Jack is a fount of knowledge and the expert on hot beds. When I visited his allotment and saw how advanced and healthy his crops were, it proved to me that these old systems still work a treat and are just as relevant now - if not more so - than they ever were.

Joe Swift, garden designer and TV presenter

Within four chapters I was convinced enough to start thinking about where to squeeze a couple of hot beds into my garden. Nicely laid out and easy to read and reference… a must for any keen gardener or sustainable living enthusiast.

Suma Wholefood Wholesalers Blog.

I have waited a long time for this book… Jack First has done all the hard work… His authority on the subject is evident in the detailed descriptions and analysis of the various methods used… Most importantly, if the last few summers are the start of a pattern we must get used to, then this gem of a book may mean a lot more than just a fascinating insight into a traditional technique.

Alys Fowler, Gardens Illustrated

If you want super-early crops without the hassle and expense of a heated greenhouse, look no further than Hot Beds by Jack First. This compact book brings back up to date Victorian gardeners' techniques of building frames over piles of manure to harness the heat and grow everything from slads and spinach to beet and carrots. A must-read if you'd like to pursue a low-cost, eco-friendly approach to out-of-season crops.

Grow Your Own

With increasing numbers of people seeing the value in growing their own fruit and vegetables, it seems that there is a ready-made audience for First's new guide. If you fancy getting a head start on your salad crops, why not make this the year you join the hot bed revolution?

Louisa Pearson, The Scotsman

With clear instructions, diagrams and colour images the author shares his experience of using this established method of early growing… This is an area full of possibilities for increasing yields in the vegetable garden.

The Landsman