Proper User Guide for a Veg Plot, 31 May 2008
Too many gardening authors take time out to wax lyrical about seasons and the joys of blackbirds and dew on your runner canes. Their books end up as a decent afternoon's read, but difficult to use when you're trying to work out what's going wrong with your kohlrabi.

This book is different. Veg are listed alphabetically with clear sections on selecting varieties, planting, looking after, harvesting and cooking, with a troubleshooting guide covering disease, pests, storage and the like.

No nonsense, everything you need and easy to find.

The bees knees..., 04 May 2008
Having just started with a vagetable patch in the garden, I was looking for, in effect an "idiot's guide" to vegetable growing (believe me, I needed it !) - this book is marvellous - helpful illustrations,easy to follow layout & packed with information on cultivation, preperation, eating, protecting from pests & diseases, the whole lot.
The herb section is by no means as comprehensive as the veg part of the book, but it has inspired me to grow my own selection of herbs (in one of those very attractive "ornamental" wooden wheelbarrows,my wife's aunty got us for Christmas - bless) & hopefully add something a bit different, interesting & above all, tasty to the garden.
I bought this at the same time as a far glossier, bigger (& more expensive !) book I got from the garden centre - this book beats the more expensive competition hands down. A really great investment, made me burst with horticultural enthusiasm & feel like Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's cousin.


Vegetable & Herb Expert by D.G.Hessayon review, 23 Apr 2007
I have always found the Expert Garden range of books to be my most valuable gardening books - clear, simple and easy to find what you want.

Sadly they have not updated to metric units so I can no longer buy them as presents for budding gardeners, since the modern generation only know metric and there is nothing more discouraging than to use a book you cannot understand. I hope they will rectify this before long so that I can continue using them.

Great help to a novice grower, 05 Nov 2006
I got this book when I decided to get my allotment, and I found and still do a great help.

Fantastic pictures are illustrated with the information that goes with them.

The book starts at the beginning which helps if you're a complete novice to vegetable growing.

"Getting started" covers digging and preparing your land, what is the best seeds to buy and how to sow them. This section also covers the importance of crop rotation.

Other section covers the growing of vegetables, covers greenhouse growing, border planting and cover pot and windowsill planting.

Looking after vegetables section covers the dreaded weeding. But it also covers feeding, mulching and watering of the plants; also a section is covered on spotting and dealing with pests.

The book has a section about unusual types of vegetables and how to grow them.

There is a good section on vegetable troubles, how to spot and treat before it starts to do damage to other crops.

Tips on how to preserve and ripen your vegetables and of course to eat them.

This is a great book and if you're thinking of growing your own vegetables like I have done this year, this books it a must


Growing into an expert, 31 Oct 2006
Just moved from London with a shady patio to a country acre, with greenhouse and allotment sized veg patch - and not had to buy a vegetable since March. I was worried gardening was one of those things you couldn't do by book-learning, but of the four tomes I picked up, this is the only one I would use. Brilliant, and inspiring confidence straight away - I'm buying the rest of the series!

Proper User Guide for a Veg Plot, 31 May 2008
Too many gardening authors take time out to wax lyrical about seasons and the joys of blackbirds and dew on your runner canes. Their books end up as a decent afternoon's read, but difficult to use when you're trying to work out what's going wrong with your kohlrabi.

This book is different. Veg are listed alphabetically with clear sections on selecting varieties, planting, looking after, harvesting and cooking, with a troubleshooting guide covering disease, pests, storage and the like.

No nonsense, everything you need and easy to find.

The bees knees..., 04 May 2008
Having just started with a vagetable patch in the garden, I was looking for, in effect an "idiot's guide" to vegetable growing (believe me, I needed it !) - this book is marvellous - helpful illustrations,easy to follow layout & packed with information on cultivation, preperation, eating, protecting from pests & diseases, the whole lot.
The herb section is by no means as comprehensive as the veg part of the book, but it has inspired me to grow my own selection of herbs (in one of those very attractive "ornamental" wooden wheelbarrows,my wife's aunty got us for Christmas - bless) & hopefully add something a bit different, interesting & above all, tasty to the garden.
I bought this at the same time as a far glossier, bigger (& more expensive !) book I got from the garden centre - this book beats the more expensive competition hands down. A really great investment, made me burst with horticultural enthusiasm & feel like Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's cousin.


Vegetable & Herb Expert by D.G.Hessayon review, 23 Apr 2007
I have always found the Expert Garden range of books to be my most valuable gardening books - clear, simple and easy to find what you want.

Sadly they have not updated to metric units so I can no longer buy them as presents for budding gardeners, since the modern generation only know metric and there is nothing more discouraging than to use a book you cannot understand. I hope they will rectify this before long so that I can continue using them.

Great help to a novice grower, 05 Nov 2006
I got this book when I decided to get my allotment, and I found and still do a great help.

Fantastic pictures are illustrated with the information that goes with them.

The book starts at the beginning which helps if you're a complete novice to vegetable growing.

"Getting started" covers digging and preparing your land, what is the best seeds to buy and how to sow them. This section also covers the importance of crop rotation.

Other section covers the growing of vegetables, covers greenhouse growing, border planting and cover pot and windowsill planting.

Looking after vegetables section covers the dreaded weeding. But it also covers feeding, mulching and watering of the plants; also a section is covered on spotting and dealing with pests.

The book has a section about unusual types of vegetables and how to grow them.

There is a good section on vegetable troubles, how to spot and treat before it starts to do damage to other crops.

Tips on how to preserve and ripen your vegetables and of course to eat them.

This is a great book and if you're thinking of growing your own vegetables like I have done this year, this books it a must


Growing into an expert, 31 Oct 2006
Just moved from London with a shady patio to a country acre, with greenhouse and allotment sized veg patch - and not had to buy a vegetable since March. I was worried gardening was one of those things you couldn't do by book-learning, but of the four tomes I picked up, this is the only one I would use. Brilliant, and inspiring confidence straight away - I'm buying the rest of the series!



Great for a starter, 17 Jul 2008
This is a lovely little book full of nice colour pictures. If you are completely brand new to chicken keeping this book is a good starter for you - it was to me! You'll soon find though that you'll be looking for one with a bit more detail and specific information.

Common sense, 17 May 2008
I bought this book because of everyone else comments, saying how good it was. But I don't feel like its told me anything I don't know. Of course you need to use dust mite powder or to check for fleas, these are very simple things. But there's no information on what to do if your hen's looking ill or any real health advice. Very disappointing.

Good book for those considering to keep pet Chucks, 14 May 2008
I got this book before getting my chickens and it gave me a high level overview of what would be required. I would recommend this book to any one considering getting pet chickens but once you have your chucks you will probably be best getting a more detailed book to help with those niggly intial queries.

An Eggciting Read!, 20 Oct 2007
This is a really great book for anyone considering to keep chickens in their garden. It explains the anatomy of the chicken and egg in good detail and goes so far as to telling you what a chickens daily routine is!

With great pictures and helpful hints, this book is a must buy for any potential poultry proprietor!

great kids book, 09 Jul 2007
A good first book when you are thinking about getting 'pet' chickens. It is worded simply, no jargon and is a great book to share with your kids. I think if you want just a basic knowledge then this is the book for you, but if you want more (more than pretty pictures and text aimed at youngsters aka dorling kindersley style) you should buy a different book. If I didn't have young kids to pass this book onto to read I'd think it was a bit of a waste of money, sorry.

Proper User Guide for a Veg Plot, 31 May 2008
Too many gardening authors take time out to wax lyrical about seasons and the joys of blackbirds and dew on your runner canes. Their books end up as a decent afternoon's read, but difficult to use when you're trying to work out what's going wrong with your kohlrabi.

This book is different. Veg are listed alphabetically with clear sections on selecting varieties, planting, looking after, harvesting and cooking, with a troubleshooting guide covering disease, pests, storage and the like.

No nonsense, everything you need and easy to find.

