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If your shed is anything like mine, it could probably do with a jolly good clear out. My shed becomes the repository for all sorts of bits and bobs through the summer months. Netting, canes, saved seeds, old labels and pots, a half-eaten packet

I've been drying out onions to prepare them for storage. This batch was lifted - from sodden beds - during the non-stop rains of late-July, then spread in a single layer on crates and mushroom boxes in the shed. Ordinarily, I would have left them

Sometimes it seems like I've had the allotment forever - I just can't imagine life without it. It seems so long ago when I look back to the early days - no shed, no raised beds, only weeds and lots of work to do.I think we got most things right when

in March. Not this time though! I'm determined to forge ahead this winter and have planned a couple of projects to get my teeth into, including building another compost heap and painting the shed. Not only have I convinced myself that these projects

the plot in the mornings at the weekend or on weekday evenings to avoid the hottest part of the day. It's also a good idea to create a shady area on your plot - unfortunately the only shade on my plot is in my shed, but that's often hotter than outside.

the top) and he promptly rolled into a ball. Vic, my neighbouring plotter, grabbed some gloves to move him as he was right in the path, and I took a quick photo with my phone. We put him down by the shed and he scuttled off underneath it. I really hope he

Buds are breaking and daffodils are emerging — slowly, but surely, spring is doing its thing. But I won't be shedding the thermals quite yet, as it's still a bit chilly first thing. My thoughts are turning towards planting, and I've been tweaking

makes watering easier for those with hosepipes. Others try to be less wasteful with water, preferring to use watering cans. I tend to fall into the latter camp, although I do have a hose tucked away in the shed in case I get into a panic in spring when

The plot is pretty much reaching its peak around now, and that always strikes me as a good time to take stock. I can sit back on the step of the shed and soak up the successes of the summer. But I can also reflect on what didn't go so well

from slugs and snails) and planted them out when they had a good clump of leaves. I always grow lettuces in a well-drained (and less slug-prone) bed close to my shed, so I can keep an eye on them.I tend to try a few new lettuce varieties each year