August and September were always the main harvest months; this was before the days of combine harvesters and varieties of barley that are out in July. Senior members in the village will remember the times when lads would go out into the cornfields when a crop was nearly finished to try to catch a rabbit. This was very acceptable at home and soon found its way into a rabbit pie.

The apples are ripening so pick them before they fall; treat them like eggs and they should keep. So much depends upon the variety; those that we like to last until spring can stay on the tree a little longer. The famous Bramley Seedling is one, another first class keeper is the Bleheim Orange, an apple that is as good as a Cox to many apple connoisseurs. If I were to start a new orchard in Rudston, this apple would be high on my list!

The William pears are at their best this month, and it's a good one for chalk soils. If planted with the reliable Conference pear, good pollination is sure.

Years ago, school children were taught to graft fruit trees, and pears were always put into seedling Hawthorns; these days it's Quince that is used for all pear varieties.

The potato crops are being lifted now for storage, together with carrots, beetroot and onions, once the tops show signs of turning yellow. If, like me, you like those fresh spring greens, now is the time to plant the young spring cabbage plants. Spring Hero is the only one that has a round heart, with all others being pointed, but it's a matter of choice!