The bees knees..., 04 May 2008
Having just started with a vagetable patch in the garden, I was looking for, in effect an "idiot's guide" to vegetable growing (believe me, I needed it !) - this book is marvellous - helpful illustrations,easy to follow layout & packed with information on cultivation, preperation, eating, protecting from pests & diseases, the whole lot.
The herb section is by no means as comprehensive as the veg part of the book, but it has inspired me to grow my own selection of herbs (in one of those very attractive "ornamental" wooden wheelbarrows,my wife's aunty got us for Christmas - bless) & hopefully add something a bit different, interesting & above all, tasty to the garden.
I bought this at the same time as a far glossier, bigger (& more expensive !) book I got from the garden centre - this book beats the more expensive competition hands down. A really great investment, made me burst with horticultural enthusiasm & feel like Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's cousin.


Vegetable & Herb Expert by D.G.Hessayon review, 23 Apr 2007
I have always found the Expert Garden range of books to be my most valuable gardening books - clear, simple and easy to find what you want.

Sadly they have not updated to metric units so I can no longer buy them as presents for budding gardeners, since the modern generation only know metric and there is nothing more discouraging than to use a book you cannot understand. I hope they will rectify this before long so that I can continue using them.

Great help to a novice grower, 05 Nov 2006
I got this book when I decided to get my allotment, and I found and still do a great help.

Fantastic pictures are illustrated with the information that goes with them.

The book starts at the beginning which helps if you're a complete novice to vegetable growing.

"Getting started" covers digging and preparing your land, what is the best seeds to buy and how to sow them. This section also covers the importance of crop rotation.

Other section covers the growing of vegetables, covers greenhouse growing, border planting and cover pot and windowsill planting.

Looking after vegetables section covers the dreaded weeding. But it also covers feeding, mulching and watering of the plants; also a section is covered on spotting and dealing with pests.

The book has a section about unusual types of vegetables and how to grow them.

There is a good section on vegetable troubles, how to spot and treat before it starts to do damage to other crops.

Tips on how to preserve and ripen your vegetables and of course to eat them.

This is a great book and if you're thinking of growing your own vegetables like I have done this year, this books it a must


Growing into an expert, 31 Oct 2006
Just moved from London with a shady patio to a country acre, with greenhouse and allotment sized veg patch - and not had to buy a vegetable since March. I was worried gardening was one of those things you couldn't do by book-learning, but of the four tomes I picked up, this is the only one I would use. Brilliant, and inspiring confidence straight away - I'm buying the rest of the series!



Great for a starter, 17 Jul 2008
This is a lovely little book full of nice colour pictures. If you are completely brand new to chicken keeping this book is a good starter for you - it was to me! You'll soon find though that you'll be looking for one with a bit more detail and specific information.

Common sense, 17 May 2008
I bought this book because of everyone else comments, saying how good it was. But I don't feel like its told me anything I don't know. Of course you need to use dust mite powder or to check for fleas, these are very simple things. But there's no information on what to do if your hen's looking ill or any real health advice. Very disappointing.

Good book for those considering to keep pet Chucks, 14 May 2008
I got this book before getting my chickens and it gave me a high level overview of what would be required. I would recommend this book to any one considering getting pet chickens but once you have your chucks you will probably be best getting a more detailed book to help with those niggly intial queries.

An Eggciting Read!, 20 Oct 2007
This is a really great book for anyone considering to keep chickens in their garden. It explains the anatomy of the chicken and egg in good detail and goes so far as to telling you what a chickens daily routine is!

With great pictures and helpful hints, this book is a must buy for any potential poultry proprietor!

great kids book, 09 Jul 2007
A good first book when you are thinking about getting 'pet' chickens. It is worded simply, no jargon and is a great book to share with your kids. I think if you want just a basic knowledge then this is the book for you, but if you want more (more than pretty pictures and text aimed at youngsters aka dorling kindersley style) you should buy a different book. If I didn't have young kids to pass this book onto to read I'd think it was a bit of a waste of money, sorry.

Good improvements in this 4th edition of a popular text, 13 Oct 2005
This new edition of a core text for students of horticulture is welcomed. The addition of colour plates is helpful and the layout has generally improved. I think the book does a difficult job well as the subject is huge and it must be very difficult to decide what to leave out and how much depth to go to. I'm hoping it will help me with the RHS Advanced Cerificate exam.

Good companion guide to RHS General Certificate studies, 21 Dec 2003
I'm pretty happy with this book. Having decided to do Horticulture studies by correspondence in Switzerland, this book came up when searching for some pre-study material. It is also first book off the list of recommended reading from my school, which I'm pleased to see. It provides further in-depth reading to the course material provided, although my one whinge is that it could expand its chapter on pests and diseases as there are so many covered in the course. Happily websites like the RHS help out here. However, this book is fine foundation reading.

brillant, 23 Jan 2002
if you are intrested in any part of horticulture for a hobby or study, this is a must have every thing is explained in full in terms that any one would understand.And this is a up dated one.

brillant, 27 Nov 2001
I have read the 2nd edition but this one is much better they keep adding more information. if you are into gardening of any type this is the book to have. Very easy to read.

Highly recommended for students and professionals, 14 Nov 2000
This book provides a valuable introduction to horticulture. The information covered is wide ranging, explained clearly and is accompanied on many occasions by useful pictures and diagrams. This text was useful to me on the HNC/HND (Horticulture) course and also occasionally during my horticultural degree. The book would also be of interest to many horticuural professionals. There are not currently enough text books available specifically for horticultural students so this book is a valuable one.

The behavioural problems covered in The Dog Listener will sound all too familiar to anyone who shares their life with a canine companion. During the 25 years that Jan Fennell has been working with dogs, she's been increasingly aware of the ways in which communication between man's best friend and ourselves has broken down. Inspired by Monty Roberts, Fennell embraces similar ideas to those found in The Man Who Listens to Horses. Rather than trying to fit human psychology to animals, the starting point is observing how animals communicate, how they structure their groups in the wild and what they think their role is.

Initially Fennell looks at the role that dogs have played historically--primarily a working role, in which human and animal worked side by side to the same goal. Many owners flinch as the idea of a dog "working", with associations of oppression and hierarchy. But dogs naturally form a hierarchical society with the strongest, most intelligent dog leading the pack. Humans might thrive on the concept of democracy but dogs don't automatically feel the same way. When we understand and respect a dog's mindset, effective training can be done with intelligence and compassion.

Each chapter deals with a different case study and owners of problem or "challenging" dogs will be kicking themselves as they realise just how wrong they've been getting it all this time. Some myths dispelled: "Tugging games are fun and it makes my little dog happy to think he's the winner." Wrong--if you let the dog win it reinforces the idea that he is the top dog in the group. "My dog can't bear to be left in the house ... because he loves me so much." Wrong--your dog thinks that he is responsible for you, the acute anxiety that results from separation can be likened to that of a mother who's has a toddler wander off by itself into untold danger.

Much of what we do to show affection to our dogs actually has the result of creating insecurities and confusion. In this respect many ideas are similar to those in John Fisher's Think Dog, particularly on remedies for anxious and aggressive dogs. Here though, the use of real life case studies offers encouragement that following this advice can initiate a rapid transformation in your dog's behaviour. Jan Fennell writes with affection and a real conviction that sharing her work with others can make a real difference. Her wide and admiring audience of happy dog owners would indicate that the title of "dog listener" is a highly appropriate one.--Tony Martin

Proper User Guide for a Veg Plot, 31 May 2008
Too many gardening authors take time out to wax lyrical about seasons and the joys of blackbirds and dew on your runner canes. Their books end up as a decent afternoon's read, but difficult to use when you're trying to work out what's going wrong with your kohlrabi.

This book is different. Veg are listed alphabetically with clear sections on selecting varieties, planting, looking after, harvesting and cooking, with a troubleshooting guide covering disease, pests, storage and the like.

No nonsense, everything you need and easy to find.

The bees knees..., 04 May 2008
Having just started with a vagetable patch in the garden, I was looking for, in effect an "idiot's guide" to vegetable growing (believe me, I needed it !) - this book is marvellous - helpful illustrations,easy to follow layout & packed with information on cultivation, preperation, eating, protecting from pests & diseases, the whole lot.
The herb section is by no means as comprehensive as the veg part of the book, but it has inspired me to grow my own selection of herbs (in one of those very attractive "ornamental" wooden wheelbarrows,my wife's aunty got us for Christmas - bless) & hopefully add something a bit different, interesting & above all, tasty to the garden.
I bought this at the same time as a far glossier, bigger (& more expensive !) book I got from the garden centre - this book beats the more expensive competition hands down. A really great investment, made me burst with horticultural enthusiasm & feel like Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's cousin.


