Flame-coloured trees, falling leaves, the scent of bonfire smoke in the air, crisp mornings and all the golden gorgeousness of October means that autumn is here. October weather is usually rather eccentric: I start the day wrapped up in hat, jumper and wellies, and by early afternoon can be gardening in shorts and a T-shirt, but the returning chill around 4pm, and evenings drawing in, reminds us that summer has passed.
My windowsills are filling up with winter squash curing before storage, letting the skins firm in a light space, which helps them to last for longer. Every surface in the kitchen – shelf, hook, and most of the floor – is filled with jars of preserves and baskets of produce waiting to be stored. Chillies, herbs and fancy coloured…
