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

Stake Brussels sprouts to keep upright as this makes them easier to pick and stops them blowing over in the winter months, if done in early autumn before sprouting starts to mature it can help prevent the buttons from blowing. Tie the stalk to the stakes or canes with soft string top and bottom, don’t forget to use cane caps or old yoghurt pots to stop you damaging your eyes.

Remove fallen and yellowing lower leaves as this helps air to flow around the plants and prevents fungal disease, also allows frost to get to the buttons, they taste better, add the leaves to the compost bin.

Start harvesting sprouts when tight and walnut sized, spacing and growing conditions can affect the size. Pick sprout buttons from the bottom of the stalk upwards, this is where they mature first, this is also where they first start to blow, snap them off with a sharp downward tug. Pick a few sprouts from each stalk until half way up the stalk then remove the growing point of the plant; this encourages the tiny sprouts at the top to develop.

A few varieties to look out for: Maximas Noisette earlies, Cascade, Braveheart lates.

Rhubarb is a hardy perennial which grows best in a sunny site with a PH level of 5.0 – 6.5; it will tolerate most conditions apart from water logged soils. The bed should be prepared before planting. Dig the ground deeply incorporating well rotted manure or garden compost, remove all perennial weed as you dig, rake in 3 – 4 oz of fertilizer just before planting.

Obtain plants from garden centres or nurseries, or propagate from established plants at least three years old, divide roots with a knife and spade making sure each piece has a bud. Plant November or February/March leaving 3ft between plants, the buds should be just below the surface. Firm in and water in dry conditions.