Tastes as good as it looks!, 14 Sep 2008
I've thoroughly enjoyed leafing through this colourful and inspirational book. I never realised veg growing could be so much fun or that they could look so good. I've tried several of the ideas in my garden this year and have been pretty successful. In fact, considering I've only been gardening for a couple of years and I only have a tiny courtyard, I'm really very pleased. The 'tumbling toms' and 'potted potager' worked particularly well.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys growing their own food, especially if they are short of space. You won't ever become self sufficient growing your veg in pots but every bit of homegrown produce is a bonus. Even if it doesn't reach the plate, at least with the help of this book your veg will be great to look at.

Can't wait try out some more ideas next year. I've already started planning!

Magnificent book, 09 Sep 2008
I bought this book for myself after birthday hints failed and what a treat it is. It is one of those books that is both beautiful and inspiring, providing lots of practical suggestions for creating stunning displays of edible plants - vital wghen you have minimal space.

The recipes are not prescriptive but form very sound guidance allowing you to adapt and experiment as you become more familiar with the plants and varieties out there.

I already had some basic knowledge of growing before buying this book but have never considered growing things to be a particularly complex issue worthy of the song and dance created by some. Even for a beginner I would say that there is enough in this book to provide the basic grounding anyone needs to be relatively successful with their plantings.

If you are inclined to get your nickers in a twist and need a basic Noddy's guide then this is probably not the book for you - but then it doesn't claim to be. There are plenty of books out there that will do the job instead. What this book does do is provide what many others don't - ideas for creating beautiful rather than just practical displays and guidance as to what plants compement each other well. The food recipes are an unusual and welcome addition.

I've got plans to recreate several of the schemes from this book next spring and in the meantime the book keeps coming off the bookshelves because it is just so lovely to look through.

Brilliant book - detailed, interesting and lush!, 28 Feb 2008
I have really enjoyed reading and dipping into this thoughtful book. It's an inspiring variety of beautiful container projects that instantly make you want to start grubbing about and planting great things to eat. Plus, did I mention? They look FABulous....

The instructions are clear, succinct and helpful. You don't have to have the exact container that the author uses - you could pick something out of a skip and have the project work just as well. A section at the back has really useful details such as which vegetables need which type of soil, what their peculiarities are, what shade or sun they like and how much moisture they prefer. A section at the front has no-nonsense information on compost, containers and what-you'll-need. I found it simple and easy to follow - not intimidating, and it doesn't expect you to know anything, or make you feel a twit if you don't. There are even recipes for the stuff you'll grow.

I am pottering about in amongst my containers with great confidence this spring, trying to grow things I've never dreamt of trying before, thanks to this book. Buy it, move beyond the sadness of one-tomato-plant-in-a-growbag in the corner of your patio. Have some fun!


A good looking book, 03 Jun 2007
For your money, you get 1 page of glossy photo, and 1 page explanation of how to achieve and a recipe. These are all relatively complex - don't expect simple guidance on the soil for growing peppers, aubergine or tomato in a pot. i.e. the practical advice you need to get started.

There is also a small (and for my purposes insufficient) section on how to look after what you are growing (by type) at the end.

I find the book very light on content and practicalities. It contains less info than a google search and what I wanted perhaps was the sort of practical advice and reference that a grandad might provide.

The projects all look great. I am stuggling to beleive anybody would actually have a go. The book is great for daydreaming in mid-winter so 2 stars.

Best book by far, 27 Mar 2007
This book is just what I've been looking for. Tells you how to easily grow fruit & veg with a tiny amount of space. The "Edible Container Garden" book wasn't anywhere near as good. Hardly any plans for pots and not nearly as clear and easy to do.

Tastes as good as it looks!, 14 Sep 2008
I've thoroughly enjoyed leafing through this colourful and inspirational book. I never realised veg growing could be so much fun or that they could look so good. I've tried several of the ideas in my garden this year and have been pretty successful. In fact, considering I've only been gardening for a couple of years and I only have a tiny courtyard, I'm really very pleased. The 'tumbling toms' and 'potted potager' worked particularly well.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys growing their own food, especially if they are short of space. You won't ever become self sufficient growing your veg in pots but every bit of homegrown produce is a bonus. Even if it doesn't reach the plate, at least with the help of this book your veg will be great to look at.

Can't wait try out some more ideas next year. I've already started planning!

Magnificent book, 09 Sep 2008
I bought this book for myself after birthday hints failed and what a treat it is. It is one of those books that is both beautiful and inspiring, providing lots of practical suggestions for creating stunning displays of edible plants - vital wghen you have minimal space.

The recipes are not prescriptive but form very sound guidance allowing you to adapt and experiment as you become more familiar with the plants and varieties out there.

I already had some basic knowledge of growing before buying this book but have never considered growing things to be a particularly complex issue worthy of the song and dance created by some. Even for a beginner I would say that there is enough in this book to provide the basic grounding anyone needs to be relatively successful with their plantings.

If you are inclined to get your nickers in a twist and need a basic Noddy's guide then this is probably not the book for you - but then it doesn't claim to be. There are plenty of books out there that will do the job instead. What this book does do is provide what many others don't - ideas for creating beautiful rather than just practical displays and guidance as to what plants compement each other well. The food recipes are an unusual and welcome addition.

I've got plans to recreate several of the schemes from this book next spring and in the meantime the book keeps coming off the bookshelves because it is just so lovely to look through.

Brilliant book - detailed, interesting and lush!, 28 Feb 2008
I have really enjoyed reading and dipping into this thoughtful book. It's an inspiring variety of beautiful container projects that instantly make you want to start grubbing about and planting great things to eat. Plus, did I mention? They look FABulous....

The instructions are clear, succinct and helpful. You don't have to have the exact container that the author uses - you could pick something out of a skip and have the project work just as well. A section at the back has really useful details such as which vegetables need which type of soil, what their peculiarities are, what shade or sun they like and how much moisture they prefer. A section at the front has no-nonsense information on compost, containers and what-you'll-need. I found it simple and easy to follow - not intimidating, and it doesn't expect you to know anything, or make you feel a twit if you don't. There are even recipes for the stuff you'll grow.

I am pottering about in amongst my containers with great confidence this spring, trying to grow things I've never dreamt of trying before, thanks to this book. Buy it, move beyond the sadness of one-tomato-plant-in-a-growbag in the corner of your patio. Have some fun!


A good looking book, 03 Jun 2007
For your money, you get 1 page of glossy photo, and 1 page explanation of how to achieve and a recipe. These are all relatively complex - don't expect simple guidance on the soil for growing peppers, aubergine or tomato in a pot. i.e. the practical advice you need to get started.

There is also a small (and for my purposes insufficient) section on how to look after what you are growing (by type) at the end.

I find the book very light on content and practicalities. It contains less info than a google search and what I wanted perhaps was the sort of practical advice and reference that a grandad might provide.

The projects all look great. I am stuggling to beleive anybody would actually have a go. The book is great for daydreaming in mid-winter so 2 stars.

Best book by far, 27 Mar 2007
This book is just what I've been looking for. Tells you how to easily grow fruit & veg with a tiny amount of space. The "Edible Container Garden" book wasn't anywhere near as good. Hardly any plans for pots and not nearly as clear and easy to do.

Inspiring, excelent pictures, very nice but not that detailed, 05 Jan 2008
Well, this is a good book. Really good pictures, advices, design and plenty of inspiration and ideas for balconies, roofs, raised beds, window boxes ans such.
I would certainly buy it. However, I did not give it five stars, since it lacks some chapter in following species-to-species treatment in containers. But do not get wrong with it, this book has a last appendix with tables and tables refering to conditions for growing all vegetables in containers, size of container, treatments, etc, but not the fully detailed history an details which I think the author could write.
I would give it 4 to 4.5 stars.

