What's in season: November

Potatoes from Dyffryn Gardens, South Glamorgan

One of the best things about November is coming in to the warm and settling down with some good winter-warmer food that is so very bountiful at this time of year.

Growing conditions in the UK lend themselves particularly to root veg, and one in particular is much loved for its taste and versatility.
 

The humble spud

Chipped, mashed, roasted or boiled - potatoes taste great however you cook them. Here are some facts about the much-loved veg:
 
  • The biggest potato fans are the Portuguese, followed by the Irish and then the Brits.
  • The first record of chips being eaten in Britain was in 1854
  • The biggest potato ever grown weighed in at 3.2 kg
 
Why not use some spuds to make this classic winter warmer, sausage and mash?
 

Also in season

As well as spuds, lots of other veg are ready to eat: Brussels sprouts, spring green cabbage, white cabbage, savoy cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale and leeks.
 

Jobs for the garden

Getting outside and gardening is now definitely less appealing than at the height of summer, but don your warm gardening gloves and head out because there are still some jobs to be done.
 
If you've not done it yet, bring in your herbs to protect them from the frost. Now that the fruit has finished, prune your soft fruits back ready for next year. Some planting can be done in November - including garlic and broadbeans (in sheltered areas) or carrots if you have a cold frame.