“I’m so glad we live in a world where there are Octobers.” –  L. M. Montgomery

So am I, Lucy, so am I. Before I took up the fork and trowel and embarked on this gardening journey, I naively thought growing vegetables was a summer activity, and you couldn’t do it once the colder weather arrived.  Several years on, I look back at my former self, shake my head at him and mutter Captain Mainwaring’s immortal words, ‘Stupid boy!’

After another day on the allotment, closing down several beds and preparing them for the winter ahead, I’m also tending to the remaining autumn crops. Broccoli, Leeks, Swede, Kale and Brussel Sprouts are happily reaching for the sky embracing what light autumn gives away.  And although it’s always sad to say ‘goodbye’ to the warmth of summer, I’m keen for Jack Frost to take up his residence and blanket the ground with his icy veil.  Those first frosts help enhance the flavours of these vegetables and ensure my planted garlic gets off to a flying start.  A sprout isn’t as tasty without it being subjected to a dusting of an English winter’s day, and I’m hoping to tuck into these bad boys on Christmas Day.  Frost also kills off any of the unwanted pests and deseases in the soil that may have run amock on our plots this year.

Next week, I’m going to be turning my attention to our recently acquired second allotment. (I mean, it’s not as though I’ve got much to do at the moment, is it?!?) Currently, it has the characteristics of an unkempt meadow but already this little fella’s grey matter has been working overtime with plans, blueprints and dreams of allotment domination.  But my first job is to clear away the weeds and see the state of the soil.

But for now, let’s see what culinary wonders Soph can create with these beauties…