Well the corn is a lovely golden brown and with the ears bent over and pointing downwards I know it’s a sign that it is ready and the combine harvester will be along shortly.

At least I will be able to find the dogs again.

I have to admit I am a little stressed. Although I’ve cut back considerably on previous years I am still rather overrun with produce, giving myself pressure to use it all up in one way or another.

Cucumbers are my next glut to tackle, apart from using them fresh in a marinated cucumber and dill salad, my other favourite cucumber recipe from Sarah Raven’s Garden Cookbook is her Sweet Cucumber Pickle, which is a great way of storing them for up to a year.

It’s sweet and tangy and I love it with fish cakes or cold meats and cheese, an easy recipe to try:

Sweet Cucumber Pickle - For five small jars:

3 large cucumbers; 2 onions; 50g salt; 600ml white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar; 450g granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon celery seeds; 5 cloves; 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric.

Peel the cucumbers and thinly slice them either by hand or by using the slicing blade in a food processor. Next slice the onions. Put them both into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt.

Cover with a weighted plate and leave for 2-3 hours.

Rinse the cucumber and onion in cold water, and drain. Put all remaining ingredients into a saucepan and stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the cucumber and onion, bring to boil and simmer for 1 minute.

Remove from heat; lift the cucumber and onion mix into warm sterlised jars.

Return the liquid to the heat and boil rapidly for 10 mins to reduce and pour over cucumber in jars.

Herbs for Winter Use

Before summer heat begins to fade, sow a few more herbs for use into the autumn/winter months such as: flat-leaved and curly leaved parsley; chervil; coriander; winter savory and basil, preferably indoors. Also store herbs that you have an abundance of now but cutting and either drying by tying and hanging or freezing, you will be grateful for adding extra flavour to your dishes during the winter months.