Vegetable & Herb Expert by D.G.Hessayon review, 23 Apr 2007
I have always found the Expert Garden range of books to be my most valuable gardening books - clear, simple and easy to find what you want.

Sadly they have not updated to metric units so I can no longer buy them as presents for budding gardeners, since the modern generation only know metric and there is nothing more discouraging than to use a book you cannot understand. I hope they will rectify this before long so that I can continue using them.

Great help to a novice grower, 05 Nov 2006
I got this book when I decided to get my allotment, and I found and still do a great help.

Fantastic pictures are illustrated with the information that goes with them.

The book starts at the beginning which helps if you're a complete novice to vegetable growing.

"Getting started" covers digging and preparing your land, what is the best seeds to buy and how to sow them. This section also covers the importance of crop rotation.

Other section covers the growing of vegetables, covers greenhouse growing, border planting and cover pot and windowsill planting.

Looking after vegetables section covers the dreaded weeding. But it also covers feeding, mulching and watering of the plants; also a section is covered on spotting and dealing with pests.

The book has a section about unusual types of vegetables and how to grow them.

There is a good section on vegetable troubles, how to spot and treat before it starts to do damage to other crops.

Tips on how to preserve and ripen your vegetables and of course to eat them.

This is a great book and if you're thinking of growing your own vegetables like I have done this year, this books it a must


Growing into an expert, 31 Oct 2006
Just moved from London with a shady patio to a country acre, with greenhouse and allotment sized veg patch - and not had to buy a vegetable since March. I was worried gardening was one of those things you couldn't do by book-learning, but of the four tomes I picked up, this is the only one I would use. Brilliant, and inspiring confidence straight away - I'm buying the rest of the series!



Great for a starter, 17 Jul 2008
This is a lovely little book full of nice colour pictures. If you are completely brand new to chicken keeping this book is a good starter for you - it was to me! You'll soon find though that you'll be looking for one with a bit more detail and specific information.

Common sense, 17 May 2008
I bought this book because of everyone else comments, saying how good it was. But I don't feel like its told me anything I don't know. Of course you need to use dust mite powder or to check for fleas, these are very simple things. But there's no information on what to do if your hen's looking ill or any real health advice. Very disappointing.

Good book for those considering to keep pet Chucks, 14 May 2008
I got this book before getting my chickens and it gave me a high level overview of what would be required. I would recommend this book to any one considering getting pet chickens but once you have your chucks you will probably be best getting a more detailed book to help with those niggly intial queries.

An Eggciting Read!, 20 Oct 2007
This is a really great book for anyone considering to keep chickens in their garden. It explains the anatomy of the chicken and egg in good detail and goes so far as to telling you what a chickens daily routine is!

With great pictures and helpful hints, this book is a must buy for any potential poultry proprietor!

great kids book, 09 Jul 2007
A good first book when you are thinking about getting 'pet' chickens. It is worded simply, no jargon and is a great book to share with your kids. I think if you want just a basic knowledge then this is the book for you, but if you want more (more than pretty pictures and text aimed at youngsters aka dorling kindersley style) you should buy a different book. If I didn't have young kids to pass this book onto to read I'd think it was a bit of a waste of money, sorry.

Good improvements in this 4th edition of a popular text, 13 Oct 2005
This new edition of a core text for students of horticulture is welcomed. The addition of colour plates is helpful and the layout has generally improved. I think the book does a difficult job well as the subject is huge and it must be very difficult to decide what to leave out and how much depth to go to. I'm hoping it will help me with the RHS Advanced Cerificate exam.

Good companion guide to RHS General Certificate studies, 21 Dec 2003
I'm pretty happy with this book. Having decided to do Horticulture studies by correspondence in Switzerland, this book came up when searching for some pre-study material. It is also first book off the list of recommended reading from my school, which I'm pleased to see. It provides further in-depth reading to the course material provided, although my one whinge is that it could expand its chapter on pests and diseases as there are so many covered in the course. Happily websites like the RHS help out here. However, this book is fine foundation reading.

brillant, 23 Jan 2002
if you are intrested in any part of horticulture for a hobby or study, this is a must have every thing is explained in full in terms that any one would understand.And this is a up dated one.

brillant, 27 Nov 2001
I have read the 2nd edition but this one is much better they keep adding more information. if you are into gardening of any type this is the book to have. Very easy to read.

Highly recommended for students and professionals, 14 Nov 2000
This book provides a valuable introduction to horticulture. The information covered is wide ranging, explained clearly and is accompanied on many occasions by useful pictures and diagrams. This text was useful to me on the HNC/HND (Horticulture) course and also occasionally during my horticultural degree. The book would also be of interest to many horticuural professionals. There are not currently enough text books available specifically for horticultural students so this book is a valuable one.

Dreadful, 28 Aug 2008
This book is evidence that you can fool quite a lot of people quite a lot of the time. There is not a single original idea in it, and Fennel's beliefs arise out of an interpretation of wolf behaviour that is entirely false. If you want the relationship with your dog to be based on oppression and frustration then this is the book for you, otherwise read something else.

Thoroughly inspirational, 11 Apr 2008
I found this book thoroughly inspirational. Jan Fennel has hit on something which simply works. It is purely logical and rational and just from putting things into the dogs perspective allows us to understand how they think and therefore why they sometimes behave the way that they do. I bought the book at the same time as getting a puppy and my 3 month old puppy now walks at heel with no need for a lead (though I still use one) and is a beautifully behaved member of our family.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

nothing new, 21 Mar 2008
Jan Fennell has been clever and repackaged old knowledge, she seems to have set her self up as some sort of guru.If a dog pulls on the lead it does not make it an "ALPHA" it just wants to get to the park quickly, if the dog walks by your side does it make it your equal? When you get to the park and you let the dog off the lead and runs around arond in front of you does this make the dog an alpha, no.
So many things wrong with this book i would urge dog owners to do more research.

Fantastic, 04 Feb 2008
I have watched the dog listner on the t.v and found her theories very interesting so purchased her Book. The book is so easy to read with jan sharing her memories of how she started out and her ups and downs not hiding her mistakes. I was in tears during part of the book and fully empathise with her during her experiences. An excellent easy reading book that you can't put down

There are better books, 02 Dec 2007
I did write a critique a couple of years ago but it has disappeared from this list. People who found this book good have not read any really good books on dog behaviour/training. I had a very difficult terrier and I had access to an American library as well as all the British books. I have probably read more books on dog behaviour than a college course. Read John Fisher's books, 'Think Dog', 'Why Does My Dog?', 'Dogwise'. Jean Donaldson's 'The Culture Clash'. Look at the Volthard dog training method, but don't waste your money on Jan Fennell's book! Borrow it from the library if you must.

Proper User Guide for a Veg Plot, 31 May 2008
Too many gardening authors take time out to wax lyrical about seasons and the joys of blackbirds and dew on your runner canes. Their books end up as a decent afternoon's read, but difficult to use when you're trying to work out what's going wrong with your kohlrabi.

This book is different. Veg are listed alphabetically with clear sections on selecting varieties, planting, looking after, harvesting and cooking, with a troubleshooting guide covering disease, pests, storage and the like.

No nonsense, everything you need and easy to find.

The bees knees..., 04 May 2008
Having just started with a vagetable patch in the garden, I was looking for, in effect an "idiot's guide" to vegetable growing (believe me, I needed it !) - this book is marvellous - helpful illustrations,easy to follow layout & packed with information on cultivation, preperation, eating, protecting from pests & diseases, the whole lot.
The herb section is by no means as comprehensive as the veg part of the book, but it has inspired me to grow my own selection of herbs (in one of those very attractive "ornamental" wooden wheelbarrows,my wife's aunty got us for Christmas - bless) & hopefully add something a bit different, interesting & above all, tasty to the garden.
I bought this at the same time as a far glossier, bigger (& more expensive !) book I got from the garden centre - this book beats the more expensive competition hands down. A really great investment, made me burst with horticultural enthusiasm & feel like Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's cousin.


Vegetable & Herb Expert by D.G.Hessayon review, 23 Apr 2007
I have always found the Expert Garden range of books to be my most valuable gardening books - clear, simple and easy to find what you want.

