About the Author

Mark Ridsdill Smith founded Vertical Veg in 2009 after discovering how much food he could grow on the balcony of his flat. His website and Facebook page inspire and support people to grow food in small urban spaces, and Mark has run workshops across the UK, including for Garden Organic and Capital Growth.


Mark has shared his growing experience on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Garden on ITV and BBC1’s Countryfile. He has also written a series of 15 articles for the Guardian’s ‘Live Better’ campaign and a feature for Which? Gardening.

Reviews

‘Mark’s enthusiasm is infectious and together with his attention to often-overlooked details, will give you confidence and knowledge to grow an impressive amount of food in seriously small spaces, where you probably thought you could not! He has been practising what he preaches for a long time and continually refines his methods, to be able to share with you many effective ways to harvest fresh vegetables throughout the year.’ Charles Dowding, author of Skills for Growing and No Dig Gardening

‘The impression that the fine art of gardening can be achieved only by those with large amounts of space is slowly and surely becoming disproved. Mark’s container gardening book deals another major blow to that myth with a comprehensive guide, both practical and scientific, to growing edibles without the need for open ground. With many people in urban areas now living in flats, whose outdoor access is limited to balconies or small community areas, this book lays out with thorough advice how to garden in container conditions and how to enjoy the social, physical, and mental benefits of gardening with the massive bonus of having access to fresh food. What I most love about this book is that it is entirely based around Mark’s practical experiences – he is a container gardener to his soul, and whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, it is the perfect launch to your endeavours.’ Chris Collins, TV presenter and head of horticulture at Garden Organic

‘If you want bumper harvests from brick walls and block paving, this book shows you how. A cornucopia of sage advice and cunning tips, it's verbal fertiliser for your growing plans. But small space gardening is also about people, and Mark's considerate humanity blooms in every chapter.’ Tom Heap, BBC Countryfile

‘Mark has filled this book with so many insights from years of first-hand trial-and-error and building a real green community around growing food in challenging situations. I hope it inspires an army of urban vegetable growers to make the most of their outside spaces – I couldn't put this down.’ Sian Berry, Green Party member of the London Assembly

‘Like all the best educators Mark is an excellent storyteller, and his enthusiasm and personal commitment shine from every page. How many gardening books advise you that in December (in the Northern hemisphere) you should ‘sleep and dream’? ‘The stunning illustrations draw you into a world of great shared experience with practical tips at every level. The invitation to create abundance must prove alluring for even the most cautious beginner, and as a very experienced gardener, I found new insights and tips as enlightening as a complete newbie. ‘In an increasingly urbanised world, where many people who would love to eat healthily have no access to land, vertical gardening offers an instant opportunity to get on the pathway to a good chemical-free diet over which individuals and households can have control for themselves. ‘On a practical level this book details every important aspect of how to succeed growing in containers. From composting to watering, propagation to plant choices, there are detailed investigations and recommendations. The focus on minimising cost and on recycling is impressive. Side remarks on a range of issues from seed saving to being chemical free chime well with the underlying passion for issues of sustainability. Assuming little prior knowledge is a great way to open the text to all. The repeated watchword ‘keeping it simple’ is another worthy lesson for all. ‘Don’t be fooled by the ‘good for beginners’ intro. The depth of research and recording and the factual guidance is as good as it gets. This is a masterwork for all gardeners to enjoy – even the most experienced.’ Graham Bell, author, practicing gardener, teacher of permaculture

‘Food deserts and the associated human health concerns that exist in urban environments belie the costs of a failing food system. Growing fresh and nutritious produce in the city is a most important aspect of any food quality discussion. Vertical Veg provides ideas and guidance for the individual to create “a green oasis in a concrete space”. A simple pot of soil can support tasty herbs, salad greens and more. Mark Ridsdill Smith shows us how to take these ideas to the limits of available space, both his and his neighbors. These actions are infectious and inclusive – nourishing the body, nurturing the soul and connecting the community.’ Nigel Palmer, author of The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Garden Amendments

‘I love the image of many small urban gardens growing in containers – so useful and beautiful where water is available. There is a lot of good information in this book, whether you intend to make a container garden or sow plants in the ground. I know it will be a good guide for this (non-urban) gardener for years to come.’ Deborah Madison, author of An Onion in My Pocket and Vegetable Literacy

‘Mark has eliminated every excuse – you can garden wherever you live, without exception. He goes further than just salad greens by outlining a plan for most vegetables known to gardening. Despite the dedication, I contend that it will be as beneficial to those who want to container garden in the suburbs and the countryside as well as in the concrete jungle! We all are better off with this book. This book is detailed with many creative pointers gleaned from his years of experience container gardening. Fun to read.’ Peter Burke, author of Year-Round Indoor Salad Gardening