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Gardening has never been so popular.

The number of people growing their own has gone through the roof this year and that’s meant even longer lists for those waiting to take on an allotment.

If you are lucky enough to have your own already, or are about to get one, a new offering from the National Trust, ‘Allotments – Inspiration and practical advice for would-be small holders,’ could be an invaluable assistant.

Nothing beats the self-satisfied glow that comes from growing your own food and cooking it for family and friends says author Jane Easto. And who would argue when you take take home the fruits of your own labours.

Fresh organic fruit and vegetables, and armfuls of fresh cut flowers, are a great advert for your allotment.

Her book guides you through allotment life, from how to find an allotment, how to plan one out, what to grow, crop rotation, how to store your harvest plus some of the best recipes so you enjoy the fruits of your labour.

With all the details on the cost of having an allotment, self-management, and protecting your allotment, this is the easiest guide to settling up, running and enjoying your own allotment.

And if you want to look after nature at the same time, ‘Creating and maintaining ponds for wildlife,’ by Chris McLaren will tell you how.

There is no better way of creating a wildlife haven in your garden or plot of land than with a pond. They provide homes for some of our most important indigenous wildlife: plants, insects, fish, amphibians, birds and even mammals. A limpid pool edged with rushes, the humming of damselflies, the croaks of frogs and the swooping flight of swallows will be a microsite of the best of the countryside.

Pond expert Chris McClaren introduces the reader to the world of ponds: how to create one, how to maintain one and how to introduce wildlife to this idyllic pool and help it thrive. Ponds come in all shapes and sizes, and with different purposes. For most gardens – and in the wider landscape – a new pond will almost certainly need to have visual appeal, be reasonably easy to maintain, be safe (especially where children are concerned) and hopefully attract a wide range of beneficial wildlife. This practical guide explores everything you need to know about creating and maintaining your own pond.

Both books are available now in hardback priced at £7.99.