Sadly they have not updated to metric units so I can no longer buy them as presents for budding gardeners, since the modern generation only know metric and there is nothing more discouraging than to use a book you cannot understand. I hope they will rectify this before long so that I can continue using them.

Great help to a novice grower, 05 Nov 2006
I got this book when I decided to get my allotment, and I found and still do a great help.

Fantastic pictures are illustrated with the information that goes with them.

The book starts at the beginning which helps if you're a complete novice to vegetable growing.

"Getting started" covers digging and preparing your land, what is the best seeds to buy and how to sow them. This section also covers the importance of crop rotation.

Other section covers the growing of vegetables, covers greenhouse growing, border planting and cover pot and windowsill planting.

Looking after vegetables section covers the dreaded weeding. But it also covers feeding, mulching and watering of the plants; also a section is covered on spotting and dealing with pests.

The book has a section about unusual types of vegetables and how to grow them.

There is a good section on vegetable troubles, how to spot and treat before it starts to do damage to other crops.

Tips on how to preserve and ripen your vegetables and of course to eat them.

This is a great book and if you're thinking of growing your own vegetables like I have done this year, this books it a must


Growing into an expert, 31 Oct 2006
Just moved from London with a shady patio to a country acre, with greenhouse and allotment sized veg patch - and not had to buy a vegetable since March. I was worried gardening was one of those things you couldn't do by book-learning, but of the four tomes I picked up, this is the only one I would use. Brilliant, and inspiring confidence straight away - I'm buying the rest of the series!



Great for a starter, 17 Jul 2008
This is a lovely little book full of nice colour pictures. If you are completely brand new to chicken keeping this book is a good starter for you - it was to me! You'll soon find though that you'll be looking for one with a bit more detail and specific information.

Common sense, 17 May 2008
I bought this book because of everyone else comments, saying how good it was. But I don't feel like its told me anything I don't know. Of course you need to use dust mite powder or to check for fleas, these are very simple things. But there's no information on what to do if your hen's looking ill or any real health advice. Very disappointing.

Good book for those considering to keep pet Chucks, 14 May 2008
I got this book before getting my chickens and it gave me a high level overview of what would be required. I would recommend this book to any one considering getting pet chickens but once you have your chucks you will probably be best getting a more detailed book to help with those niggly intial queries.

An Eggciting Read!, 20 Oct 2007
This is a really great book for anyone considering to keep chickens in their garden. It explains the anatomy of the chicken and egg in good detail and goes so far as to telling you what a chickens daily routine is!

With great pictures and helpful hints, this book is a must buy for any potential poultry proprietor!

great kids book, 09 Jul 2007
A good first book when you are thinking about getting 'pet' chickens. It is worded simply, no jargon and is a great book to share with your kids. I think if you want just a basic knowledge then this is the book for you, but if you want more (more than pretty pictures and text aimed at youngsters aka dorling kindersley style) you should buy a different book. If I didn't have young kids to pass this book onto to read I'd think it was a bit of a waste of money, sorry.

Good improvements in this 4th edition of a popular text, 13 Oct 2005
This new edition of a core text for students of horticulture is welcomed. The addition of colour plates is helpful and the layout has generally improved. I think the book does a difficult job well as the subject is huge and it must be very difficult to decide what to leave out and how much depth to go to. I'm hoping it will help me with the RHS Advanced Cerificate exam.

Good companion guide to RHS General Certificate studies, 21 Dec 2003
I'm pretty happy with this book. Having decided to do Horticulture studies by correspondence in Switzerland, this book came up when searching for some pre-study material. It is also first book off the list of recommended reading from my school, which I'm pleased to see. It provides further in-depth reading to the course material provided, although my one whinge is that it could expand its chapter on pests and diseases as there are so many covered in the course. Happily websites like the RHS help out here. However, this book is fine foundation reading.

brillant, 23 Jan 2002
if you are intrested in any part of horticulture for a hobby or study, this is a must have every thing is explained in full in terms that any one would understand.And this is a up dated one.

brillant, 27 Nov 2001
I have read the 2nd edition but this one is much better they keep adding more information. if you are into gardening of any type this is the book to have. Very easy to read.

Highly recommended for students and professionals, 14 Nov 2000
This book provides a valuable introduction to horticulture. The information covered is wide ranging, explained clearly and is accompanied on many occasions by useful pictures and diagrams. This text was useful to me on the HNC/HND (Horticulture) course and also occasionally during my horticultural degree. The book would also be of interest to many horticuural professionals. There are not currently enough text books available specifically for horticultural students so this book is a valuable one.

Dreadful, 28 Aug 2008
This book is evidence that you can fool quite a lot of people quite a lot of the time. There is not a single original idea in it, and Fennel's beliefs arise out of an interpretation of wolf behaviour that is entirely false. If you want the relationship with your dog to be based on oppression and frustration then this is the book for you, otherwise read something else.

Thoroughly inspirational, 11 Apr 2008
I found this book thoroughly inspirational. Jan Fennel has hit on something which simply works. It is purely logical and rational and just from putting things into the dogs perspective allows us to understand how they think and therefore why they sometimes behave the way that they do. I bought the book at the same time as getting a puppy and my 3 month old puppy now walks at heel with no need for a lead (though I still use one) and is a beautifully behaved member of our family.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

nothing new, 21 Mar 2008
Jan Fennell has been clever and repackaged old knowledge, she seems to have set her self up as some sort of guru.If a dog pulls on the lead it does not make it an "ALPHA" it just wants to get to the park quickly, if the dog walks by your side does it make it your equal? When you get to the park and you let the dog off the lead and runs around arond in front of you does this make the dog an alpha, no.
So many things wrong with this book i would urge dog owners to do more research.

Fantastic, 04 Feb 2008
I have watched the dog listner on the t.v and found her theories very interesting so purchased her Book. The book is so easy to read with jan sharing her memories of how she started out and her ups and downs not hiding her mistakes. I was in tears during part of the book and fully empathise with her during her experiences. An excellent easy reading book that you can't put down

There are better books, 02 Dec 2007
I did write a critique a couple of years ago but it has disappeared from this list. People who found this book good have not read any really good books on dog behaviour/training. I had a very difficult terrier and I had access to an American library as well as all the British books. I have probably read more books on dog behaviour than a college course. Read John Fisher's books, 'Think Dog', 'Why Does My Dog?', 'Dogwise'. Jean Donaldson's 'The Culture Clash'. Look at the Volthard dog training method, but don't waste your money on Jan Fennell's book! Borrow it from the library if you must.

multi-purpose calender, 06 Sep 2008
not only will this help you to grow healthier, tastier and stonger fruit, veg and house plants, but once you get the hang of it you can generally predict the weather better than the BBC. Its been spot on for my last 2 holidays in Cornwall and it gets Glastonbury festival right every year.

Proper User Guide for a Veg Plot, 31 May 2008
Too many gardening authors take time out to wax lyrical about seasons and the joys of blackbirds and dew on your runner canes. Their books end up as a decent afternoon's read, but difficult to use when you're trying to work out what's going wrong with your kohlrabi.

This book is different. Veg are listed alphabetically with clear sections on selecting varieties, planting, looking after, harvesting and cooking, with a troubleshooting guide covering disease, pests, storage and the like.

No nonsense, everything you need and easy to find.

The bees knees..., 04 May 2008
Having just started with a vagetable patch in the garden, I was looking for, in effect an "idiot's guide" to vegetable growing (believe me, I needed it !) - this book is marvellous - helpful illustrations,easy to follow layout & packed with information on cultivation, preperation, eating, protecting from pests & diseases, the whole lot.
The herb section is by no means as comprehensive as the veg part of the book, but it has inspired me to grow my own selection of herbs (in one of those very attractive "ornamental" wooden wheelbarrows,my wife's aunty got us for Christmas - bless) & hopefully add something a bit different, interesting & above all, tasty to the garden.
I bought this at the same time as a far glossier, bigger (& more expensive !) book I got from the garden centre - this book beats the more expensive competition hands down. A really great investment, made me burst with horticultural enthusiasm & feel like Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's cousin.


Vegetable & Herb Expert by D.G.Hessayon review, 23 Apr 2007
I have always found the Expert Garden range of books to be my most valuable gardening books - clear, simple and easy to find what you want.

