The soil is either frozen rock hard or so sodden you’re ankle deep within two steps of walking onto the plot at the moment.

Little seems left to do for the novice veg grower this year. There are some peas which may battle the early frosts to make the dinner plate, but that’s it.

I feel equipped to go forward next season with a renewed vigour and greater sense of ‘knowing what I am actually doing’.

This year it was a pleasant surprise and novelty to get something off the land and even with a mere quarter plot there was far too much for our kitchen.

I have learnt pigeons are your enemy and foxes find really unusual places to do their business (apologies if you have just had lunch).

Most important of all it’s got me off my backside and into the fresh air. I have picked up a hell of a lot of useful tips and ideas.

I have managed to fill bags and boxes with adequately sized fruit and veg without stealing from neighbouring plots.

I’m ready, shovel in hand, for the spring.