Urban Eden

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View books by James Caplin, Adam Caplin.

Not for the complete novice. . . - Rated
I don't know anything about gardening, and I hoped this book would get me started growing fruit and veg. What a disappointment. A quarter of the book is given to garden design, and I have no use for that whatsoever! I want to know how to grow good quality fruit and veg before the garden looks pretty.

For a practical guide to growing food buy "The vegetable and herb gardener" by Dr D. G. Hessayon. If you want a coffee table cover about growing food buy this one. Some useful information, but much better is available elsewhere.

Inspirational - Rated
What a great book! Full of gorgeous pictures showing you how you can grow your own fruit and veg in a very small space. But not only that, the text is really informative, telling you how to make the most of the space you have as well as introducing composting and other gardening topics.

Most gardening books put me off before I've started warning me of every single thing that can go wrong - carrot fly, mildew etc. This book does have a section on pests and diseases but is written with a real 'give it a go' attitude - giving great solutions to many common problems e.g. companion planting. At the back there's a selection of recipes to cope with any gluts you might have.

Even if you're a really busy person, you should have time to give something a try from this book with very little effort. Great fun for kids too.

No garden? Don't worry - get this book for inspiration - as well as a few window boxes and you'll be well away!

Excellent book for a townie gardener - Rated
This book is perfect for the city dweller with a small garden to explore the possiblities of growing all manner of edibles in pots, up the walls, in the flower beds etc. it gives clear instructions and although it gives organic advice it doesn't get too heavy

Fascinating - informative, accessible and enjoyable - Rated
The enthusiasm with which this was clearly written is highly infectious. I spent an afternoon completely absorbed, and came away inspired and raring to get going on my own little plot! There is a good balance of practical and aesthetic advice, lots of "ooh, I never knew that" information, a wealth of tips, and plenty of inspirational photos and case histories. Much more than just another gardening book.

A useful guide and a very enjoyable read - Rated
This book is so easy to follow and very interesting. It is packed with organic ideas suitable for a whole range of gardens from the smallest to the largest.

It was great for someone like me who is very much the novice gardener. I can't put it down.