| "The nights are fair drawing in", and winter is just around the next bend. Temperatures have started to drop and you have already tried to call out a plumber to check the central heating (but he wasn’t available). Outside in the garden, not only are the days shorter, giving you less gardening time, but the weather results in there being fewer gardening opportunities. That being the case you best take every chance you get to spend a couple of hours tidying up your plot.
Autumn digging is the main job now. There will be those amongst the 'no dig' fraternity who will disagree, but I shall choose to ignore them. Digging at this time of year will clear the ground of annual weeds and bury the remains of any crops that have been harvested. The winter frosts (which we are all hoping for) can penetrate the soil and break up heavy clods, as well as killing off some of the over-wintering pests and diseases. Any insect grubs that are brought to the surface in the course of digging will be welcomed by the inevitable robin that sits watching you work. And, if all that were not enough of a reason for looking out your spade, the exercise is good for you and will help keep you warm.
One word of warning, just make sure that, like all good athletes, you take a few moments to 'warm up' before to launch into a happy hour of digging. Oh, and make sure that the bottom of your back is covered.
The Team
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