Tales from the Plot 

We still can get some nice days in November, however it’s time to batten down the hatches to be ready for the winter that lies before us.
The clocks have now gone back so we are allowed to have a bonfire on the allotments. I try to have mine around bonfire night: we have to be very careful as the allotments are surrounded by private dwellings – I just feel that if I have mine around bonfire night it won’t cause any upset, common sense also tells us not to leave one unattended.
My grandson loves to help when we have the bonfire, I think there’s a bit of caveman in all of us and poking a bonfire with a stick is quite a pleasurable thing to do. Wrap a couple of potatoes in some foil and place in the embers, they will be wonderful especially with some butter added. Please also check before you light to make sure there’s no hedgehogs nesting in there. 
Something to look forward to is that usually by the end of this month we can have the first of the brussels sprouts, my favourite vegetable, although last year I didn’t get them until after Christmas. That was a bit of a disaster so this year I’ve set them earlier in the year hopefully all will be well for Christmas. Pick the brussels sprouts working from the bottom of the stalk upwards to make sure that all of the sprouts get a chance to swell. I also clear any of the lower leaves – this helps minimise pests.
Well, I don’t know if I’ve done right or wrong but I’ve started some broad beans off in trays and they’re ready to go in. I always feel sorry for anything I put out at this time of year as there’s only hard times ahead, but fingers crossed. However it’s not too late to take a chance and to put a row or two in the ground especially if you can cover them with cloches. I always also put a couple of dozen lettuce plants in at this time, these winter varieties if grown in a sheltered spot can withstand the winter and I’ve been quite successful in the past; however, it is always best to have some protection on hand ready to protect them if needs. Savoy cabbages, another of my favourites, are doing well and thankfully I’ll have some to pick throughout the winter along with carrots and parsnips and swedes.
Now is a good time to check over the trusty wheelbarrow as it has to work hard over the next few months carting muck and compost about. Most of the leaves will have fallen by now, collect them up and make a leaf mould stack, I just stick them in a Dalek type black compost bin, I have a friend who has several trees in his garden and he kindly hoovers them up with his mower and then bags them for me – I also use them as a munch throughout the year and to cover any tubs of potatoes I have left for Christmas which helps stop them from getting frosted. 
Garlic is a sore subject for me. I don’t know why and I don’t know what I do wrong. I just can’t grow it, fails every year, I’m now at the stage that I won’t buy any garlic to plant as it just seems a total waste of time and money yet embarrassingly for me my neighbours on the allotments grow it quite successfully!
Richard Thorpe 15 B