As autumn has started to deepen, harvesting has slowed down to a trickle and the onus has shifted to tidying up and preparations for next year.

Looking North 3 November 2012

Looking South West 3 November 2012

This year we have tried to ensure that we have some continuity of cropping throughout the winter, by using a few follow-on crops.  We have got leeks, winter greens and spinach for winter harvesting, along with the very last of this year’s beetroot and onions and broad beans in the ground for next year.  We are however, not pushing all of the beds all year, allowing some to be rested over the winter.  For example, we are in the process of preparing a bed for an increased range of climbing beans and peas for next year and are using the first of our allotment-made compost to fill planting trenches.

It is noticeable that the larger size of the compost bins is making the rotting-down process much quicker than in the smaller bin that we have at home, so we should be able to keep a steady flow of well-rotted organic matter into the cultivated beds.  Our allotment soil is a light sandy loam and adding organic matter will allow better moisture and nutrient retention ensuring that we can continue the heavy cropping we have enjoyed as the plot first came into cultivation.