The Plot in Snow (gouache style)

Leeks and Brussels sprouts are the crops most likely to be standing on a snowy plot. Both are hardy. Leeks belong to the onion family and can stay in the ground all winter, lifted as needed. Sprouts are a brassica, close cousins of cabbage and kale, with their buttons forming in the leaf joints up a tall stem. They're often said to taste sweeter after frost. Bare bean poles are all that's left of summer's climbing beans.

Winter crops start in spring. Sow leeks in March or April, then transplant them in June or July into deep holes made with a dibber, watering them in without filling the holes. Sprouts sown at the same time go out in May or June into very firm ground, and a stake helps them stand up to winter wind. Pick sprouts from the bottom of the stem upwards from October. