We had a very wet July and early August here in the midlands with the result that most of our Golden Acre cabbage split open. Too much moisture in the soil causes this. It is a cabbage that produces large white heads that have to burst open. If the weather is very wet, then the rain enters and a rot sets in, leaving it unfit for use. But at least the hens are very pleased. Thankfully not all the cabbages end up like this and we have plenty for our own use.

We also have peas, broad beans, runner beans and cauliflowers to name but a few. The early potatoes did really well. Sharps Express are nearly finished and the Queens will be next. They are nice and dry after all the rain.

On the whole, it was a very good year in the garden considering the cold and wet spring. I think the tomatoes came off the worst as they got off to a late start. A tomato plant needs all the sunshine it can get and that was scarce enough this year and as a result they set fruit too late. We have a nice lot in the glasshouse but not an abundance as in other years.

Biggest problem

I get lots of emails from people with the same story; with all of the damp days there was little trouble with greenfly or any other pest but it was a great summer for slugs. They had a whale of a time.

The biggest problem now is the caterpillars from the white butterfly and the garden is white with them most of the time. Most of the Savoy and Brussel sprouts are covered with netting but they still manage to sneak on to the leaves of cabbage. I like to find them before they hatch as I can squash the whole lot in one go.

If they hatch and get away they can munch their way through many heads of cabbage in a few hours, so watch out for the bunch of yellow eggs.

The shallots are pulled and are airing on boxes outdoors and will shortly be brought indoors for saving during the winter months. It is a little onion with great flavour for stews and casseroles and very easy to save and store.

Garlic is ready to harvest now in the same way. When lifting it, place the small bulbs back in the soil as they will mature into big bulbs in the season ahead. Our garlic is growing in open ground so when we reap we sow at the same time.

All herbs can be taken from cuttings now as the weather is fairly warm and this gives cuttings a chance to become established before growth slows down as winter approaches.

I am sure everyone enjoyed the Tullamore show again this year with something for all the family, a great day out. We also had a great day at Stradbally steam rally – a show with a difference if you are into vintage.