The government is urging the UK population to be kinder to the planet – and to themselves – by eating more fruit and vegetables that are grown sustainably, with the revelation that 18% of the UK’s greenhouse gases are related to food and drink production and consumption, and that 1 in 4 British children are now obese. In light of these recent findings, people are being urged to start the New Year with a new and healthy attitude, by joining the ‘grow your own’ revolution. As well as the obvious health benefits, there is a strong demand for saving money while eating well. However, many people are unsure where to start when it comes to growing their own vegetables. “The statistics emerging show that it is more important than ever for people to embrace a healthier lifestyle. They can do this and save money easily by simply growing their own vegetables,” says Patricia Harbottle, keen vegetable grower, cook and recipe creator for the Make More of Vegetables series. “You don’t necessarily need an allotment or a whole vegetable patch to do it. Both courgettes and runner beans, for instance can be grown in buckets in small confined spaces.” The Make More of Vegetables series, co-written by Patricia, together with horticultural expert Peter Chadwick and food writer and editor of Living Earth magazine, Elisabeth Winkler, consists of four books, each containing horticultural advice and recipes for growing and cooking your own vegetables Queen of Italian cookery writers, Anna Del Conte, is already a huge fan of the books. “The recipes in these books are a joy to read and an even bigger joy to eat,” she says. “I was particularly captivated by the section of one-pot dishes, which I love to cook - the end result is delicious in its balance of flavours and perfect in its balance of nutrients. Pat is a cook after my own heart!” Make More of Beans and Peas and Make More of Squashes are available at Amazon and all good bookstores. The following two books, Make More of Greens and Make More of Roots will be published in 2010.