Buy it in combination with the "Bountiful container"
And also to the five-stars "21st century homesteading"

Limited space?, 27 Apr 2007
I have an allotment, but only a very small one (about the size of a small garden) and so I can't just go planting masses of everything.

This book is fantastic at showing how the maximise the space you have to make it as productive as possible.

As well as suggesting ways to plant, it deals with looking after your plants and treating them to ensure you get a good bounty from your veggies!

Detailing each plant and how to deal with it, with good photography and a nice down to earth (if you pardon the pun) explanation - this book is a great addition to anyone wanting to grow veg without having to get rid of the lawn to do so!

Thos book will inspire you. It really is amazing how much food you can grow in small containers.


Very Inspiring, excellent, 20 Feb 2001
I have been looking around for a book on this subject for some time and this one certainly didn't disapoint, it is very well put together with gorgeous photography and practical advice, there is also a section dealing with each plant in turn for quick reference, which is very useful. From the title it isn't obvious that the author includes information on raised beds, so it makes the book relevent to practically everyone who wants to grow food in anything but the traditional allotment type way.

Tastes as good as it looks!, 14 Sep 2008
I've thoroughly enjoyed leafing through this colourful and inspirational book. I never realised veg growing could be so much fun or that they could look so good. I've tried several of the ideas in my garden this year and have been pretty successful. In fact, considering I've only been gardening for a couple of years and I only have a tiny courtyard, I'm really very pleased. The 'tumbling toms' and 'potted potager' worked particularly well.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys growing their own food, especially if they are short of space. You won't ever become self sufficient growing your veg in pots but every bit of homegrown produce is a bonus. Even if it doesn't reach the plate, at least with the help of this book your veg will be great to look at.

Can't wait try out some more ideas next year. I've already started planning!

Magnificent book, 09 Sep 2008
I bought this book for myself after birthday hints failed and what a treat it is. It is one of those books that is both beautiful and inspiring, providing lots of practical suggestions for creating stunning displays of edible plants - vital wghen you have minimal space.

The recipes are not prescriptive but form very sound guidance allowing you to adapt and experiment as you become more familiar with the plants and varieties out there.

I already had some basic knowledge of growing before buying this book but have never considered growing things to be a particularly complex issue worthy of the song and dance created by some. Even for a beginner I would say that there is enough in this book to provide the basic grounding anyone needs to be relatively successful with their plantings.

If you are inclined to get your nickers in a twist and need a basic Noddy's guide then this is probably not the book for you - but then it doesn't claim to be. There are plenty of books out there that will do the job instead. What this book does do is provide what many others don't - ideas for creating beautiful rather than just practical displays and guidance as to what plants compement each other well. The food recipes are an unusual and welcome addition.

I've got plans to recreate several of the schemes from this book next spring and in the meantime the book keeps coming off the bookshelves because it is just so lovely to look through.

Brilliant book - detailed, interesting and lush!, 28 Feb 2008
I have really enjoyed reading and dipping into this thoughtful book. It's an inspiring variety of beautiful container projects that instantly make you want to start grubbing about and planting great things to eat. Plus, did I mention? They look FABulous....

The instructions are clear, succinct and helpful. You don't have to have the exact container that the author uses - you could pick something out of a skip and have the project work just as well. A section at the back has really useful details such as which vegetables need which type of soil, what their peculiarities are, what shade or sun they like and how much moisture they prefer. A section at the front has no-nonsense information on compost, containers and what-you'll-need. I found it simple and easy to follow - not intimidating, and it doesn't expect you to know anything, or make you feel a twit if you don't. There are even recipes for the stuff you'll grow.

I am pottering about in amongst my containers with great confidence this spring, trying to grow things I've never dreamt of trying before, thanks to this book. Buy it, move beyond the sadness of one-tomato-plant-in-a-growbag in the corner of your patio. Have some fun!


A good looking book, 03 Jun 2007
For your money, you get 1 page of glossy photo, and 1 page explanation of how to achieve and a recipe. These are all relatively complex - don't expect simple guidance on the soil for growing peppers, aubergine or tomato in a pot. i.e. the practical advice you need to get started.

There is also a small (and for my purposes insufficient) section on how to look after what you are growing (by type) at the end.

I find the book very light on content and practicalities. It contains less info than a google search and what I wanted perhaps was the sort of practical advice and reference that a grandad might provide.

The projects all look great. I am stuggling to beleive anybody would actually have a go. The book is great for daydreaming in mid-winter so 2 stars.

Best book by far, 27 Mar 2007
This book is just what I've been looking for. Tells you how to easily grow fruit & veg with a tiny amount of space. The "Edible Container Garden" book wasn't anywhere near as good. Hardly any plans for pots and not nearly as clear and easy to do.

Inspiring, excelent pictures, very nice but not that detailed, 05 Jan 2008
Well, this is a good book. Really good pictures, advices, design and plenty of inspiration and ideas for balconies, roofs, raised beds, window boxes ans such.
I would certainly buy it. However, I did not give it five stars, since it lacks some chapter in following species-to-species treatment in containers. But do not get wrong with it, this book has a last appendix with tables and tables refering to conditions for growing all vegetables in containers, size of container, treatments, etc, but not the fully detailed history an details which I think the author could write.
I would give it 4 to 4.5 stars.

Buy it in combination with the "Bountiful container"
And also to the five-stars "21st century homesteading"

Limited space?, 27 Apr 2007
I have an allotment, but only a very small one (about the size of a small garden) and so I can't just go planting masses of everything.

This book is fantastic at showing how the maximise the space you have to make it as productive as possible.

As well as suggesting ways to plant, it deals with looking after your plants and treating them to ensure you get a good bounty from your veggies!

Detailing each plant and how to deal with it, with good photography and a nice down to earth (if you pardon the pun) explanation - this book is a great addition to anyone wanting to grow veg without having to get rid of the lawn to do so!

Thos book will inspire you. It really is amazing how much food you can grow in small containers.


Very Inspiring, excellent, 20 Feb 2001
I have been looking around for a book on this subject for some time and this one certainly didn't disapoint, it is very well put together with gorgeous photography and practical advice, there is also a section dealing with each plant in turn for quick reference, which is very useful. From the title it isn't obvious that the author includes information on raised beds, so it makes the book relevent to practically everyone who wants to grow food in anything but the traditional allotment type way.

Kitchen Harvest: A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs in Containers, 16 Apr 2008
As a complete beginner no gardening experience what so ever, i feltthat i needed more help and more questions answered than this book could offer.

useful, 22 Jul 2006
It got me started on growing organic in contaciners, I always thought my garden was too small. It isn't the most comprehensive book, once you start having problems then you need to search elsewhere but inspirational in getting me started.

A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herb, 13 Mar 2004
What a great book for the small garden owner, just what I needed to put me on the right road, a very good book for info.

Tastes as good as it looks!, 14 Sep 2008
I've thoroughly enjoyed leafing through this colourful and inspirational book. I never realised veg growing could be so much fun or that they could look so good. I've tried several of the ideas in my garden this year and have been pretty successful. In fact, considering I've only been gardening for a couple of years and I only have a tiny courtyard, I'm really very pleased. The 'tumbling toms' and 'potted potager' worked particularly well.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys growing their own food, especially if they are short of space. You won't ever become self sufficient growing your veg in pots but every bit of homegrown produce is a bonus. Even if it doesn't reach the plate, at least with the help of this book your veg will be great to look at.

Can't wait try out some more ideas next year. I've already started planning!

Magnificent book, 09 Sep 2008
I bought this book for myself after birthday hints failed and what a treat it is. It is one of those books that is both beautiful and inspiring, providing lots of practical suggestions for creating stunning displays of edible plants - vital wghen you have minimal space.

