Now that autumn has well and truly arrived it is time to make winter preparations in the vegetable garden. Digging or cultivation can start now, although it is wise to plan the crop rotation for next year, before you start work.

It is important to know where next season's crops are to be grown, for if the plot is uniformly manured all kinds of problems are created. Liberally manured land can cause cabbages and Brussels sprouts to grow lush, soft foliage. They then do not heart or form properly, while root crops, like carrots and parsnips, will fork badly and potatoes may develop scaly skins.

Root crops benefit from following those that were heavily manured the previous year, any deficiency in available plant foods being corrected by the application of a granular fertiliser. Well-rotted manure should only be incorporated in parts of the garden where salad crops, like peas, beans and marrows are to be grown.

When digging or rotavating, leave the soil turned up in as large lumps as possible so that it can weather. Winter frosts, rain and wind all help in ensuring a good tilth next spring.

It may come as a surprise to learn that the next few weeks is seed sowing time for early crops of both peas and broad beans. It is true that if the winter is very severe there may be a few losses, but as the vegetable garden is empty except for overwintering cabbages and leeks, the risk of the cost of a packet of seeds is worthwhile, given the potential rewards.

It is important to choose the right varieties. Amongst the broad beans, longpod kinds like Aquadulce and The Sutton are the best. Round seeded peas are a must for autumn sowing, Meteor and Feltham First being the most satisfactory.

All these are very hardy and will come through an average winter in most gardens. Their greatest vulnerability is to birds and mice and some simple precautions should be taken.

Taint the seeds with paraffin before sowing. This deters all kinds of vermin and does not in any way impair the plant's development, or have any lasting effect.

Pour the seeds into a paper bag, get a generous handful of dried sand which has been dampened with paraffin. Add the sand to the seed and shake the bag to mix the sand and seeds evenly.

Tip the seeds out of the bag and separate them from the sand. The seeds will then be sufficiently tainted to be free from the attention of vermin and can be sown in the normal manner.

Directly after sowing cover the rows with wire pea guards, being sure to secure the ends to prevent the more cunning individuals from creeping underneath.

WHAT'S NEW

The Nu Can is a watering can where the flow of water is controlled by a button.

So-Green is a strain of drought-resistant lawn grass seed.

Pink Pixie is a bright pink hebe for the small garden.

Q I have an overgrown lavatera plant. How far can I cut it back now?

A Reduce it by up to a half now to prevent it blowing about in the winter. In the spring cut it to within a foot of ground level.

Q Can I transplant a two year old clematis, or should I start again?

A Clematis are very difficult to transplant after the first season, so you would be wise to plant a new plant.

JOBS

As soon as the frost has blackened the foliage, gladioli corms should be lifted.

1. Cut the foliage back to just above the neck of the corm and allow to dry.

2. Rub off any dry soil and invert the corms in a tray to allow moisture to drain from the hollow stems.

3. After a few days store away nets and suspend them in a cool frost-free place.

MEMBERSHIP of The Northern Echo Gardening Club is open to all.

The once-only membership fee is £10 and new members receive free seeds and entry vouchers to open gardens to a value in excess of the joining fee - so it really costs nothing.

You can join by writing to The Northern Echo Gardening Club, P.O. Box 50, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3XD enclosing the membership fee of £10. Alternatively, call the Membership Hotline (01765) 698888 or visit The Northern Echo Gardening Club Shop, 4 North Street, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3XD enclosing your membership fee of £10. (Make cheques/p.o. payable to Greenfingers Club Limited).