It is the time of year again – putting the allotment to bed.

It is certainly worth doing the autumn dig slowly, without anything else other than a spade. This plot was unloved and in a terrible state a couple of years ago but as I finished the dig today I’m happy. There is only a small strip of land to dig – after I’ve burned the pile of old raspberry canes etc. I’ll dig the ashes in and the job will be done. Of course I’ve pulled out bindweed roots and some weeds, those will be there for some time yet but the soil is crumbly and full of worms. The potatoes did well so next year it’ll be the turn of pumpkins and courgettes there.