An apple a day...

AT this time of year, there is not a great deal to be done outside in the vegetable plot and those who planned well last season, will still be enjoying fresh harvests of kale, chard, Brussels’ sprouts, purple sprouting broccoli, leeks, jerusalem artichokes and cabbage.

If any root vegetables are still in the ground, now is a good time to lift them, as often the heaviest frosts occur in the earliest part of the year. Vegetables or fruit in storage should also be checked regularly in case of rot.

Now is a good time to take action if you are keen to plant some fruit trees or, if you have limited space, there are plenty of dwarf varieties available that will even grow in a large container.