The days are getting shorter, so snuggle up indoors with your copy of KG and catch up with the latest news from the plot… that’s if you’ve done all your outdoor jobs, of course!
With autumn in full swing you may be forgiven for thinking that there is not much to do other than to harvest the remnants of your summer crops and start on the hardy veg that has been slowly growing since spring, writes KG editor Steve Ott.
However, as our jobs pages show this month, there is still plenty to do to keep those harvests coming and lots to think about if 2021 is going to be a bumper year on the plot.
Turn to page 56 to find out what no-dig gardener Stephanie Hafferty is sowing and growing on her plot this month, while KG regular Rob Smith offers his advice on growing pungent garlic – what are the best varieties and the techniques needed to grow, harvest and store your best-ever cloves.
Deputy editor Emma Rawlings and gardening writer Ben Vanheems reveal simple ways to extend the season so that you can quickly grow your own delicious and nutritious crops throughout the year with no more space than a windowsill or table top.
Emma moves outdoors to bring you her definitive guide to making great compost, starting on page 60, while I look at how to store the harvests you’ve already grown this season to ensure you get the most from them through the long winter months.
We all dream of being more self sufficient and Julie Moore has some ideas to help us all do just that by working with nature to get the best from our plots, and if you are looking to boost your fruit garden this winter you won’t want to miss our four-page feature from fruit expert David Patch as he reveals his favourite eating apples and top tips on how to grow them.
More to enjoy!
As usual, we have lots of recipes for you to try out… after all, if you’re going to grow it, you’ll also want to cook it! Our regular chef, Anna Cairns Pettigrew, is her usual imaginative self in the November issue with a selction of delicious dishes to warm up a cold autumnal night. Here’s a picture of just one of them, rum poached pear.
It’s been a strange year, but at least the harvest has come good and we can spend time in the open air, on our allotments or in our gardens, enjoying being with nature even if we can’t be with friends or family outside of our household or family bubble.
So stay safe, keep in touch with KG on our website, also via our social media channels, and if you’re looking for gifts for friends and family, why not buy them a subscription to Kitchen Garden magazine… and help them join the KG community!
