This week on the Veg Grower Podcast, the weather has been the main story. With heavy showers and strong winds, I’ve had to adapt my plans in both the kitchen garden and on the allotment.

At home, the wet weather kept me indoors more than I’d like, but I still managed to get some useful jobs done under cover. Seed sowing has continued in trays in the shed and greenhouse, ensuring a steady flow of crops as we move into autumn. These small steps mean the garden will keep providing, even when the weather isn’t on our side.

The allotment has been a mix of challenges and small wins. The rain made weeding a little easier, and I managed to get a fair amount cleared. However, bigger jobs such as building a new compost bin had to be postponed thanks to the conditions.

With the stormy winds picking up, I also spent some time checking and securing things around the plot. It’s a reminder to us all at this time of year that a sudden gust can undo a lot of hard work if we’re not prepared.

This week I’ve also been in the podding shed, where I shared a voicemail from listener Maria, who’s had trouble with slugs getting to her pumpkins. It’s a problem many of us face, and it’s always helpful to hear these challenges so we can share ideas and solutions together.

I also urged listeners to follow what I’ve been doing lately — taking some time to plan ahead for the coming year. Start by writing a list of the crops you’d really like to grow, then sketch out your allotment or garden space. Even a rough plan can make a huge difference in making the most of your growing area and ensuring everything has its place.

It hasn’t been the most productive of weekends, but that’s often the way when the weather turns against us. Still, there’s always something to do — whether it’s seed sowing under cover, planning for next season, or simply tidying what we can.