If you have leeks ready to harvest, only grab them when you need them for the kitchen.

Leeks don't form bulbs and they also don't have a rest period which means they can be harvested over a long time and you can leave them in the ground until you need them.

The ideal size is about 2.5 cm think, but you can start harvesting earlier to thin out crowded rows or leave them in longer.

Smaller leeks should be easy to pull up but as the roots are still growing when you pick them and are quite matted, you may need a garden fork for the larger ones.

If you didn't get around to planting your leeks between February and May, its best to wait until September before planting.

Other all-year staples such as lettuces, Asian greens, silver beet, kale and spring onions should also be growing well and some may be ready to harvest.

Remember to keep checking stored pumpkins and potatoes for any signs of rot.

Bare rooted fruit trees are in nurseries at the moment and are great value and easy to handle.

Get your site prepared before you pick up your tree and dig in plenty of compost and manure/fertiliser.

When these trees are dug up from where they are grown, some of the roots are cut off, and so the trees need to be cut back when you plant them to compensate for that root loss.

This also stimulates the tree to develop a great branch structure down low which sets you up for a productive tree down the track.

Cold days are good for projects you can undertake inside or in the shed.

You might like the idea of building a blackboard for the shed to keep track of what has been planted in your patch where and when.

This makes crop rotation easier and allows you to keep track of when you planted, what worked and what didn't in the vegie garden.

Thursday 23 July is the next meeting of the Armidale Garden Club, at 7pm in the Uniting Church Youth Club Hall.

Everyone is welcome and social distancing protocols will be adhered to.