Winter approaches

I look forward to November, whatever the weather brings because the garden is not full throttle.  I can potter a bit more, which I love, the days are shorter, so no Protestant Work Ethic to keep me out weeding until 9.00 at night.

There’s plenty to do, still but the garden is a calming place to be on a mellow afternoon as the ducks and geese fly over, the hens potter about, watching me turn over soil or empty pots in the hope of a worm and I have the time and space to think about next year.

It’s been a mild autumn so far and I’m enjoying that but I do wish a good frost would come and kill off the dreaded midges!

Some of the tasks for me this month below.  The list isn’t exhaustive.  It’s about my garden and my microclimate.

SEASONAL, LOCAL HARVESTS

SOWING

Broad beans, peas and sweet peas.  Keep an eye out for mice.  I sow peas for shoots throughout the winter.

Sprouting seeds and micro greens.  These are a good windowsill staple to add to salads.  Most seed merchants sell them.

HARVEST

Beetroot, chard, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, parsnips, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, apples, crab apples.

FROM STORAGE

Onions, garlic, potatoes, garlic, neeps (swede), beetroot, apples, dried herbs. 

FORAGE

Rose hips, sloes, damsons.

Mushrooms - only if you know for sure what it is you’re harvesting.  If not, don’t!  Look for fungi forays advertised in your area and go with someone who can identify edible mushrooms

FROM THE FREEZER

Runner beans, raspberries, blackberries, currants, plums.

EDIBLE FLOWERS

Violas, borage, last gasp nasturtiums (it really will be the last of them)

See recipes for various seasonal uses of veg and fruit.

In the flower garden, make sure to leave some bushes and perennials unpruned.  Go for things like teasel, echinops and other stately types that will look fabulous in the frost.  Also, the little critters that need a bit of shelter will appreciate a spot where clippings and branches have been left in a pile.  If you are incredibly tidy-minded, put them out of sight and see how you can stand having them in a heap.  The wildlife will thank you.