This fascinating and practical book will help the seasoned gardener find easier and more productive ways of gardening.

Conventional wisdom is difficult to question, even when it is misguided and contains many contradictions. Should you water in the evening? Do containers need pottery shards for drainage? Can cucumbers and tomatoes be grown together? 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. Asking why gardeners are always told to do things a certain way, Charles Dowding clears up common garden misconceptions in this delightfully illustrated book. Wise words from a thoughtful practitioner, Charles reveals how common-sense triumphs and crops are more successful when these ‘rules’ are overturned. Gardening Myths and Misconceptions is a fascinating but practical book that will save the seasoned gardener time and give new gardeners heart.

"These days, garden writing based on a solid career’s worth of practical experience is rare indeed. Therein lies the value of this thought-provoking little book." - Gardens Illustrated

"Beginners and experienced gardeners alike can only benefit from Charles’ enthusiastic and deep understanding of what plants really need." - The Oak Tree Low Carbon Farm Blog

"It has been proven untrue that watering in sunlight damages leaves. It is also untrue that rhubarb leaves and citrus peel cannot be composted, the latter may just take a while to decay. All this and much more makes for an entertaining and instructive read." - The Irish Garden

"For anyone who grows edibles or for that matter gardens intensively I would recommend this book." - The Patient Gardener

"There’s enough detail here to make a real difference to your garden, but it’s cleverly broken down into bite-sized chunks with illustrations, so it never feels hard-going." - The English Garden