September has been a quiet month on the plot. After all the activity of the annual FEDAGA show we usually take a break. This is a convenient time to go away; the main holiday rush is over and there is not so much needing done down on the allotment. So, after missing a few visits, on our return the plot was still in reasonable condition. As always, the weeds don't take a holiday and some of them needed urgent action to prevent them from seeding and causing even more weeds. The best way to keep on top of weeds is, simply, to keep on top of them to prevent them from seeding. Over the years this has been a priority and, as time goes by, the benefits are clear - fewer weeds each time.

Courgettes can grow to cover a lot of ground but now three of the four plants have reached the end of their useful life and are on the compost heap. The fourth one may yield a few more courgettes but will soon join the others. The other vegetables in section A (Boltardy beetroot, Countess parsnips and Musselburgh leeks) will be harvested over the winter as they are needed.

The Chevalier calabrese in section B are now back in production with good sized spears. Unusually, some of the plants failed to produce any spears after the main head was cut. They are now making compost. The Maximus sprouts are in full production and are expected to keep going right through to early spring. Normally there are a few failures with the Angela swedes, but this hasn't been a problem this year with some very good sized turnips.

Sections C and D are now completely clear of crops and, with the increasingly cleared areas on the other sections, the hoe has been busy keeping down the weeds and loosening up the surface soil. Section C has brassicas next year. It doesn't get dug, only hoed. Early next year it will get the first of two applications of lime at four ounces per square yard, and the second just before planting out time. Soil organisms don't like sudden changes in lime level so two separate applications suit them. Section D has potatoes next year. It gets double dug with a layer of compost and leaf mould under the top spit.

Next month the winter crops of parsnips, leeks, cabbage, sprouts and swedes will keep the kitchen supplied. altogether a good year with only a few minor disappointments.

B. A. Plotter.