By Lucy Chamberlain

Published by Dorling Kindersley, January 2025

Hardback and ebook 223 pages. £20

ISBN 978-0-2416-5649-5

The publishers have kindly sent one copy to give away in a prize draw. Please leave your name in the comments box below to be included in the draw. UK entries only.

One of my favourite writers is Lucy Chamberlain who manages to capture the magic of gardening and makes us want to rush outside and get growing! In her new book published today she tells us exactly how to grow just about anything anywhere. And it’s all written in an easy to understand format, without being either too simple or too complicated. That’s the beauty of Lucy, she’s able to strike just the right note and make it relevant to all gardeners.

Lucy uses her own fruit and vegetable plot as a case study. I’ve watched Lucy create this garden over the past few years and admired just how much produce she manages to pack in there, as well as making it look beautiful with dwarf hedges, espalier apples and raised beds.

Growing plants in the wrong place is one of the main reasons for crop failure. Lucy splits the book into ‘growing zones’ covering all the situations growers are likely to face when starting to garden. Sunny and sheltered, sunny and moist, open and cold, shady and wet, shady and dry, for example.

Several case studies are related, including a garden attached to large detached property, a compact garden, and an allotment. Lucy shows how to map areas of the garden to work out what will grow successfully in each position.

In each area, top performing plants are suggested. I grow hazelnuts in dry shade, and each year I harvest a bumper crop of tasty nuts for making cakes and biscuits. They really are far more delicious than anything you can buy in the shops.

I’ve known Lucy for about 20 years and have always admired her get-up-and-go. Her enthusiasm for growing fruit and vegetables translates so well in her writing for newspapers, magazines and books. I also love the podcast ‘Talking Heads’ which she hosts with Saul Walker. Real gardeners, talking about real gardening. It’s a joy to listen to them, to be honest.

I have no hesitation in recommending Lucy’s latest book. The ‘right crop, right place’ principal is beautifully explained. Lucy breaks down the environments found in gardens into seven zones, even incorporating indoor spaces. The book is packed with expert guidance on maximising your growing through making the best of what you have. Grow Food Anywhere will soon get you harvesting fresh, healthy pesticide-free fruit, veg and herbs. What a great way to start 2025!

Please leave your name below and one winner will be randomly selected on Sunday 6pm. Editor’s decision is final and there’s no cash alternative.

Thank you for reading my blog and Happy New Year everyone!