I recently celebrated my birthday and Other Tony (plot 7) was kind enough to get me a book by someone or other regarding winter veg. It is most compulsive. I have been encouraged to contact a nursery in Leicester who specialise in rare species of veg. I understand they have a seed catalogue which will give me some pause for thought.
The Big News from here is that we have had our Autumn Pickles contest. It is a small thing which we organise in the local pub. We have a chance to display our preserved vegetables which are then judged by all participants. I don't mind telling you that we have had some exotic entries. Patrick (plot 3) came up withsome rather splendid pickled okra which he had done in rice wine vinegar. It was positively delicious and earned a well-deserved Honourable Mention. Apart from that there were over twenty entries including some attractive pen and ink illustrations by New Mark (plot 2). I was able to show five types of preserve including a spiced plum chutney which was well received although not placed.
The winning entries were: in 3rd place with 36 points and 2 Honourable mentions a jar of pickled onions by Mick MacTiernan. In 2nd place with 40 points and 2 Honourable mentions Minced Apple and onion chutney by Douggie Adams. And in First place with 42 points and 3 Honourable mentions Heidi's "Nice Pear" Chutney, by Heidi Fanning. I think all the points were well deserved but they do show a tendency towards mild pickles which is a bit of a change in fashion from last year.
Finally, I have had a message from Bob Western in Ottawa who saw my previous advice about the lettuces. He thinks it might be an iron deficiency. I am open for other suggestions and meanwhile include a photograph of a portion of Plot 5 with myself hard at work. (coming soon. ed.)