The recipes are not prescriptive but form very sound guidance allowing you to adapt and experiment as you become more familiar with the plants and varieties out there.

I already had some basic knowledge of growing before buying this book but have never considered growing things to be a particularly complex issue worthy of the song and dance created by some. Even for a beginner I would say that there is enough in this book to provide the basic grounding anyone needs to be relatively successful with their plantings.

If you are inclined to get your nickers in a twist and need a basic Noddy's guide then this is probably not the book for you - but then it doesn't claim to be. There are plenty of books out there that will do the job instead. What this book does do is provide what many others don't - ideas for creating beautiful rather than just practical displays and guidance as to what plants compement each other well. The food recipes are an unusual and welcome addition.

I've got plans to recreate several of the schemes from this book next spring and in the meantime the book keeps coming off the bookshelves because it is just so lovely to look through.

Brilliant book - detailed, interesting and lush!, 28 Feb 2008
I have really enjoyed reading and dipping into this thoughtful book. It's an inspiring variety of beautiful container projects that instantly make you want to start grubbing about and planting great things to eat. Plus, did I mention? They look FABulous....

The instructions are clear, succinct and helpful. You don't have to have the exact container that the author uses - you could pick something out of a skip and have the project work just as well. A section at the back has really useful details such as which vegetables need which type of soil, what their peculiarities are, what shade or sun they like and how much moisture they prefer. A section at the front has no-nonsense information on compost, containers and what-you'll-need. I found it simple and easy to follow - not intimidating, and it doesn't expect you to know anything, or make you feel a twit if you don't. There are even recipes for the stuff you'll grow.

I am pottering about in amongst my containers with great confidence this spring, trying to grow things I've never dreamt of trying before, thanks to this book. Buy it, move beyond the sadness of one-tomato-plant-in-a-growbag in the corner of your patio. Have some fun!


A good looking book, 03 Jun 2007
For your money, you get 1 page of glossy photo, and 1 page explanation of how to achieve and a recipe. These are all relatively complex - don't expect simple guidance on the soil for growing peppers, aubergine or tomato in a pot. i.e. the practical advice you need to get started.

There is also a small (and for my purposes insufficient) section on how to look after what you are growing (by type) at the end.

I find the book very light on content and practicalities. It contains less info than a google search and what I wanted perhaps was the sort of practical advice and reference that a grandad might provide.

The projects all look great. I am stuggling to beleive anybody would actually have a go. The book is great for daydreaming in mid-winter so 2 stars.

Best book by far, 27 Mar 2007
This book is just what I've been looking for. Tells you how to easily grow fruit & veg with a tiny amount of space. The "Edible Container Garden" book wasn't anywhere near as good. Hardly any plans for pots and not nearly as clear and easy to do.

Inspiring, excelent pictures, very nice but not that detailed, 05 Jan 2008
Well, this is a good book. Really good pictures, advices, design and plenty of inspiration and ideas for balconies, roofs, raised beds, window boxes ans such.
I would certainly buy it. However, I did not give it five stars, since it lacks some chapter in following species-to-species treatment in containers. But do not get wrong with it, this book has a last appendix with tables and tables refering to conditions for growing all vegetables in containers, size of container, treatments, etc, but not the fully detailed history an details which I think the author could write.
I would give it 4 to 4.5 stars.

Buy it in combination with the "Bountiful container"
And also to the five-stars "21st century homesteading"

Limited space?, 27 Apr 2007
I have an allotment, but only a very small one (about the size of a small garden) and so I can't just go planting masses of everything.

This book is fantastic at showing how the maximise the space you have to make it as productive as possible.

As well as suggesting ways to plant, it deals with looking after your plants and treating them to ensure you get a good bounty from your veggies!

Detailing each plant and how to deal with it, with good photography and a nice down to earth (if you pardon the pun) explanation - this book is a great addition to anyone wanting to grow veg without having to get rid of the lawn to do so!

Thos book will inspire you. It really is amazing how much food you can grow in small containers.


Very Inspiring, excellent, 20 Feb 2001
I have been looking around for a book on this subject for some time and this one certainly didn't disapoint, it is very well put together with gorgeous photography and practical advice, there is also a section dealing with each plant in turn for quick reference, which is very useful. From the title it isn't obvious that the author includes information on raised beds, so it makes the book relevent to practically everyone who wants to grow food in anything but the traditional allotment type way.

Kitchen Harvest: A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs in Containers, 16 Apr 2008
As a complete beginner no gardening experience what so ever, i feltthat i needed more help and more questions answered than this book could offer.

useful, 22 Jul 2006
It got me started on growing organic in contaciners, I always thought my garden was too small. It isn't the most comprehensive book, once you start having problems then you need to search elsewhere but inspirational in getting me started.

A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herb, 13 Mar 2004
What a great book for the small garden owner, just what I needed to put me on the right road, a very good book for info.

A serious attempt on a difficult subject, 12 Nov 2007
I am a big advocate on using plants to create green walls and roofs. They can reduce the urban "heat island" effect and create usable green open spaces. I found this book's discussions on Intensive Green Roof, Extensive Green Roof, , Ecoroof, Brown Roof, etc interesting. This book is a serious attempt on a difficult subject. The color photos inside the book are helpful also.

There are still technical difficulties in using green walls and roofs: water proofing, how to handle the structural weight of large trees, how to integrate large plants with building structure, etc. All these technical discussions are needed, and they could be the subject of another book.

Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA




basic introduction for the novice, 01 Jul 2007
A basic introduction the subject of green roofs and walls. Technical issues are not covered in great detail, but there is a comprehensive plant-list at the back. Most of the subjects are geared towards novices of urban greenery and somewhat haphazardly spaced throughout the book. Definitely not a thorough coverage, which I suppose is reflected in the budget price. There are some fine pictures and it is a pleasantly sized hardback.

The book makes you realise that in ten years we will be so surprised that back in the early 2000 roofs were not green, 31 May 2007
The incredibly complex technique of vertical planting is made accessible and a convincing case is made to go green on your roof: eco and economic benefits included.
This book is forward thinking but is the way forward in the changing climate.

Blue sky approaches made simple by the authors!

Loved it and feature it on my guide

Anne Editor- www.MyUrbanGardenDecoGuide.com

Even for someone who is rather proud of their arrangement of hanging baskets and tubs, this book is a great read. As with all Dr Hessayon's books the illustrations and clear instructions are what first appeal, but in this case the real bonus is the enormous fund of ideas it offers, all in coloured photographs. From car tyres to wooden troughs--if you can grow a plant in it, it's in here! A huge variety of containers are suggested for all kinds of situations, from a flat with no garden to a mansion with terraces. Full information for planting is given for flowering bulbs, annuals, perennials and trees, shrubs and bonsai, photographed in an ambitious variety of containers and locations. In addition to the ornamental garden there is a great section of container-grown fruit, vegetables and herbs--particularly valuable for the gardener cook with a limited space.

All in all this is a delightful and handy book which really inspires you to make container growing a feature of every garden and available space, 12 months of the year. An excellent quick reference title for your bookshelf and one appropriate and appealing to gardeners of all standards. --T W Falinska

Tastes as good as it looks!, 14 Sep 2008
I've thoroughly enjoyed leafing through this colourful and inspirational book. I never realised veg growing could be so much fun or that they could look so good. I've tried several of the ideas in my garden this year and have been pretty successful. In fact, considering I've only been gardening for a couple of years and I only have a tiny courtyard, I'm really very pleased. The 'tumbling toms' and 'potted potager' worked particularly well.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys growing their own food, especially if they are short of space. You won't ever become self sufficient growing your veg in pots but every bit of homegrown produce is a bonus. Even if it doesn't reach the plate, at least with the help of this book your veg will be great to look at.

