HOW TO GROW PERENNIAL VEGETABLES

by MARTIN CRAWFORD

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New softcover book, 224 pages. Published 2012. Colour photos and line drawings throughout

Low-maintenance, low-impact vegetable gardening

Perennial vegetables are a joy to grow and require a lot less time and effort than annuals. How to Grow Perennial Vegetables gives comprehensive advice on all types of perennial vegetable (edible plants that live longer than three years), from ground-cover plants and coppiced trees to plants for bog gardens and edible woodland plants.

There are many advantages to growing perennial vegetables, for example:

• They need less tillage than conventional vegetables, so the soil structure is not disturbed in their cultivation and and carbon is retained in the soil
• They extend the harvesting season, especially in early spring
• They are often or more value to beneficial insects than annual vegetables
• Many perennial vegetables contain higher levels of mineral nutrients than annuals
• And, of course, they are much less work than annuals

Part One looks at why and how to grow these crops, and how to look after them for maximum health. Part Two features over 100 perennial edibles in detail, both common and unusual - from rhubarb to skirret; Jerusalem artichoke to nodding onions. This book offers inspiration and information for all gardeners, whether experienced or beginner, and also includes plenty of cooking tips. It includes beautiful colour photographs and illustrations throughout.

About the author
Martin Crawford is the director of the Agroforestry Research Trust and has two acres of perennial plants and trees in his forest garden. His has worked in organic agriculture and horticulture for over 20 years and is the author of the bestselling Creating a Forest Garden.

How to Grow Perennial Vegetables by Martin Crawford