.