Sadly they have not updated to metric units so I can no longer buy them as presents for budding gardeners, since the modern generation only know metric and there is nothing more discouraging than to use a book you cannot understand. I hope they will rectify this before long so that I can continue using them.

Great help to a novice grower, 05 Nov 2006
I got this book when I decided to get my allotment, and I found and still do a great help.

Fantastic pictures are illustrated with the information that goes with them.

The book starts at the beginning which helps if you're a complete novice to vegetable growing.

"Getting started" covers digging and preparing your land, what is the best seeds to buy and how to sow them. This section also covers the importance of crop rotation.

Other section covers the growing of vegetables, covers greenhouse growing, border planting and cover pot and windowsill planting.

Looking after vegetables section covers the dreaded weeding. But it also covers feeding, mulching and watering of the plants; also a section is covered on spotting and dealing with pests.

The book has a section about unusual types of vegetables and how to grow them.

There is a good section on vegetable troubles, how to spot and treat before it starts to do damage to other crops.

Tips on how to preserve and ripen your vegetables and of course to eat them.

This is a great book and if you're thinking of growing your own vegetables like I have done this year, this books it a must


Growing into an expert, 31 Oct 2006
Just moved from London with a shady patio to a country acre, with greenhouse and allotment sized veg patch - and not had to buy a vegetable since March. I was worried gardening was one of those things you couldn't do by book-learning, but of the four tomes I picked up, this is the only one I would use. Brilliant, and inspiring confidence straight away - I'm buying the rest of the series!



Great for a starter, 17 Jul 2008
This is a lovely little book full of nice colour pictures. If you are completely brand new to chicken keeping this book is a good starter for you - it was to me! You'll soon find though that you'll be looking for one with a bit more detail and specific information.

Common sense, 17 May 2008
I bought this book because of everyone else comments, saying how good it was. But I don't feel like its told me anything I don't know. Of course you need to use dust mite powder or to check for fleas, these are very simple things. But there's no information on what to do if your hen's looking ill or any real health advice. Very disappointing.

Good book for those considering to keep pet Chucks, 14 May 2008
I got this book before getting my chickens and it gave me a high level overview of what would be required. I would recommend this book to any one considering getting pet chickens but once you have your chucks you will probably be best getting a more detailed book to help with those niggly intial queries.

An Eggciting Read!, 20 Oct 2007
This is a really great book for anyone considering to keep chickens in their garden. It explains the anatomy of the chicken and egg in good detail and goes so far as to telling you what a chickens daily routine is!

With great pictures and helpful hints, this book is a must buy for any potential poultry proprietor!

great kids book, 09 Jul 2007
A good first book when you are thinking about getting 'pet' chickens. It is worded simply, no jargon and is a great book to share with your kids. I think if you want just a basic knowledge then this is the book for you, but if you want more (more than pretty pictures and text aimed at youngsters aka dorling kindersley style) you should buy a different book. If I didn't have young kids to pass this book onto to read I'd think it was a bit of a waste of money, sorry.

Good improvements in this 4th edition of a popular text, 13 Oct 2005
This new edition of a core text for students of horticulture is welcomed. The addition of colour plates is helpful and the layout has generally improved. I think the book does a difficult job well as the subject is huge and it must be very difficult to decide what to leave out and how much depth to go to. I'm hoping it will help me with the RHS Advanced Cerificate exam.

Good companion guide to RHS General Certificate studies, 21 Dec 2003
I'm pretty happy with this book. Having decided to do Horticulture studies by correspondence in Switzerland, this book came up when searching for some pre-study material. It is also first book off the list of recommended reading from my school, which I'm pleased to see. It provides further in-depth reading to the course material provided, although my one whinge is that it could expand its chapter on pests and diseases as there are so many covered in the course. Happily websites like the RHS help out here. However, this book is fine foundation reading.

brillant, 23 Jan 2002
if you are intrested in any part of horticulture for a hobby or study, this is a must have every thing is explained in full in terms that any one would understand.And this is a up dated one.

brillant, 27 Nov 2001
I have read the 2nd edition but this one is much better they keep adding more information. if you are into gardening of any type this is the book to have. Very easy to read.

Highly recommended for students and professionals, 14 Nov 2000
This book provides a valuable introduction to horticulture. The information covered is wide ranging, explained clearly and is accompanied on many occasions by useful pictures and diagrams. This text was useful to me on the HNC/HND (Horticulture) course and also occasionally during my horticultural degree. The book would also be of interest to many horticuural professionals. There are not currently enough text books available specifically for horticultural students so this book is a valuable one.

Dreadful, 28 Aug 2008
This book is evidence that you can fool quite a lot of people quite a lot of the time. There is not a single original idea in it, and Fennel's beliefs arise out of an interpretation of wolf behaviour that is entirely false. If you want the relationship with your dog to be based on oppression and frustration then this is the book for you, otherwise read something else.

Thoroughly inspirational, 11 Apr 2008
I found this book thoroughly inspirational. Jan Fennel has hit on something which simply works. It is purely logical and rational and just from putting things into the dogs perspective allows us to understand how they think and therefore why they sometimes behave the way that they do. I bought the book at the same time as getting a puppy and my 3 month old puppy now walks at heel with no need for a lead (though I still use one) and is a beautifully behaved member of our family.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

nothing new, 21 Mar 2008
Jan Fennell has been clever and repackaged old knowledge, she seems to have set her self up as some sort of guru.If a dog pulls on the lead it does not make it an "ALPHA" it just wants to get to the park quickly, if the dog walks by your side does it make it your equal? When you get to the park and you let the dog off the lead and runs around arond in front of you does this make the dog an alpha, no.
So many things wrong with this book i would urge dog owners to do more research.

Fantastic, 04 Feb 2008
I have watched the dog listner on the t.v and found her theories very interesting so purchased her Book. The book is so easy to read with jan sharing her memories of how she started out and her ups and downs not hiding her mistakes. I was in tears during part of the book and fully empathise with her during her experiences. An excellent easy reading book that you can't put down

There are better books, 02 Dec 2007
I did write a critique a couple of years ago but it has disappeared from this list. People who found this book good have not read any really good books on dog behaviour/training. I had a very difficult terrier and I had access to an American library as well as all the British books. I have probably read more books on dog behaviour than a college course. Read John Fisher's books, 'Think Dog', 'Why Does My Dog?', 'Dogwise'. Jean Donaldson's 'The Culture Clash'. Look at the Volthard dog training method, but don't waste your money on Jan Fennell's book! Borrow it from the library if you must.

multi-purpose calender, 06 Sep 2008
not only will this help you to grow healthier, tastier and stonger fruit, veg and house plants, but once you get the hang of it you can generally predict the weather better than the BBC. Its been spot on for my last 2 holidays in Cornwall and it gets Glastonbury festival right every year.

A real gem, 25 Apr 2008
This book is fascinating for any tree enthusiast.
It is the perfect tool you can use to identify different tree types.
The writing style is concise and in-depth.
A sheer masterpiece.
Picture quality is high definition. Images are portrayed in vivid detail.
This book is fantastic.
If you are even slightly interested in trees or want to expand your knowledge of trees buy this book.



A dream publication - Sheer quality, 10 Apr 2008
This publication just oozes quality from the high definition colour photography to the research and layout. I have several reference books relating to British trees and this one stands tall above all the others. The number of quality colour photographs is staggering.

If you are seeking a complete reference this book does exactly what it says on the cover, if I could have given it six stars I would have.

Proper User Guide for a Veg Plot, 31 May 2008
Too many gardening authors take time out to wax lyrical about seasons and the joys of blackbirds and dew on your runner canes. Their books end up as a decent afternoon's read, but difficult to use when you're trying to work out what's going wrong with your kohlrabi.

This book is different. Veg are listed alphabetically with clear sections on selecting varieties, planting, looking after, harvesting and cooking, with a troubleshooting guide covering disease, pests, storage and the like.

No nonsense, everything you need and easy to find.

The bees knees..., 04 May 2008
Having just started with a vagetable patch in the garden, I was looking for, in effect an "idiot's guide" to vegetable growing (believe me, I needed it !) - this book is marvellous - helpful illustrations,easy to follow layout & packed with information on cultivation, preperation, eating, protecting from pests & diseases, the whole lot.
The herb section is by no means as comprehensive as the veg part of the book, but it has inspired me to grow my own selection of herbs (in one of those very attractive "ornamental" wooden wheelbarrows,my wife's aunty got us for Christmas - bless) & hopefully add something a bit different, interesting & above all, tasty to the garden.
I bought this at the same time as a far glossier, bigger (& more expensive !) book I got from the garden centre - this book beats the more expensive competition hands down. A really great investment, made me burst with horticultural enthusiasm & feel like Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's cousin.