Can't wait try out some more ideas next year. I've already started planning!

Magnificent book, 09 Sep 2008
I bought this book for myself after birthday hints failed and what a treat it is. It is one of those books that is both beautiful and inspiring, providing lots of practical suggestions for creating stunning displays of edible plants - vital wghen you have minimal space.

The recipes are not prescriptive but form very sound guidance allowing you to adapt and experiment as you become more familiar with the plants and varieties out there.

I already had some basic knowledge of growing before buying this book but have never considered growing things to be a particularly complex issue worthy of the song and dance created by some. Even for a beginner I would say that there is enough in this book to provide the basic grounding anyone needs to be relatively successful with their plantings.

If you are inclined to get your nickers in a twist and need a basic Noddy's guide then this is probably not the book for you - but then it doesn't claim to be. There are plenty of books out there that will do the job instead. What this book does do is provide what many others don't - ideas for creating beautiful rather than just practical displays and guidance as to what plants compement each other well. The food recipes are an unusual and welcome addition.

I've got plans to recreate several of the schemes from this book next spring and in the meantime the book keeps coming off the bookshelves because it is just so lovely to look through.

Brilliant book - detailed, interesting and lush!, 28 Feb 2008
I have really enjoyed reading and dipping into this thoughtful book. It's an inspiring variety of beautiful container projects that instantly make you want to start grubbing about and planting great things to eat. Plus, did I mention? They look FABulous....

The instructions are clear, succinct and helpful. You don't have to have the exact container that the author uses - you could pick something out of a skip and have the project work just as well. A section at the back has really useful details such as which vegetables need which type of soil, what their peculiarities are, what shade or sun they like and how much moisture they prefer. A section at the front has no-nonsense information on compost, containers and what-you'll-need. I found it simple and easy to follow - not intimidating, and it doesn't expect you to know anything, or make you feel a twit if you don't. There are even recipes for the stuff you'll grow.

I am pottering about in amongst my containers with great confidence this spring, trying to grow things I've never dreamt of trying before, thanks to this book. Buy it, move beyond the sadness of one-tomato-plant-in-a-growbag in the corner of your patio. Have some fun!


A good looking book, 03 Jun 2007
For your money, you get 1 page of glossy photo, and 1 page explanation of how to achieve and a recipe. These are all relatively complex - don't expect simple guidance on the soil for growing peppers, aubergine or tomato in a pot. i.e. the practical advice you need to get started.

There is also a small (and for my purposes insufficient) section on how to look after what you are growing (by type) at the end.

I find the book very light on content and practicalities. It contains less info than a google search and what I wanted perhaps was the sort of practical advice and reference that a grandad might provide.

The projects all look great. I am stuggling to beleive anybody would actually have a go. The book is great for daydreaming in mid-winter so 2 stars.

Best book by far, 27 Mar 2007
This book is just what I've been looking for. Tells you how to easily grow fruit & veg with a tiny amount of space. The "Edible Container Garden" book wasn't anywhere near as good. Hardly any plans for pots and not nearly as clear and easy to do.

Inspiring, excelent pictures, very nice but not that detailed, 05 Jan 2008
Well, this is a good book. Really good pictures, advices, design and plenty of inspiration and ideas for balconies, roofs, raised beds, window boxes ans such.
I would certainly buy it. However, I did not give it five stars, since it lacks some chapter in following species-to-species treatment in containers. But do not get wrong with it, this book has a last appendix with tables and tables refering to conditions for growing all vegetables in containers, size of container, treatments, etc, but not the fully detailed history an details which I think the author could write.
I would give it 4 to 4.5 stars.

Buy it in combination with the "Bountiful container"
And also to the five-stars "21st century homesteading"

Limited space?, 27 Apr 2007
I have an allotment, but only a very small one (about the size of a small garden) and so I can't just go planting masses of everything.

This book is fantastic at showing how the maximise the space you have to make it as productive as possible.

As well as suggesting ways to plant, it deals with looking after your plants and treating them to ensure you get a good bounty from your veggies!

Detailing each plant and how to deal with it, with good photography and a nice down to earth (if you pardon the pun) explanation - this book is a great addition to anyone wanting to grow veg without having to get rid of the lawn to do so!

Thos book will inspire you. It really is amazing how much food you can grow in small containers.


Very Inspiring, excellent, 20 Feb 2001
I have been looking around for a book on this subject for some time and this one certainly didn't disapoint, it is very well put together with gorgeous photography and practical advice, there is also a section dealing with each plant in turn for quick reference, which is very useful. From the title it isn't obvious that the author includes information on raised beds, so it makes the book relevent to practically everyone who wants to grow food in anything but the traditional allotment type way.

Kitchen Harvest: A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs in Containers, 16 Apr 2008
As a complete beginner no gardening experience what so ever, i feltthat i needed more help and more questions answered than this book could offer.

useful, 22 Jul 2006
It got me started on growing organic in contaciners, I always thought my garden was too small. It isn't the most comprehensive book, once you start having problems then you need to search elsewhere but inspirational in getting me started.

A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herb, 13 Mar 2004
What a great book for the small garden owner, just what I needed to put me on the right road, a very good book for info.

A serious attempt on a difficult subject, 12 Nov 2007
I am a big advocate on using plants to create green walls and roofs. They can reduce the urban "heat island" effect and create usable green open spaces. I found this book's discussions on Intensive Green Roof, Extensive Green Roof, , Ecoroof, Brown Roof, etc interesting. This book is a serious attempt on a difficult subject. The color photos inside the book are helpful also.

There are still technical difficulties in using green walls and roofs: water proofing, how to handle the structural weight of large trees, how to integrate large plants with building structure, etc. All these technical discussions are needed, and they could be the subject of another book.

Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA




basic introduction for the novice, 01 Jul 2007
A basic introduction the subject of green roofs and walls. Technical issues are not covered in great detail, but there is a comprehensive plant-list at the back. Most of the subjects are geared towards novices of urban greenery and somewhat haphazardly spaced throughout the book. Definitely not a thorough coverage, which I suppose is reflected in the budget price. There are some fine pictures and it is a pleasantly sized hardback.

The book makes you realise that in ten years we will be so surprised that back in the early 2000 roofs were not green, 31 May 2007
The incredibly complex technique of vertical planting is made accessible and a convincing case is made to go green on your roof: eco and economic benefits included.
This book is forward thinking but is the way forward in the changing climate.

Blue sky approaches made simple by the authors!

Loved it and feature it on my guide

Anne Editor- www.MyUrbanGardenDecoGuide.com

Practical information in a glance, 10 Apr 2001
For anyone starting out in gardening, I would recommend this book for its practical info and coverage of all aspects regarding containers. From beginning to end, from utensils to choosing plants to types of soil to the containers themselves, the user-friendly text provides answers to all the questions and difficulties encountered.

Tastes as good as it looks!, 14 Sep 2008
I've thoroughly enjoyed leafing through this colourful and inspirational book. I never realised veg growing could be so much fun or that they could look so good. I've tried several of the ideas in my garden this year and have been pretty successful. In fact, considering I've only been gardening for a couple of years and I only have a tiny courtyard, I'm really very pleased. The 'tumbling toms' and 'potted potager' worked particularly well.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys growing their own food, especially if they are short of space. You won't ever become self sufficient growing your veg in pots but every bit of homegrown produce is a bonus. Even if it doesn't reach the plate, at least with the help of this book your veg will be great to look at.

Can't wait try out some more ideas next year. I've already started planning!

Magnificent book, 09 Sep 2008
I bought this book for myself after birthday hints failed and what a treat it is. It is one of those books that is both beautiful and inspiring, providing lots of practical suggestions for creating stunning displays of edible plants - vital wghen you have minimal space.

