A Vegetable Gardeners Year by Dirty Nails #2

I spoke about A Vegetable Gardeners Year back in 2009 because I borrowed it from the library as part of the 2009 mini challenges. Back then I only read parts of it with a view to buying it in the future to read all the way through. I did this throughout last year. The book is set into weekly chapters that correspond to the weeks in the year, so I read it in real time and finished it in December.

I covered why I liked it back then, and you can use the link above to read my thoughts at the time.

This time around, in its complete state, it is a pleasant companion that offers practical advice with personal musings from Mr Nails, and delightful drawings to accompany the prose. On completing it last month I thought it was worth a mention again.

I used it as a calming and lovely book to read before I went to sleep and I am happy that I read it all the way through. You can use it as a dipping in book as well though.

Recommended for gardeners, nature lovers and anyone who loves the outdoors.

Dirty Nails has a Facebook page (use the link)

Another blog that I follow, The Cottage Smallholder, has also mentioned Dirty Nails's book On The Plot.

A Vegetable Gardeners Year by Dirty Nails

As part of the 2009 Mini Challenges we had to borrow a library book and write a review about what we borrowed and read. I chose this lovely book because I was shortly going to Devon to work for a week on an Organic farm.

The book caught my eye straight away. It covers an entire chronological year with an entry over a few pages for each week. It covers jobs to do with various plants that need tending to that particular week, trouble shooting and observations. It also includes accounts of things that the author has noticed in the natural world. Clearly written by someone who loves nature and growing produce, the book has lots of charm and enthusiasm, as well as practical advice. Every page is complimented with line drawings relevant to the subject being talked about, whether they are butterflies, or a country signpost, or an apple on a tree.

This is a lovely book that was an absolute pleasure to read, both for a dip into, as well as reading huge chunks. It is not just for fellow gardeners, but for anyone who appreciates the natural world, seasonal observations and the cyclical nature of life. I really enjoyed it and will probably buy it in the future to use as reference and inspiration. It was a shame to give it back.

This completes #6 of the 2009 mini challenges.