Vegetable & Herb Expert by D.G.Hessayon review, 23 Apr 2007
I have always found the Expert Garden range of books to be my most valuable gardening books - clear, simple and easy to find what you want.

Sadly they have not updated to metric units so I can no longer buy them as presents for budding gardeners, since the modern generation only know metric and there is nothing more discouraging than to use a book you cannot understand. I hope they will rectify this before long so that I can continue using them.

Great help to a novice grower, 05 Nov 2006
I got this book when I decided to get my allotment, and I found and still do a great help.

Fantastic pictures are illustrated with the information that goes with them.

The book starts at the beginning which helps if you're a complete novice to vegetable growing.

"Getting started" covers digging and preparing your land, what is the best seeds to buy and how to sow them. This section also covers the importance of crop rotation.

Other section covers the growing of vegetables, covers greenhouse growing, border planting and cover pot and windowsill planting.

Looking after vegetables section covers the dreaded weeding. But it also covers feeding, mulching and watering of the plants; also a section is covered on spotting and dealing with pests.

The book has a section about unusual types of vegetables and how to grow them.

There is a good section on vegetable troubles, how to spot and treat before it starts to do damage to other crops.

Tips on how to preserve and ripen your vegetables and of course to eat them.

This is a great book and if you're thinking of growing your own vegetables like I have done this year, this books it a must


Growing into an expert, 31 Oct 2006
Just moved from London with a shady patio to a country acre, with greenhouse and allotment sized veg patch - and not had to buy a vegetable since March. I was worried gardening was one of those things you couldn't do by book-learning, but of the four tomes I picked up, this is the only one I would use. Brilliant, and inspiring confidence straight away - I'm buying the rest of the series!



Great for a starter, 17 Jul 2008
This is a lovely little book full of nice colour pictures. If you are completely brand new to chicken keeping this book is a good starter for you - it was to me! You'll soon find though that you'll be looking for one with a bit more detail and specific information.

Common sense, 17 May 2008
I bought this book because of everyone else comments, saying how good it was. But I don't feel like its told me anything I don't know. Of course you need to use dust mite powder or to check for fleas, these are very simple things. But there's no information on what to do if your hen's looking ill or any real health advice. Very disappointing.

Good book for those considering to keep pet Chucks, 14 May 2008
I got this book before getting my chickens and it gave me a high level overview of what would be required. I would recommend this book to any one considering getting pet chickens but once you have your chucks you will probably be best getting a more detailed book to help with those niggly intial queries.

An Eggciting Read!, 20 Oct 2007
This is a really great book for anyone considering to keep chickens in their garden. It explains the anatomy of the chicken and egg in good detail and goes so far as to telling you what a chickens daily routine is!

With great pictures and helpful hints, this book is a must buy for any potential poultry proprietor!

great kids book, 09 Jul 2007
A good first book when you are thinking about getting 'pet' chickens. It is worded simply, no jargon and is a great book to share with your kids. I think if you want just a basic knowledge then this is the book for you, but if you want more (more than pretty pictures and text aimed at youngsters aka dorling kindersley style) you should buy a different book. If I didn't have young kids to pass this book onto to read I'd think it was a bit of a waste of money, sorry.

Good improvements in this 4th edition of a popular text, 13 Oct 2005
This new edition of a core text for students of horticulture is welcomed. The addition of colour plates is helpful and the layout has generally improved. I think the book does a difficult job well as the subject is huge and it must be very difficult to decide what to leave out and how much depth to go to. I'm hoping it will help me with the RHS Advanced Cerificate exam.

Good companion guide to RHS General Certificate studies, 21 Dec 2003
I'm pretty happy with this book. Having decided to do Horticulture studies by correspondence in Switzerland, this book came up when searching for some pre-study material. It is also first book off the list of recommended reading from my school, which I'm pleased to see. It provides further in-depth reading to the course material provided, although my one whinge is that it could expand its chapter on pests and diseases as there are so many covered in the course. Happily websites like the RHS help out here. However, this book is fine foundation reading.

brillant, 23 Jan 2002
if you are intrested in any part of horticulture for a hobby or study, this is a must have every thing is explained in full in terms that any one would understand.And this is a up dated one.

brillant, 27 Nov 2001
I have read the 2nd edition but this one is much better they keep adding more information. if you are into gardening of any type this is the book to have. Very easy to read.

Highly recommended for students and professionals, 14 Nov 2000
This book provides a valuable introduction to horticulture. The information covered is wide ranging, explained clearly and is accompanied on many occasions by useful pictures and diagrams. This text was useful to me on the HNC/HND (Horticulture) course and also occasionally during my horticultural degree. The book would also be of interest to many horticuural professionals. There are not currently enough text books available specifically for horticultural students so this book is a valuable one.

Dreadful, 28 Aug 2008
This book is evidence that you can fool quite a lot of people quite a lot of the time. There is not a single original idea in it, and Fennel's beliefs arise out of an interpretation of wolf behaviour that is entirely false. If you want the relationship with your dog to be based on oppression and frustration then this is the book for you, otherwise read something else.

Thoroughly inspirational, 11 Apr 2008
I found this book thoroughly inspirational. Jan Fennel has hit on something which simply works. It is purely logical and rational and just from putting things into the dogs perspective allows us to understand how they think and therefore why they sometimes behave the way that they do. I bought the book at the same time as getting a puppy and my 3 month old puppy now walks at heel with no need for a lead (though I still use one) and is a beautifully behaved member of our family.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

nothing new, 21 Mar 2008
Jan Fennell has been clever and repackaged old knowledge, she seems to have set her self up as some sort of guru.If a dog pulls on the lead it does not make it an "ALPHA" it just wants to get to the park quickly, if the dog walks by your side does it make it your equal? When you get to the park and you let the dog off the lead and runs around arond in front of you does this make the dog an alpha, no.
So many things wrong with this book i would urge dog owners to do more research.

Fantastic, 04 Feb 2008
I have watched the dog listner on the t.v and found her theories very interesting so purchased her Book. The book is so easy to read with jan sharing her memories of how she started out and her ups and downs not hiding her mistakes. I was in tears during part of the book and fully empathise with her during her experiences. An excellent easy reading book that you can't put down

There are better books, 02 Dec 2007
I did write a critique a couple of years ago but it has disappeared from this list. People who found this book good have not read any really good books on dog behaviour/training. I had a very difficult terrier and I had access to an American library as well as all the British books. I have probably read more books on dog behaviour than a college course. Read John Fisher's books, 'Think Dog', 'Why Does My Dog?', 'Dogwise'. Jean Donaldson's 'The Culture Clash'. Look at the Volthard dog training method, but don't waste your money on Jan Fennell's book! Borrow it from the library if you must.

multi-purpose calender, 06 Sep 2008
not only will this help you to grow healthier, tastier and stonger fruit, veg and house plants, but once you get the hang of it you can generally predict the weather better than the BBC. Its been spot on for my last 2 holidays in Cornwall and it gets Glastonbury festival right every year.

A real gem, 25 Apr 2008
This book is fascinating for any tree enthusiast.
It is the perfect tool you can use to identify different tree types.
The writing style is concise and in-depth.
A sheer masterpiece.
Picture quality is high definition. Images are portrayed in vivid detail.
This book is fantastic.
If you are even slightly interested in trees or want to expand your knowledge of trees buy this book.



A dream publication - Sheer quality, 10 Apr 2008
This publication just oozes quality from the high definition colour photography to the research and layout. I have several reference books relating to British trees and this one stands tall above all the others. The number of quality colour photographs is staggering.

If you are seeking a complete reference this book does exactly what it says on the cover, if I could have given it six stars I would have.

Good, but could do better., 09 Apr 2008
Nice book with lots of photos. Unfortunately the much of the information with regard to photos did not mention the breed of birds shown. I would have liked to have more detail in the captions. Some of the specific breeds mentioned had no photo at all. I wasn't interested in the chapter on crafts.
My husband preferred this book to "The Right Way to Keep Chickens" by Virginia Shirt because it was easier to absorb and photo's are much better than drawings. He said it was a good book, I am hard to please!

