Mario Bautista
So, here we are. No denying it now. A week on from the start of meteorological autumn. Daylight is shortening for early risers like me. Evenings drawing in, as my dad used to say.
My morning visits are cooler now. Some of our summer flowers are starting to fade. The sweet peas are limping on, though now maybe more seed pods than blooms. The orache and amaranth are taller than me, sunflowers of all hues tower. We cannot keep up with the giant wall of French beans
Our sowing of autumn leaves are again battered by slugs and snails. Attacked, too, by pigeons now some space has opened up. But there are clumps of assorted spicy Asian frills and I have hopes for Italian chicories.
We will sow coriander for flower and seed, and for leaves for autumn dal. Maybe quick carrots and radish. It is time, too, to sow overwintering onions, shallots and garlic. We are still undecided, though I think for us it is unlikely.
The Basque tear pea tent is drying pods for saved seed. We will hope for better luck next summer. The structure, though, is home to wondrous rampant morning glory. Also about to be conquered by trailing nasturtium.
At the moment I am in love with our orange cosmos, with flowers brighter and more delicate than its larger cousin. Fennel and dill flowers, too, delight.
Time to dose any tiring soil with your favoured feed. We mostly stick to liquid seaweed though last week found a quiet evening to spray more homemade comfrey “tea”. Now a regular autumn thing, we hope the soil and plants approve. Note: it’s best to do in the evening when neighbours are away.
The painted mountain corn cobs from the “found” seed fatten, though they’re not yet near normal size. We will wait deeper into autumn for the reveal.
Anyway, please tell us, how is the garden harvest where you are? And what’s been your greatest success?
Plot 29 by Allan Jenkins (4th Estate, £10.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