The recipes are not prescriptive but form very sound guidance allowing you to adapt and experiment as you become more familiar with the plants and varieties out there.

I already had some basic knowledge of growing before buying this book but have never considered growing things to be a particularly complex issue worthy of the song and dance created by some. Even for a beginner I would say that there is enough in this book to provide the basic grounding anyone needs to be relatively successful with their plantings.

If you are inclined to get your nickers in a twist and need a basic Noddy's guide then this is probably not the book for you - but then it doesn't claim to be. There are plenty of books out there that will do the job instead. What this book does do is provide what many others don't - ideas for creating beautiful rather than just practical displays and guidance as to what plants compement each other well. The food recipes are an unusual and welcome addition.

I've got plans to recreate several of the schemes from this book next spring and in the meantime the book keeps coming off the bookshelves because it is just so lovely to look through.

Brilliant book - detailed, interesting and lush!, 28 Feb 2008
I have really enjoyed reading and dipping into this thoughtful book. It's an inspiring variety of beautiful container projects that instantly make you want to start grubbing about and planting great things to eat. Plus, did I mention? They look FABulous....

The instructions are clear, succinct and helpful. You don't have to have the exact container that the author uses - you could pick something out of a skip and have the project work just as well. A section at the back has really useful details such as which vegetables need which type of soil, what their peculiarities are, what shade or sun they like and how much moisture they prefer. A section at the front has no-nonsense information on compost, containers and what-you'll-need. I found it simple and easy to follow - not intimidating, and it doesn't expect you to know anything, or make you feel a twit if you don't. There are even recipes for the stuff you'll grow.

I am pottering about in amongst my containers with great confidence this spring, trying to grow things I've never dreamt of trying before, thanks to this book. Buy it, move beyond the sadness of one-tomato-plant-in-a-growbag in the corner of your patio. Have some fun!


A good looking book, 03 Jun 2007
For your money, you get 1 page of glossy photo, and 1 page explanation of how to achieve and a recipe. These are all relatively complex - don't expect simple guidance on the soil for growing peppers, aubergine or tomato in a pot. i.e. the practical advice you need to get started.

There is also a small (and for my purposes insufficient) section on how to look after what you are growing (by type) at the end.

I find the book very light on content and practicalities. It contains less info than a google search and what I wanted perhaps was the sort of practical advice and reference that a grandad might provide.

The projects all look great. I am stuggling to beleive anybody would actually have a go. The book is great for daydreaming in mid-winter so 2 stars.

Best book by far, 27 Mar 2007
This book is just what I've been looking for. Tells you how to easily grow fruit & veg with a tiny amount of space. The "Edible Container Garden" book wasn't anywhere near as good. Hardly any plans for pots and not nearly as clear and easy to do.

Inspiring, excelent pictures, very nice but not that detailed, 05 Jan 2008
Well, this is a good book. Really good pictures, advices, design and plenty of inspiration and ideas for balconies, roofs, raised beds, window boxes ans such.
I would certainly buy it. However, I did not give it five stars, since it lacks some chapter in following species-to-species treatment in containers. But do not get wrong with it, this book has a last appendix with tables and tables refering to conditions for growing all vegetables in containers, size of container, treatments, etc, but not the fully detailed history an details which I think the author could write.
I would give it 4 to 4.5 stars.

Buy it in combination with the "Bountiful container"
And also to the five-stars "21st century homesteading"

Limited space?, 27 Apr 2007
I have an allotment, but only a very small one (about the size of a small garden) and so I can't just go planting masses of everything.

This book is fantastic at showing how the maximise the space you have to make it as productive as possible.

As well as suggesting ways to plant, it deals with looking after your plants and treating them to ensure you get a good bounty from your veggies!

Detailing each plant and how to deal with it, with good photography and a nice down to earth (if you pardon the pun) explanation - this book is a great addition to anyone wanting to grow veg without having to get rid of the lawn to do so!

Thos book will inspire you. It really is amazing how much food you can grow in small containers.


Very Inspiring, excellent, 20 Feb 2001
I have been looking around for a book on this subject for some time and this one certainly didn't disapoint, it is very well put together with gorgeous photography and practical advice, there is also a section dealing with each plant in turn for quick reference, which is very useful. From the title it isn't obvious that the author includes information on raised beds, so it makes the book relevent to practically everyone who wants to grow food in anything but the traditional allotment type way.

Kitchen Harvest: A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs in Containers, 16 Apr 2008
As a complete beginner no gardening experience what so ever, i feltthat i needed more help and more questions answered than this book could offer.

useful, 22 Jul 2006
It got me started on growing organic in contaciners, I always thought my garden was too small. It isn't the most comprehensive book, once you start having problems then you need to search elsewhere but inspirational in getting me started.

A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herb, 13 Mar 2004
What a great book for the small garden owner, just what I needed to put me on the right road, a very good book for info.

A serious attempt on a difficult subject, 12 Nov 2007
I am a big advocate on using plants to create green walls and roofs. They can reduce the urban "heat island" effect and create usable green open spaces. I found this book's discussions on Intensive Green Roof, Extensive Green Roof, , Ecoroof, Brown Roof, etc interesting. This book is a serious attempt on a difficult subject. The color photos inside the book are helpful also.

There are still technical difficulties in using green walls and roofs: water proofing, how to handle the structural weight of large trees, how to integrate large plants with building structure, etc. All these technical discussions are needed, and they could be the subject of another book.

Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA




basic introduction for the novice, 01 Jul 2007
A basic introduction the subject of green roofs and walls. Technical issues are not covered in great detail, but there is a comprehensive plant-list at the back. Most of the subjects are geared towards novices of urban greenery and somewhat haphazardly spaced throughout the book. Definitely not a thorough coverage, which I suppose is reflected in the budget price. There are some fine pictures and it is a pleasantly sized hardback.

The book makes you realise that in ten years we will be so surprised that back in the early 2000 roofs were not green, 31 May 2007
The incredibly complex technique of vertical planting is made accessible and a convincing case is made to go green on your roof: eco and economic benefits included.
This book is forward thinking but is the way forward in the changing climate.

Blue sky approaches made simple by the authors!

Loved it and feature it on my guide

Anne Editor- www.MyUrbanGardenDecoGuide.com

Practical information in a glance, 10 Apr 2001
For anyone starting out in gardening, I would recommend this book for its practical info and coverage of all aspects regarding containers. From beginning to end, from utensils to choosing plants to types of soil to the containers themselves, the user-friendly text provides answers to all the questions and difficulties encountered.

covers everything, 15 Feb 2007
Fantastic book. Great colour photos, yes some of the gardens you may have seen before but a really diverse mixture of containers to inspire you which come with 'recipes' and cross referenced to the plant info at the back of the book. Also details of how to propagate, winter protection, pests and diseases and just about all you need to know. Easy to follow format, highly recomended.

Fabulous Pots, 06 Jan 2002
We bought "The Ultimate Container Garden" by David Joyce five years ago, when we moved to our new house. We have a large patio and no flower beds, so colour has to be achieved with planting pots & containers. David Joyce's schemes and ideas have been simple to carry out and have produced outstanding results. We are not very good gardeners, but our patio is full of colour from May to November. I recommend this book without reservation.

Tastes as good as it looks!, 14 Sep 2008
I've thoroughly enjoyed leafing through this colourful and inspirational book. I never realised veg growing could be so much fun or that they could look so good. I've tried several of the ideas in my garden this year and have been pretty successful. In fact, considering I've only been gardening for a couple of years and I only have a tiny courtyard, I'm really very pleased. The 'tumbling toms' and 'potted potager' worked particularly well.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys growing their own food, especially if they are short of space. You won't ever become self sufficient growing your veg in pots but every bit of homegrown produce is a bonus. Even if it doesn't reach the plate, at least with the help of this book your veg will be great to look at.

