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Chef's Garden - Fresh Produce from Small Spaces
by Terence Conran
Sterling/Conran Octopus
ISBN 9781840915105
Published June 2008 - Softcover - 144 pages - $17.95

Many people would love to have their own fruit and vegetable gardens, but so many of us don't have the space or time to dedicate to maintaining a garden.  Terence Conran, designer extraordinaire, gives valuable advice on having such gardens, even if they are small.  I love the design and transformation of a garden on page 11 - small yet efficient.  Things like where the sun rises and sets and your produce needs should be considered beforehand rather than just planting willy nilly.  So, making a design on paper and much contemplation and thought, should be done ahead of time instead of just rushing out and regretting your impulsiveness.  Whether you need (or want) raised beds or sunken beds, prefer a pukka garden or a potager-type garden, or containers, all has to be thought about.  We're also given how to cultivate the likes of cucumbers, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, tomatoes, corn, eggplant, brussels sprouts, chard, beans, garlic, beets, artichoke, and more.  Conran also discusses planting herbs such as cilantro, basil, parsley, mint, lovage, and thyme among others.  A few recipes for both vegetables and herbs are also given in this book.  Fruits to consider cultivating yourself include, among others, figs, apples, kumquats (a very decorative tree and fruit), strawberries, currants, and blueberries.  For indoor "gardens" I like the idea of a herb garden.  You can grow your own herbs and a variety of lettuces.  I also like the tripod idea for climbing plants (see page 29).
Conclusion - Indispensable advice for anyone wishing to grow their own food.