Just a short time ago I watched as the thermometer hit 39C in the shade. Scary stuff and nature’s way of telling us we had better start taking care of our planet now… or else. But while the rest of the plot struggled, there were a few crops that lapped up the sunshine, such as aubergines, peppers and tomatoes. My onions promptly dried and were stored and it was also perfect for the subject of one of our main features this month – shelling peas and beans. In fact, the heat ripened the pods so quickly I had to rush out and gather them before they burst and spilled their seeds over the soil.