Can't wait try out some more ideas next year. I've already started planning!

Magnificent book, 09 Sep 2008
I bought this book for myself after birthday hints failed and what a treat it is. It is one of those books that is both beautiful and inspiring, providing lots of practical suggestions for creating stunning displays of edible plants - vital wghen you have minimal space.

The recipes are not prescriptive but form very sound guidance allowing you to adapt and experiment as you become more familiar with the plants and varieties out there.

I already had some basic knowledge of growing before buying this book but have never considered growing things to be a particularly complex issue worthy of the song and dance created by some. Even for a beginner I would say that there is enough in this book to provide the basic grounding anyone needs to be relatively successful with their plantings.

If you are inclined to get your nickers in a twist and need a basic Noddy's guide then this is probably not the book for you - but then it doesn't claim to be. There are plenty of books out there that will do the job instead. What this book does do is provide what many others don't - ideas for creating beautiful rather than just practical displays and guidance as to what plants compement each other well. The food recipes are an unusual and welcome addition.

I've got plans to recreate several of the schemes from this book next spring and in the meantime the book keeps coming off the bookshelves because it is just so lovely to look through.

Brilliant book - detailed, interesting and lush!, 28 Feb 2008
I have really enjoyed reading and dipping into this thoughtful book. It's an inspiring variety of beautiful container projects that instantly make you want to start grubbing about and planting great things to eat. Plus, did I mention? They look FABulous....

The instructions are clear, succinct and helpful. You don't have to have the exact container that the author uses - you could pick something out of a skip and have the project work just as well. A section at the back has really useful details such as which vegetables need which type of soil, what their peculiarities are, what shade or sun they like and how much moisture they prefer. A section at the front has no-nonsense information on compost, containers and what-you'll-need. I found it simple and easy to follow - not intimidating, and it doesn't expect you to know anything, or make you feel a twit if you don't. There are even recipes for the stuff you'll grow.

I am pottering about in amongst my containers with great confidence this spring, trying to grow things I've never dreamt of trying before, thanks to this book. Buy it, move beyond the sadness of one-tomato-plant-in-a-growbag in the corner of your patio. Have some fun!


A good looking book, 03 Jun 2007
For your money, you get 1 page of glossy photo, and 1 page explanation of how to achieve and a recipe. These are all relatively complex - don't expect simple guidance on the soil for growing peppers, aubergine or tomato in a pot. i.e. the practical advice you need to get started.

There is also a small (and for my purposes insufficient) section on how to look after what you are growing (by type) at the end.

I find the book very light on content and practicalities. It contains less info than a google search and what I wanted perhaps was the sort of practical advice and reference that a grandad might provide.

The projects all look great. I am stuggling to beleive anybody would actually have a go. The book is great for daydreaming in mid-winter so 2 stars.

Best book by far, 27 Mar 2007
This book is just what I've been looking for. Tells you how to easily grow fruit & veg with a tiny amount of space. The "Edible Container Garden" book wasn't anywhere near as good. Hardly any plans for pots and not nearly as clear and easy to do.

Inspiring, excelent pictures, very nice but not that detailed, 05 Jan 2008
Well, this is a good book. Really good pictures, advices, design and plenty of inspiration and ideas for balconies, roofs, raised beds, window boxes ans such.
I would certainly buy it. However, I did not give it five stars, since it lacks some chapter in following species-to-species treatment in containers. But do not get wrong with it, this book has a last appendix with tables and tables refering to conditions for growing all vegetables in containers, size of container, treatments, etc, but not the fully detailed history an details which I think the author could write.
I would give it 4 to 4.5 stars.

Buy it in combination with the "Bountiful container"
And also to the five-stars "21st century homesteading"

Limited space?, 27 Apr 2007
I have an allotment, but only a very small one (about the size of a small garden) and so I can't just go planting masses of everything.

This book is fantastic at showing how the maximise the space you have to make it as productive as possible.

As well as suggesting ways to plant, it deals with looking after your plants and treating them to ensure you get a good bounty from your veggies!

Detailing each plant and how to deal with it, with good photography and a nice down to earth (if you pardon the pun) explanation - this book is a great addition to anyone wanting to grow veg without having to get rid of the lawn to do so!

Thos book will inspire you. It really is amazing how much food you can grow in small containers.


Very Inspiring, excellent, 20 Feb 2001
I have been looking around for a book on this subject for some time and this one certainly didn't disapoint, it is very well put together with gorgeous photography and practical advice, there is also a section dealing with each plant in turn for quick reference, which is very useful. From the title it isn't obvious that the author includes information on raised beds, so it makes the book relevent to practically everyone who wants to grow food in anything but the traditional allotment type way.

Kitchen Harvest: A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs in Containers, 16 Apr 2008
As a complete beginner no gardening experience what so ever, i feltthat i needed more help and more questions answered than this book could offer.

useful, 22 Jul 2006
It got me started on growing organic in contaciners, I always thought my garden was too small. It isn't the most comprehensive book, once you start having problems then you need to search elsewhere but inspirational in getting me started.

A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herb, 13 Mar 2004
What a great book for the small garden owner, just what I needed to put me on the right road, a very good book for info.

A serious attempt on a difficult subject, 12 Nov 2007
I am a big advocate on using plants to create green walls and roofs. They can reduce the urban "heat island" effect and create usable green open spaces. I found this book's discussions on Intensive Green Roof, Extensive Green Roof, , Ecoroof, Brown Roof, etc interesting. This book is a serious attempt on a difficult subject. The color photos inside the book are helpful also.

There are still technical difficulties in using green walls and roofs: water proofing, how to handle the structural weight of large trees, how to integrate large plants with building structure, etc. All these technical discussions are needed, and they could be the subject of another book.

Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA




basic introduction for the novice, 01 Jul 2007
A basic introduction the subject of green roofs and walls. Technical issues are not covered in great detail, but there is a comprehensive plant-list at the back. Most of the subjects are geared towards novices of urban greenery and somewhat haphazardly spaced throughout the book. Definitely not a thorough coverage, which I suppose is reflected in the budget price. There are some fine pictures and it is a pleasantly sized hardback.

The book makes you realise that in ten years we will be so surprised that back in the early 2000 roofs were not green, 31 May 2007
The incredibly complex technique of vertical planting is made accessible and a convincing case is made to go green on your roof: eco and economic benefits included.
This book is forward thinking but is the way forward in the changing climate.

Blue sky approaches made simple by the authors!

Loved it and feature it on my guide

Anne Editor- www.MyUrbanGardenDecoGuide.com

Practical information in a glance, 10 Apr 2001
For anyone starting out in gardening, I would recommend this book for its practical info and coverage of all aspects regarding containers. From beginning to end, from utensils to choosing plants to types of soil to the containers themselves, the user-friendly text provides answers to all the questions and difficulties encountered.

covers everything, 15 Feb 2007
Fantastic book. Great colour photos, yes some of the gardens you may have seen before but a really diverse mixture of containers to inspire you which come with 'recipes' and cross referenced to the plant info at the back of the book. Also details of how to propagate, winter protection, pests and diseases and just about all you need to know. Easy to follow format, highly recomended.

Fabulous Pots, 06 Jan 2002
We bought "The Ultimate Container Garden" by David Joyce five years ago, when we moved to our new house. We have a large patio and no flower beds, so colour has to be achieved with planting pots & containers. David Joyce's schemes and ideas have been simple to carry out and have produced outstanding results. We are not very good gardeners, but our patio is full of colour from May to November. I recommend this book without reservation.

Don't bother, 31 Jul 2008
Don't waste your money. VFT seeds are viable for only a few months and these packs have usually been sitting on a shelf for long periods.

