Desert Island Books

[Greenleaves]

Following the thread about "Desert Island Decorations" what one gardening book would you take ( Hard copy).

I would take my copy of Harry Dodsons Practical Kitchen Garden, love reading his advice and think he made great TV

[Aberdeenplotter]

The most useful gardening book I have ever owned is the Reader's Digest Publication "The Gardening Year". Broken down into monthly segments it gives comprehensive guidance easily understood by novice gardeners. I lost mine on the breakdown of my marriage but I didn't miss it as much as the dog . I've since replaced it, the book not the dog

[veggiechicken]

Why did the dog miss the book Ap ?

[Aberdeenplotter]

cos he was well b...............read

[Hazel at the Hill]

I guess it would John Seymour's Self Sufficiency from a practical point of view, GL - maybe a Bill Bryson. Any of his are entertaining and informative (should be used as school textbooks, if there are such things still) - ' A Walk in the Woods' in particular is laugh out loud funny.

[Martin H]

The most useful gardening book I have ever owned is the Reader's Digest Publication "The Gardening Year".

Good, isn't it! I gave my copy to my daughter, must get another one.

[noviceveggrower]

I like most gardening books and have a small collection. But I think my desert island book would have to be The Hobbit. Just love the book.

[cardiffsteve]

I would take Leo Tolstoy's War & Peace.
















A thick book like that would keep a fire burning for hours

[ancee]

Why is it only ever one thing you can take to this desert island? If I ever end up on one, I intend to salvaged and pillage so much of my aeroplane that I will have enough to read, make, do and listen to until I'm found. Unless I really like it there and I'm just going to stay! Actually, if it gets really dark I might change my mind "oo-er, what was that noise?" .........

[rary]

I guess it would John Seymour's Self Sufficiency from a practical point of view,

This is the one I thought of when I read the post I have always found it an inspirational book

[Guest]

Dunno, but this one is likely to be helpful

100 Healthy Coconut Recipes: Paleo style: free of gluten, grains, dairy and refined sugar (coconut recipes, coconut oil) eBook: Tina Cordain (Nutritionist): Amazon.co.uk: Books

[veggiechicken]

I'd take Plants for a Future: Edible and Useful Plants for a Healthier World: 1: Amazon.co.uk: Ken Fern: 9781856230117: Books so that I could find uses for the plants on the desert island. May need another book to help identify them first.
May I take 2 please GL?

[Kristen]

For reading, as much as for anything to actually do/grow, I would take a book by Christopher "Christo" LLoyd; I love his writing style. Forced to rescue only one from the burning wreck / sinking hull it would be "The Well-Tempered Garden" (if you are stuck for a pressie choice its a good gift for a gardening friend, or yourself!)

[Amazon Link]

[Lumpy]

Unfortunately I've read several books, including Harrison, Fowler etc on veggie growing in pots - small spaces - itsy bitsy raised beds etc and none of them sort of fit what I can do here.
Saying that I read the original SFG book and really liked the idea of having to protect my plants from pests such as racoons.......still on the look out for the tell tale signs of invasion here in Lincolnshire - even got a photo of a paw print ready for ID purposes.

[Guest]

I couldn't do one book, I love books and yes real paper and print books. Also being a jack of all trades - master of none, magpie type of person - I like little bits of everything. So if anyone is using this thread as recommendations/chrissy ideas etc. here is some of my liked and loved books.

For starting out

Practical Guide to Growing Vegetables Fruit & Herbs by Richard Bird
Organic Gardening by Geoff Hamilton
Wild Foods by Avril Rodway (I have had this for over 20 years and am yet to make one of the recipes There isn't loads but it has recipes and is nicely illustrated )
Bugs, Slugs and other Invaders by Sarah Ford (a cheery little stocking filler type book)

A bit more involved

Self sufficiency by John Seymour (mine is actually a 70's one also by sally seymour. I really enjoyed it as it also includes pigs, cows etc not just chooks and veg but it depends what you are into.)
The Self Sufficient-ish Bible by Andy and Dave Hamilton (hefty book and like most things it is a pick and choose what suits you)
The Basic Basics Jams, Preserves and Chutneys by Marguerite Patten (this was recommended by other grapes and I am glad they did )

Specialised/ Specific

Oriental Vegetables by Joy Larkcom
Garlic and Friends by Penny Woodward