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into the ground and standing only about 30-45cm (12-18in) tall. This gives the tree a chance to build up its own strength as it flexes in the wind but keeps those roots safe and secure. Perhaps the trees won't then grow as ramrod-straight as they would with a

. I now need to earth up again and stake each plant to help it survive the autumnal winds that pummel our hilly site. I don't think canes are going to withstand the onslaught, especially as the plants are so big, but, like most allotmenteers, I've got

of reinforced concrete, fashioned into a tunnel with the help of some sturdy stakes. The owner of the plot was a builder needless to say. And the bicycle wheel? Ah that's my friend David's trick. He uses a bicycle wheel at the top to gather a larger than average