Botany of the Kitchen Garden: The science and horticulture of our favourite crops

We have been growing fruits and vegetables in domesticated situations for centuries. From large scale agriculture to windowsill pots, most people have grown their own at some point; food growing is an important part of cultures and lifestyles, often bringing people together to grow and share a meal.
In Botany of the Kitchen Garden, Kew expert Hélèna Dove expertly combines horticulture and science in this essential reference on food crops: which part of the plant are we harvesting, how are plants adapted and how does this effect the grower? She demonstrates that by examining the botany of both wild and domesticated plants, we can understand behaviours and adaptations, giving readers and growers the tools to delve further into their favourite foods. From asparagus, cabbage, lettuce and raspberry to pineapple, tomatillo and okra, each comprehensive plant entry and includes information on etymology, cultivation history, growing habits, cultivars and varieties, and much more.
With a closer look at the everyday crops we grow and eat, this book will help the reader cultivate more productive plots, provide a renewed zest for the food on our plates, and a deeper understanding to an afternoon spent at the allotment.