They also take 3 to 4 years to come to maturity. 4 seeds is unbelievably stingy as well!

Just buy an adult plant for a fiver.

I Think I bought Bird Seed, 19 Mar 2008

I bought my seeds, read the book, followed instructions to the letter and out of 4 seeds didnt get one plant !

Tastes as good as it looks!, 14 Sep 2008
I've thoroughly enjoyed leafing through this colourful and inspirational book. I never realised veg growing could be so much fun or that they could look so good. I've tried several of the ideas in my garden this year and have been pretty successful. In fact, considering I've only been gardening for a couple of years and I only have a tiny courtyard, I'm really very pleased. The 'tumbling toms' and 'potted potager' worked particularly well.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys growing their own food, especially if they are short of space. You won't ever become self sufficient growing your veg in pots but every bit of homegrown produce is a bonus. Even if it doesn't reach the plate, at least with the help of this book your veg will be great to look at.

Can't wait try out some more ideas next year. I've already started planning!

Magnificent book, 09 Sep 2008
I bought this book for myself after birthday hints failed and what a treat it is. It is one of those books that is both beautiful and inspiring, providing lots of practical suggestions for creating stunning displays of edible plants - vital wghen you have minimal space.

The recipes are not prescriptive but form very sound guidance allowing you to adapt and experiment as you become more familiar with the plants and varieties out there.

I already had some basic knowledge of growing before buying this book but have never considered growing things to be a particularly complex issue worthy of the song and dance created by some. Even for a beginner I would say that there is enough in this book to provide the basic grounding anyone needs to be relatively successful with their plantings.

If you are inclined to get your nickers in a twist and need a basic Noddy's guide then this is probably not the book for you - but then it doesn't claim to be. There are plenty of books out there that will do the job instead. What this book does do is provide what many others don't - ideas for creating beautiful rather than just practical displays and guidance as to what plants compement each other well. The food recipes are an unusual and welcome addition.

I've got plans to recreate several of the schemes from this book next spring and in the meantime the book keeps coming off the bookshelves because it is just so lovely to look through.

Brilliant book - detailed, interesting and lush!, 28 Feb 2008
I have really enjoyed reading and dipping into this thoughtful book. It's an inspiring variety of beautiful container projects that instantly make you want to start grubbing about and planting great things to eat. Plus, did I mention? They look FABulous....

The instructions are clear, succinct and helpful. You don't have to have the exact container that the author uses - you could pick something out of a skip and have the project work just as well. A section at the back has really useful details such as which vegetables need which type of soil, what their peculiarities are, what shade or sun they like and how much moisture they prefer. A section at the front has no-nonsense information on compost, containers and what-you'll-need. I found it simple and easy to follow - not intimidating, and it doesn't expect you to know anything, or make you feel a twit if you don't. There are even recipes for the stuff you'll grow.

I am pottering about in amongst my containers with great confidence this spring, trying to grow things I've never dreamt of trying before, thanks to this book. Buy it, move beyond the sadness of one-tomato-plant-in-a-growbag in the corner of your patio. Have some fun!


A good looking book, 03 Jun 2007
For your money, you get 1 page of glossy photo, and 1 page explanation of how to achieve and a recipe. These are all relatively complex - don't expect simple guidance on the soil for growing peppers, aubergine or tomato in a pot. i.e. the practical advice you need to get started.

There is also a small (and for my purposes insufficient) section on how to look after what you are growing (by type) at the end.

I find the book very light on content and practicalities. It contains less info than a google search and what I wanted perhaps was the sort of practical advice and reference that a grandad might provide.

The projects all look great. I am stuggling to beleive anybody would actually have a go. The book is great for daydreaming in mid-winter so 2 stars.

Best book by far, 27 Mar 2007
This book is just what I've been looking for. Tells you how to easily grow fruit & veg with a tiny amount of space. The "Edible Container Garden" book wasn't anywhere near as good. Hardly any plans for pots and not nearly as clear and easy to do.

Inspiring, excelent pictures, very nice but not that detailed, 05 Jan 2008
Well, this is a good book. Really good pictures, advices, design and plenty of inspiration and ideas for balconies, roofs, raised beds, window boxes ans such.
I would certainly buy it. However, I did not give it five stars, since it lacks some chapter in following species-to-species treatment in containers. But do not get wrong with it, this book has a last appendix with tables and tables refering to conditions for growing all vegetables in containers, size of container, treatments, etc, but not the fully detailed history an details which I think the author could write.
I would give it 4 to 4.5 stars.

Buy it in combination with the "Bountiful container"
And also to the five-stars "21st century homesteading"

Limited space?, 27 Apr 2007
I have an allotment, but only a very small one (about the size of a small garden) and so I can't just go planting masses of everything.

This book is fantastic at showing how the maximise the space you have to make it as productive as possible.

As well as suggesting ways to plant, it deals with looking after your plants and treating them to ensure you get a good bounty from your veggies!

Detailing each plant and how to deal with it, with good photography and a nice down to earth (if you pardon the pun) explanation - this book is a great addition to anyone wanting to grow veg without having to get rid of the lawn to do so!

Thos book will inspire you. It really is amazing how much food you can grow in small containers.


Very Inspiring, excellent, 20 Feb 2001
I have been looking around for a book on this subject for some time and this one certainly didn't disapoint, it is very well put together with gorgeous photography and practical advice, there is also a section dealing with each plant in turn for quick reference, which is very useful. From the title it isn't obvious that the author includes information on raised beds, so it makes the book relevent to practically everyone who wants to grow food in anything but the traditional allotment type way.

Kitchen Harvest: A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs in Containers, 16 Apr 2008
As a complete beginner no gardening experience what so ever, i feltthat i needed more help and more questions answered than this book could offer.

useful, 22 Jul 2006
It got me started on growing organic in contaciners, I always thought my garden was too small. It isn't the most comprehensive book, once you start having problems then you need to search elsewhere but inspirational in getting me started.

A Cook's Guide to Growing Organic Fruit, Vegetables and Herb, 13 Mar 2004
What a great book for the small garden owner, just what I needed to put me on the right road, a very good book for info.

A serious attempt on a difficult subject, 12 Nov 2007
I am a big advocate on using plants to create green walls and roofs. They can reduce the urban "heat island" effect and create usable green open spaces. I found this book's discussions on Intensive Green Roof, Extensive Green Roof, , Ecoroof, Brown Roof, etc interesting. This book is a serious attempt on a difficult subject. The color photos inside the book are helpful also.

There are still technical difficulties in using green walls and roofs: water proofing, how to handle the structural weight of large trees, how to integrate large plants with building structure, etc. All these technical discussions are needed, and they could be the subject of another book.

Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA




basic introduction for the novice, 01 Jul 2007
A basic introduction the subject of green roofs and walls. Technical issues are not covered in great detail, but there is a comprehensive plant-list at the back. Most of the subjects are geared towards novices of urban greenery and somewhat haphazardly spaced throughout the book. Definitely not a thorough coverage, which I suppose is reflected in the budget price. There are some fine pictures and it is a pleasantly sized hardback.

The book makes you realise that in ten years we will be so surprised that back in the early 2000 roofs were not green, 31 May 2007
The incredibly complex technique of vertical planting is made accessible and a convincing case is made to go green on your roof: eco and economic benefits included.
This book is forward thinking but is the way forward in the changing climate.

Blue sky approaches made simple by the authors!

Loved it and feature it on my guide

Anne Editor- www.MyUrbanGardenDecoGuide.com

Practical information in a glance, 10 Apr 2001
For anyone starting out in gardening, I would recommend this book for its practical info and coverage of all aspects regarding containers. From beginning to end, from utensils to choosing plants to types of soil to the containers themselves, the user-friendly text provides answers to all the questions and difficulties encountered.

covers everything, 15 Feb 2007
Fantastic book. Great colour photos, yes some of the gardens you may have seen before but a really diverse mixture of containers to inspire you which come with 'recipes' and cross referenced to the plant info at the back of the book. Also details of how to propagate, winter protection, pests and diseases and just about all you need to know. Easy to follow format, highly recomended.

Fabulous Pots, 06 Jan 2002
We bought "The Ultimate Container Garden" by David Joyce five years ago, when we moved to our new house. We have a large patio and no flower beds, so colour has to be achieved with planting pots & containers. David Joyce's schemes and ideas have been simple to carry out and have produced outstanding results. We are not very good gardeners, but our patio is full of colour from May to November. I recommend this book without reservation.

Don't bother, 31 Jul 2008
Don't waste your money. VFT seeds are viable for only a few months and these packs have usually been sitting on a shelf for long periods.

They also take 3 to 4 years to come to maturity. 4 seeds is unbelievably stingy as well!

Just buy an adult plant for a fiver.

I Think I bought Bird Seed, 19 Mar 2008

I bought my seeds, read the book, followed instructions to the letter and out of 4 seeds didnt get one plant !

Good but don't take believe it 100%, 14 Mar 2008
Very much written for the "gullible American" market.

Don't believe all you read, but the main points are very strong and it does encourage one to think differently about gardening.

Recommended.

Great book - easy to follow, 13 Mar 2008
As a family we were keen to start a vegetable plot and only having a relatively small garden with limited space, raised beds seemed a good idea. But how to start?

A neighbour lent me his copy of Mel Bartholomews 'All New Square Foot Gardening' and I read most of it in one night and it all seemed to make sense.

You seem to have to outlay a lot of money on timber, netting, peat, compost, vermiculite etc but if it lasts a long time (Mel says the soil is good for 10+ years if you add compost on a regular basis) it will more than pay for itself (although that's not the main reason for doing it). We sourced coarse vermiculite realatively easily from a local builders merchant (TP) in 100L bags for approx £10 each.

Overall the book is very clear, and Mel's enthusiasm shines through and is contagious.

Highly recommended.

Practical and simple to follow - even for me!, 22 Feb 2007
I've been really wanting to get into gardening for quite a while now - especially vegetables & fruit. I am by no means green fingered, have little time, and have felt somewhat overwhelmed or bewildered by the gardening books which I've read. This is most definitely the exception. It has inspired me to try this kind of gardening, and I've made a start with it now. so far everything has been simple, quick, and very easy to understand. Of course, it's too soon to see whether I successfully grow things with it :-)

I used an online converter to convert the feet and inches to metric, and cubic feet to litres for the soil. Someone commented that they'd found vermiculite (a necessary component of the soil in Mel's system) difficult to find. Here in the UK it is very, very easy to get. Any garden centre has it, and many mail order garden supply companies (eg Thompson & Morgen) stock it also.

Just one tip: My husband carefully made the necessary raised beds for me, which I then had to carefully paint, avoiding any area that the soil would touch. And then discovered that we could have made them with link-a-board kits much more easily and cheaply! I'll order these online for any future square foot beds, and just make the grid to go over them.

As mother of a 3 year old who loves to 'help' me in the garden, I really liked Mel's suggestion that one or more of the square feet sections be given to a child as their garden, with their name written on the grid, making it managable and exciting for the child.

One last point. At the time of writing this review (and when I ordered), Amazon is bundling this book with Cubed Foot Gardening. I ordered the bundle and was very disappointed. The other book is simply an older, much more difficult to follow version of this book. The only difference (apart from ease of understanding and applying) is that this one contains a token reference to flowers, to show that you can grow them also using this system. Save your money - just get this book.

A Book a Gardener Can't Miss on Either Side of the Pond, 12 Jun 2006
By a happy accident, I stumbled upon the 1982 copy of Square Foot Gardening. I was very pleased with his concept. However, having a full acre but not a tiller, I was even more pleased when I came across his All New Square Foot Gardening. "What an ingenious method!" thought I. No $50 fee for a tiller and borrowing a truck and all that mess! That's until I tried to actually put it into practice. Don't get me wrong, this is a fantastic concept, and it works very well and you should get this book if you want to garden smarter not harder, but there are a few hiccups I wanted other readers to know about before they got started.

For those of you who have not perused the book or are familiar with the new method, I'll sum it up for you: you build these four by four boxes--no tilling required--cover the bottom with weed blocker material, and then fill it with a particular mix that Mel says works like a dream. The boxes are easy, the method is brilliant, but the mix was a different story. 1/3 compost, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 vermiculite, agricultural gauge, which means chunky bits of vermiculite, not fine.

And the vermiculite--at least for stateside gardening--has proven very hard to find. He makes it sound like a breeze, but it wasn't. I had to finally order the finely ground vermiculite from a pool supply company. They use it instead of sand to cushion above-ground pool bottoms instead of sand. (I am anxious to hear from anyone in the UK who has looked for this material and how difficult it was to find).

Other than finding the vermiculite--which we finally did in fine grade for $28 for four boxes--I've rarely seen a more reader-friendly book! It comes complete with layout pages, very consise planting guides, even planting time tables for your area and the amount of time you can store your seeds! If you have never gardened before or started a garden that eventually left you frustrated, then this is the book for you! I just think that you should check your area for agricultural grade vermiculite before you buy the book. But once that little snafu is over, you are going to be amazed at how brilliant and easy this book makes successful gardening.

I highly recommend this method for busy people and parents like myself. It is wonderfully easy to maintain, makes loads of produce, and looks very attractive. Two green thumbs way, way up. I especially recommend it to UK gardeners because of the small gardening space that is available to them. It is extremely compact and works quite well in small spaces.

To see my boxes and my experience with the All New Square Foot Gardening method, check out my frugal/tipping blog at http://moness.blogspot.com.

Tastes as good as it looks!, 14 Sep 2008
I've thoroughly enjoyed leafing through this colourful and inspirational book. I never realised veg growing could be so much fun or that they could look so good. I've tried several of the ideas in my garden this year and have been pretty successful. In fact, considering I've only been gardening for a couple of years and I only have a tiny courtyard, I'm really very pleased. The 'tumbling toms' and 'potted potager' worked particularly well.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys growing their own food, especially if they are short of space. You won't ever become self sufficient growing your veg in pots but every bit of homegrown produce is a bonus. Even if it doesn't reach the plate, at least with the help of this book your veg will be great to look at.

Can't wait try out some more ideas next year. I've already started planning!

Magnificent book, 09 Sep 2008
I bought this book for myself after birthday hints failed and what a treat it is. It is one of those books that is both beautiful and inspiring, providing lots of practical suggestions for creating stunning displays of edible plants - vital wghen you have minimal space.

The recipes are not prescriptive but form very sound guidance allowing you to adapt and experiment as you become more familiar with the plants and varieties out there.

I already had some basic knowledge of growing before buying this book but have never considered growing things to be a particularly complex issue worthy of the song and dance created by some. Even for a beginner I would say that there is enough in this book to provide the basic grounding anyone needs to be relatively successful with their plantings.

If you are inclined to get your nickers in a twist and need a basic Noddy's guide then this is probably not the book for you - but then it doesn't claim to be. There are plenty of books out there that will do the job instead. What this book does do is provide what many others don't - ideas for creating beautiful rather than just practical displays and guidance as to what plants compement each other well. The food recipes are an unusual and welcome addition.

I've got plans to recreate several of the schemes from this book next spring and in the meantime the book keeps coming off the bookshelves because it is just so lovely to look through.

Brilliant book - detailed, interesting and lush!, 28 Feb 2008
I have really enjoyed reading and dipping into this thoughtful book. It's an in