There is a presence on the plot. An evil on the wind. Shadows gather, knowing, waiting.

This weekend the clocks went back an hour, which means longer nights, colder days and allotments winding down over the next few months.

Although the allotment is past its peak production, my winter crops are still going strong. From red and green sprouts, swede, red cabbage and Tundra cabbage, leeks, carrots and parsnips, I’m refusing to succumb to winter’s hold.

For now though, we’ve harvested the last of our pumpkins and squashes, cured and stored them.

And with Halloween upon us, now is the time to enjoy them!