Every last crop

Still got spuds, squash and roots to harvest? Bob explains how to squeeze every last drop from this year's crop...

- Bob Flowerdew

AUTUMN is no longer so predictable, with the last few years of mild weather lasting way longer than in previous years. So whereas in the past, the advice at this time of year could be confidently along the lines of getting your garden ready for the cold, now it is as likely it will continue mild (though, of course, maybe it will not).

However, although the weather may be mild, the sun is still weakening so plants may grow but just not as strongly. In practice, it's usually a mould that overcomes them as their resistance is low. When potatoes have avoided blight and are still growing they might be putting on more weight, but this has to be offset by the increasing risk of rots and damage from slugs and other pests, so they are best lifted soon.