Things to do on the plot in November, by Keith Houseman, plot 42.

Start winter digging; pick dry days when the soil isn’t wet or frozen. Dig over and leave the soil, rough, the frost will break down the clods in winter. Dig in annual weeds and remove perennial weeds such as docks, couch grass, bindweed, etc. Add well rotted manure or garden compost for crops such as brassicas peas and beans onions. Manure can be added for potatoes or added at planting time. Root crops such as parsnips and carrots don’t need manure as this can cause forking and damaged roots. Don’t rush the job, ½ - 1 hour a day will be less strain on your back.

Add guttering and fall pipe to sheds and greenhouses to collect rain water in water butts or 1,000 litre tanks, rain water is better for plants than tap water, water in butts or tanks warm up on sunny days and doesn’t shock plants like cold tap water.

Now the greenhouse is almost empty, clear out all the plants and put in cold frames if necessary, empty out seed trays, pots, watering trays, etc. Wash down with warm, soapy water. Scrub down staying with a good disinfectant such as Jeyes fluid. Wash down glass inside and out and glazing bars, armillatox does a good job. Now is a good time to replace broken or cracked panes. Clean gutters or fallen leaves and algae stains.

Empty water butts and scrub out, replace with tight-fitting lid all this can help keep the water clean. Always wear waterproof clothing and rubber gloves, make sure the electrical supply is isolated and covered with polythene.