THE clocks go back next weekend, so this is no time to rest in the allotment or vegetable plot.

There is just enough daylight to clear and tidy up the allotment of any old crops in preparation for next year.

Don’t leave the remains of summer crops to rot and harbour overwintering pests and diseases. Wait for a clear, crisp, sunny day and go for it.

According to the National Allotment Society, the time will soon be here to harvest winter cabbage, Brussels sprouts, leeks and parsnips.

Wait until after a frost for the parsnips because the chilling effect turns the starches into sugars and this gives them their natural sweetness.

Pick the Brussels sprouts working from the bottom of the stalk upwards, to make sure that all of the sprouts get a chance to swell.

At the same time, snap off any yellowing leaves at their base to ensure that there is good air circulation around the plants. It also makes the sprouts easier to pick on cold, wet and frosty days.

Clear the ground of any remaining vulnerable crops, such as celeriac, carrots and Florence fennel, and put them into store before any hard frosts are forecast.

Sow a crop of your favourite variety round seeded hardy peas.

They can be sown either in the open ground, if the weather conditions are favourable, or three to a 3ins/9 cm pot and transplanted later when the roots have reached the bottom of the pot.

Transplant any pot-raised broad beans sown earlier somewhere sheltered and protected from cold, icy blasts. It’s not too late to take a chance on a sowing of broads beans if it is done early in the month.

Transplant October-sown lettuces to grow on under cloches or frames; space them 6ins/15cms square.

Although these winter varieties are tough enough to withstand most British winters, it is always best to have some protection on hand ready to protect them if needs be.

Wet growing conditions can wreak as much damage as the cold

Now is a good time to plant new fruit trees and bushes. Soft fruit bushes can also be moved now if needed.

Dig, dig and dig. This is the priority job in mid-autumn. The more that you can get done before the end of the year, the better.