Book review: Way to Grow

Ths DK book is Akeroyd's 30-somethingth, with his Allotment Handbook of 2013 probably his best-known work.

Akeroyd, who has 1.1m Instagram followers, is renowned for offering the gardening advice publishers and beginner gardeners want.

He has worked as a gardens manager for the RHS and his experience gives confidence that despite having a large online following and using the neologism 'hacks' rather than 'tips', his advice will lead to success.

The hacks are simple and cheap projects, well illustrated with the grizzled Akeroyd front of shot.

For instance, there's a toilet roll bird feeder, suitable as a project for kids and veteran gardeners alike.

More of a hack is a wildlife-friendly watering can, bunged up so bees don't drown in it.

Propagating rosemary and hardwood rose cuttings are more horticulturally worthy, and tricky, but Aeroyd makes doing this type of project look easy.

There's certainly a gap in the market for simple tips as garden TV goes out of the window. YouTube can fill in (Akeroyd can get hundreds of thousands of views for a clickable hack, usually involving saving money simply), but many people like the reassurance of print.

And that's what Akeroyd offers. He steps in with a manual that is as much about saving cash as it is about growing plants. Whether you are a follower of his digital hacks or a newcomer looking for a reliable guide, this book offers the comfort of an expert hand leading you through the garden gate.

It is a rare feat to be both a social media sensation and a respected horticultural authority, but with this volume, Akeroyd proves he is exactly that.