Conventional wisdom is difficult to question, even when it is misguided and contains many contradictions. Gardening has its share of such ‘myths’ – some with discernible origins in history, others that have become established for no obvious reason – and they often obscure simpler and easier methods of working. This delightfully illustrated book reveals how common sense triumphs, and how crops are more successful when these ‘rules’ are overturned.

A fascinating but practical book that will save the seasoned gardener time and give new gardeners heart.

Mary Keen has a lifetime's gardening experience, and wrote this in her review of the year's garden books, The Spectator November 2014:

Another manual which I want to keep is a slim volume from Charles Dowding who has revolutionised the way we grow vegetables, by the no dig method. He is the arch experimenter and discarder of old techniques. Reading this book, I found myself saying “Really?” out loud several times. The book consists of short statements: "Seeds and plants need really fine soil for sowing and planting", followed by a Dowding pronouncement – in this case 'mostly untrue' – and he then expands to say that even carrots can cope with lumps. I learned a lot from this book.

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This is an absolutely beautiful little book. So many interesting and useful gardening facts. I love picking it up every night and reading a page – perfect explanations, definitely giving me more confidence with growing. Gorgeous illustrations too.

Claudia 2022