Not just a picture book -- gave me all I needed to keep chix in the garden, 08 Sep 2007
I was so much more impressed by this book than I thought I would be. I got it as a nice coffee table book, but found out that it is loaded with all the information needed to keep a healthy, happy flock in your garden, whether as pets and enjoyment or for profit.... and gorgeous photos!!

It has a transcontinental flavour (I don't know if the authors are American or British, but the spelling is British and lists of suppliers are provided for both UK & US, etc.) and offers history, breed advice, a very good amount of health and hygiene information, as well as tips on housing and guidelines for feeding, and information on culling and cooking too. Everything you need to make the choice whether or not to have chickens is here -- and I will stress again how lovely the photos are.

Would make a perfect gift for someone you know who is thinking about it and wants some more information and advice.

Proper User Guide for a Veg Plot, 31 May 2008
Too many gardening authors take time out to wax lyrical about seasons and the joys of blackbirds and dew on your runner canes. Their books end up as a decent afternoon's read, but difficult to use when you're trying to work out what's going wrong with your kohlrabi.

This book is different. Veg are listed alphabetically with clear sections on selecting varieties, planting, looking after, harvesting and cooking, with a troubleshooting guide covering disease, pests, storage and the like.

No nonsense, everything you need and easy to find.

The bees knees..., 04 May 2008
Having just started with a vagetable patch in the garden, I was looking for, in effect an "idiot's guide" to vegetable growing (believe me, I needed it !) - this book is marvellous - helpful illustrations,easy to follow layout & packed with information on cultivation, preperation, eating, protecting from pests & diseases, the whole lot.
The herb section is by no means as comprehensive as the veg part of the book, but it has inspired me to grow my own selection of herbs (in one of those very attractive "ornamental" wooden wheelbarrows,my wife's aunty got us for Christmas - bless) & hopefully add something a bit different, interesting & above all, tasty to the garden.
I bought this at the same time as a far glossier, bigger (& more expensive !) book I got from the garden centre - this book beats the more expensive competition hands down. A really great investment, made me burst with horticultural enthusiasm & feel like Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's cousin.


Vegetable & Herb Expert by D.G.Hessayon review, 23 Apr 2007
I have always found the Expert Garden range of books to be my most valuable gardening books - clear, simple and easy to find what you want.

Sadly they have not updated to metric units so I can no longer buy them as presents for budding gardeners, since the modern generation only know metric and there is nothing more discouraging than to use a book you cannot understand. I hope they will rectify this before long so that I can continue using them.

Great help to a novice grower, 05 Nov 2006
I got this book when I decided to get my allotment, and I found and still do a great help.

Fantastic pictures are illustrated with the information that goes with them.

The book starts at the beginning which helps if you're a complete novice to vegetable growing.

"Getting started" covers digging and preparing your land, what is the best seeds to buy and how to sow them. This section also covers the importance of crop rotation.

Other section covers the growing of vegetables, covers greenhouse growing, border planting and cover pot and windowsill planting.

Looking after vegetables section covers the dreaded weeding. But it also covers feeding, mulching and watering of the plants; also a section is covered on spotting and dealing with pests.

The book has a section about unusual types of vegetables and how to grow them.

There is a good section on vegetable troubles, how to spot and treat before it starts to do damage to other crops.

Tips on how to preserve and ripen your vegetables and of course to eat them.

This is a great book and if you're thinking of growing your own vegetables like I have done this year, this books it a must


Growing into an expert, 31 Oct 2006
Just moved from London with a shady patio to a country acre, with greenhouse and allotment sized veg patch - and not had to buy a vegetable since March. I was worried gardening was one of those things you couldn't do by book-learning, but of the four tomes I picked up, this is the only one I would use. Brilliant, and inspiring confidence straight away - I'm buying the rest of the series!



Great for a starter, 17 Jul 2008
This is a lovely little book full of nice colour pictures. If you are completely brand new to chicken keeping this book is a good starter for you - it was to me! You'll soon find though that you'll be looking for one with a bit more detail and specific information.

Common sense, 17 May 2008
I bought this book because of everyone else comments, saying how good it was. But I don't feel like its told me anything I don't know. Of course you need to use dust mite powder or to check for fleas, these are very simple things. But there's no information on what to do if your hen's looking ill or any real health advice. Very disappointing.

Good book for those considering to keep pet Chucks, 14 May 2008
I got this book before getting my chickens and it gave me a high level overview of what would be required. I would recommend this book to any one considering getting pet chickens but once you have your chucks you will probably be best getting a more detailed book to help with those niggly intial queries.

An Eggciting Read!, 20 Oct 2007
This is a really great book for anyone considering to keep chickens in their garden. It explains the anatomy of the chicken and egg in good detail and goes so far as to telling you what a chickens daily routine is!

With great pictures and helpful hints, this book is a must buy for any potential poultry proprietor!

great kids book, 09 Jul 2007
A good first book when you are thinking about getting 'pet' chickens. It is worded simply, no jargon and is a great book to share with your kids. I think if you want just a basic knowledge then this is the book for you, but if you want more (more than pretty pictures and text aimed at youngsters aka dorling kindersley style) you should buy a different book. If I didn't have young kids to pass this book onto to read I'd think it was a bit of a waste of money, sorry.

Good improvements in this 4th edition of a popular text, 13 Oct 2005
This new edition of a core text for students of horticulture is welcomed. The addition of colour plates is helpful and the layout has generally improved. I think the book does a difficult job well as the subject is huge and it must be very difficult to decide what to leave out and how much depth to go to. I'm hoping it will help me with the RHS Advanced Cerificate exam.

Good companion guide to RHS General Certificate studies, 21 Dec 2003
I'm pretty happy with this book. Having decided to do Horticulture studies by correspondence in Switzerland, this book came up when searching for some pre-study material. It is also first book off the list of recommended reading from my school, which I'm pleased to see. It provides further in-depth reading to the course material provided, although my one whinge is that it could expand its chapter on pests and diseases as there are so many covered in the course. Happily websites like the RHS help out here. However, this book is fine foundation reading.

brillant, 23 Jan 2002
if you are intrested in any part of horticulture for a hobby or study, this is a must have every thing is explained in full in terms that any one would understand.And this is a up dated one.

brillant, 27 Nov 2001
I have read the 2nd edition but this one is much better they keep adding more information. if you are into gardening of any type this is the book to have. Very easy to read.

Highly recommended for students and professionals, 14 Nov 2000
This book provides a valuable introduction to horticulture. The information covered is wide ranging, explained clearly and is accompanied on many occasions by useful pictures and diagrams. This text was useful to me on the HNC/HND (Horticulture) course and also occasionally during my horticultural degree. The book would also be of interest to many horticuural professionals. There are not currently enough text books available specifically for horticultural students so this book is a valuable one.

Dreadful, 28 Aug 2008
This book is evidence that you can fool quite a lot of people quite a lot of the time. There is not a single original idea in it, and Fennel's beliefs arise out of an interpretation of wolf behaviour that is entirely false. If you want the relationship with your dog to be based on oppression and frustration then this is the book for you, otherwise read something else.

Thoroughly inspirational, 11 Apr 2008
I found this book thoroughly inspirational. Jan Fennel has hit on something which simply works. It is purely logical and rational and just from putting things into the dogs perspective allows us to understand how they think and therefore why they sometimes behave the way that they do. I bought the book at the same time as getting a puppy and my 3 month old puppy now walks at heel with no need for a lead (though I still use one) and is a beautifully behaved member of our family.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

nothing new, 21 Mar 2008
Jan Fennell has been clever and repackaged old knowledge, she seems to have set her self up as some sort of guru.If a dog pulls on the lead it does not make it an "ALPHA" it just wants to get to the park quickly, if the dog walks by your side does it make it your equal? When you get to the park and you let the dog off the lead and runs around arond in front of you does this make the dog an alpha, no.
So many things wrong with this book i would urge dog owners to do more research.

