As summer slips away. September hails in the last hooray of sunshine. Cool mornings, followed by  warm afternoon, but always with that slight chill in the air lingers as the day ends. Regardless the change, it still feels very pleasant. Its been one of the wettest summers I can remember.

The flower borders have put on a spectacular colourful display despite the cool wet summer. Summer 2024 is one many vegetable growers will want to see the last of. But summer has not been kind for food production. Whatever was harvested it was a welcomed. As autumn arrives and grow area is cleared of spent debris. This is also a good time to turn and aerate the compost heap. Soil preparation begins. Add a layer of mulch around the newly planted out cauliflower and spinach. This will help trap the last of the summer warmth around the young plants. Last of the beetroot and carrots are harvested as well as the main crop of potatoes. Space is created and garlic is planted int he freshly cleared potato beds. Any beds not in use. Green manure is sown. The winter vegetable, Brussel sprouts, will have started to put on healthy tight buds. Now is the time to provide stake support to help prevent the plants from rocking in the winter winds.The squash plants will start to look a little worst for ware. The squash fruits that grew happily in the summer sunshine will soon be ready to harvest.

The greenhouse will also start to silence as the tomato and chilli plants showcase the last of their ripe fruits. Once the exhausted pots are cleared out. Its time to plant out winter lettuce and Chinese greens. Herbs like parley and coriander will welcome the new sheltered space provided.

Whilst the summer starts to feel like a distant memory. It is a good time to take stock of what performed well rather than what didn’t. Make a list of what to grow again and start the seed shopping list. That said as we start to slow down in the garden, its time to enjoy the product and preserves we have created from our own grown harvest.

Goodbye Summer 2024, don’t forget to wipe your feet as you leave!