Here we go again. The last of the autumn planting is done with garlic and shallots joining broad beans, onions and peas in a broad expanse of crops that will grow over winter for early summer harvest. These will be quickly followed by a second crop thereby fulfilling my aspiration to grow three crops every two years. The cropping plan for 2008 is under way.

Most of the debris, stakes and other artefacts from last summer’s crops are gathered up and that that remains is only there because it is more convenient to pick these up and carry them to the compost bins and service area under the trees as part of round trip that returns with compost and manure taken out to the cropping area

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After a week of frosts the summer crops are finally finished. Last weekend I picked a whole carrier bag of runner beans, from the July sowing, in top conditions, but this weekend I pulled up the entire browned, frosted row, consigned the haulm to the compost pit and recovered the canes for use next year.

Turnips have grown mightily in the mild autumn weather and despite their reputation for strong taste and woody flavour have been very acceptable when glazed or made into soup. A colleague suggested raising some in module trays from seed to maturity when they are the same size as a large radish. The resulting mini-turnips were especially fine textured and mild flavoured. An excellent vegetable for a small space

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Perfect autumn weather of sun, light rains and breezes left the soil in perfect condition for sowing peas and beans to grow over-winter.

Pea 'Oregon Sugar Pod' was sown in a triple row aiming for a plant every 9cm. The soil was raked over and pressed, but left uncovered so prowling foxes can deter mice form taking up residence. When the peas emerge a fleece covering to exclude those pesky birds as well as give a little extra protection will be put in place

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