Fantastic, 04 Feb 2008
I have watched the dog listner on the t.v and found her theories very interesting so purchased her Book. The book is so easy to read with jan sharing her memories of how she started out and her ups and downs not hiding her mistakes. I was in tears during part of the book and fully empathise with her during her experiences. An excellent easy reading book that you can't put down

There are better books, 02 Dec 2007
I did write a critique a couple of years ago but it has disappeared from this list. People who found this book good have not read any really good books on dog behaviour/training. I had a very difficult terrier and I had access to an American library as well as all the British books. I have probably read more books on dog behaviour than a college course. Read John Fisher's books, 'Think Dog', 'Why Does My Dog?', 'Dogwise'. Jean Donaldson's 'The Culture Clash'. Look at the Volthard dog training method, but don't waste your money on Jan Fennell's book! Borrow it from the library if you must.

multi-purpose calender, 06 Sep 2008
not only will this help you to grow healthier, tastier and stonger fruit, veg and house plants, but once you get the hang of it you can generally predict the weather better than the BBC. Its been spot on for my last 2 holidays in Cornwall and it gets Glastonbury festival right every year.

A real gem, 25 Apr 2008
This book is fascinating for any tree enthusiast.
It is the perfect tool you can use to identify different tree types.
The writing style is concise and in-depth.
A sheer masterpiece.
Picture quality is high definition. Images are portrayed in vivid detail.
This book is fantastic.
If you are even slightly interested in trees or want to expand your knowledge of trees buy this book.



A dream publication - Sheer quality, 10 Apr 2008
This publication just oozes quality from the high definition colour photography to the research and layout. I have several reference books relating to British trees and this one stands tall above all the others. The number of quality colour photographs is staggering.

If you are seeking a complete reference this book does exactly what it says on the cover, if I could have given it six stars I would have.

Good, but could do better., 09 Apr 2008
Nice book with lots of photos. Unfortunately the much of the information with regard to photos did not mention the breed of birds shown. I would have liked to have more detail in the captions. Some of the specific breeds mentioned had no photo at all. I wasn't interested in the chapter on crafts.
My husband preferred this book to "The Right Way to Keep Chickens" by Virginia Shirt because it was easier to absorb and photo's are much better than drawings. He said it was a good book, I am hard to please!

Not just a picture book -- gave me all I needed to keep chix in the garden, 08 Sep 2007
I was so much more impressed by this book than I thought I would be. I got it as a nice coffee table book, but found out that it is loaded with all the information needed to keep a healthy, happy flock in your garden, whether as pets and enjoyment or for profit.... and gorgeous photos!!

It has a transcontinental flavour (I don't know if the authors are American or British, but the spelling is British and lists of suppliers are provided for both UK & US, etc.) and offers history, breed advice, a very good amount of health and hygiene information, as well as tips on housing and guidelines for feeding, and information on culling and cooking too. Everything you need to make the choice whether or not to have chickens is here -- and I will stress again how lovely the photos are.

Would make a perfect gift for someone you know who is thinking about it and wants some more information and advice.


A good little book, but with it problems, read below!, 21 Apr 2008
this book is exactly what you would expect from a little Collin's gem, it has good material through out, and a pretty good selection of the most common trees....but, i would have preferred to see real photographs rather than artists drawings, which, sometimes are not as good a reference as an image of the real thing. Furthermore i would have liked to see bigger images of the type of bark from each tree since half the year the trees have no leaves, and the bark, leafless shape, and habitat is all you have to go on.
this is however a good introduction read for summer time tree hunting, wouldn't recommend it for winter though. if you are up for a better book i recommend:-
Collins Complete Guide to British Trees: A Photographic Guide to Every Common Species

great little book, 02 Apr 2008
this book is great for people who have just got into trees and want to find them and has some good facts

Recommended for tree spotting beginners, 22 Nov 2007
I lead tree courses and often recommend this little book for beginners. It has all the information and illustrations you need to get started, with, in my opinion, excellent pictures of leaves, flowers, fruit, winter twigs, bark and, best of all, the tree. Tree shapes in this book are truer than in many more ambitious works.

Compact, That is its Beauty, 13 Jul 2007

No, this is not the best book ever written about trees, but it is handy to have in your pocket. and on a walk or in the countryside you will not see many trees that are not in this book.

As one reviewer has already said the drawings could be better, but they are adequate for the casual 'tree spotter' The information given about each tree is also adequate. There are many more advanced books that can be purchased for the real tree enthusiast (if there is such a term) and these can be used at home after you have made an identification from the Collins gem.

Easy, simple and fun, 28 Jan 2007
Bought this book when we moved into a new house in '06. We now have five trees in our garden and plenty more in the surrounding area. Being an inquisitive sort of person I wanted to know what they were and decided on this little book from some reviews on Amazon. I was not dissapointed, really easy to use and in no time I had found out what I wanted. Clear and easy instructions and illustrations too. It does exactly what it says on the tin.

Proper User Guide for a Veg Plot, 31 May 2008
Too many gardening authors take time out to wax lyrical about seasons and the joys of blackbirds and dew on your runner canes. Their books end up as a decent afternoon's read, but difficult to use when you're trying to work out what's going wrong with your kohlrabi.

This book is different. Veg are listed alphabetically with clear sections on selecting varieties, planting, looking after, harvesting and cooking, with a troubleshooting guide covering disease, pests, storage and the like.

No nonsense, everything you need and easy to find.

The bees knees..., 04 May 2008
Having just started with a vagetable patch in the garden, I was looking for, in effect an "idiot's guide" to vegetable growing (believe me, I needed it !) - this book is marvellous - helpful illustrations,easy to follow layout & packed with information on cultivation, preperation, eating, protecting from pests & diseases, the whole lot.
The herb section is by no means as comprehensive as the veg part of the book, but it has inspired me to grow my own selection of herbs (in one of those very attractive "ornamental" wooden wheelbarrows,my wife's aunty got us for Christmas - bless) & hopefully add something a bit different, interesting & above all, tasty to the garden.
I bought this at the same time as a far glossier, bigger (& more expensive !) book I got from the garden centre - this book beats the more expensive competition hands down. A really great investment, made me burst with horticultural enthusiasm & feel like Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's cousin.


Vegetable & Herb Expert by D.G.Hessayon review, 23 Apr 2007
I have always found the Expert Garden range of books to be my most valuable gardening books - clear, simple and easy to find what you want.

Sadly they have not updated to metric units so I can no longer buy them as presents for budding gardeners, since the modern generation only know metric and there is nothing more discouraging than to use a book you cannot understand. I hope they will rectify this before long so that I can continue using them.

Great help to a novice grower, 05 Nov 2006
I got this book when I decided to get my allotment, and I found and still do a great help.

Fantastic pictures are illustrated with the information that goes with them.

The book starts at the beginning which helps if you're a complete novice to vegetable growing.

"Getting started" covers digging and preparing your land, what is the best seeds to buy and how to sow them. This section also covers the importance of crop rotation.

Other section covers the growing of vegetables, covers greenhouse growing, border planting and cover pot and windowsill planting.

Looking after vegetables section covers the dreaded weeding. But it also covers feeding, mulching and watering of the plants; also a section is covered on spotting and dealing with pests.

The book has a section about unusual types of vegetables and how to grow them.

There is a good section on vegetable troubles, how to spot and treat before it starts to do damage to other crops.

Tips on how to preserve and ripen your vegetables and of course to eat them.

This is a great book and if you're thinking of growing your own vegetables like I have done this year, this books it a must


Growing into an expert, 31 Oct 2006
Just moved from London with a shady patio to a country acre, with greenhouse and allotment sized veg patch - and not had to buy a vegetable since March. I was worried gardening was one of those things you couldn't do by book-learning, but of the four tomes I picked up, this is the only one I would use. Brilliant, and inspiring confidence straight away - I'm buying the rest of the series!



Great for a starter, 17 Jul 2008
This is a lovely little book full of nice colour pictures. If you are completely brand new to chicken keeping this book is a good starter for you - it was to me! You'll soon find though that you'll be looking for one with a bit more detail and specific information.

Common sense, 17 May 2008
I bought this book because of everyone else comments, saying how good it was. But I don't feel like its told me anything I don't know. Of course you need to use dust mite powder or to check for fleas, these are very simple things. But there's no information on what to do if your hen's looking ill or any real health advice. Very disappointing.

Good book for those considering to keep pet Chucks, 14 May 2008
I got this book before getting my chickens and it gave me a high level overview of what would be required. I would recommend th