Weather is colder but the weeds are still germinating on the allotment

More time spent today clearing the vacant areas on the plot and tidying up. Looking around and taking stock of the other jobs that need to be done before the weather prevents us from carrying them out.

Markers need to be checked and positioned where a plant disappears for the winter months; things like rhubarb, asparagus plants and others that die back for the winter.

We used the first parsnip we dug up to make a tasty parsnip and winter vegetable soup. It had grown to be the size of four shop bought parsnips, so there was plenty of soup to go round. Looking out of the window at this time of year can take away the incentive to walk to the allotment and start work. However, once I am on the plot, the time of year seems unimportant. I tend to work faster in the autumn, than on a warm summer day so I get a sense of achievement when I look around and see the tasks completed that day.