Green backstop

Dwarf kale, not as useful or productive as larger varieties, but a handy green backstop.

Winter box

Small skale

Seriously, whats the point of 'dwarf' kale? Kale's so fashionable these days that dwarf kale seeds were the only ones around.

Sweet crunch

More of the same

Provisions

Sweet

Nothing sweeter than a beetroot, not even a windfall apple, autumn raspberry or corn on the cob. Yet people pickle them!?

Daily greens

The dwarf kale's doing well in the spot where the early pea crop was.

Bountiful

Green time

Greens - whites and purples - in abundance now, thanks to regular net inspection: The snow weighed down some of the protective nets, allowing pigeons to peck at the exposed growth.

Late veg box

                A final colourful harvest before the frosts arrive.

Cage fighters

The late sown kale's coming on but needs protection from hungry pigeons. Some late spinach refuses to grow; it might be a summer variety that notices the dwindling daylight hours.

Kale futures

A little late in clearing ground and planting out some kale seedlings that have been nibbled and pecked a bit, although hopefully they'll recover as they're a useful winter veg. These are a dwarf variety, not the best, so it's worth sowing as many as possible. Trying a final late sowing now to use up a packet of seeds before the expiry date.

Tray Safe

Kale and lettuce seedlings, safely sprouting in trays away from slimy beasties, though in hot weather the compost can dry out alarmingly quickly.

Winter hedge fund

Lots to harvest at the moment but also a good time to plan ahead for winter and plant out young kale plants, under netting to protect them from peckish pigeons.

Hungry Gap

It's now the period of the year known as the 'hungry gap', hence a variety of kale known by the same name. Any type will do: This is Dwarf Green Curled and a packet of 400 seeds cost 25p. Even better, it grows back when you harvest it, as long as you leave a few leaves on. There's been enough to eat several times a week and made trips to the allotment worthwhile.

Boxed

Producing

Autumn greens

Repetition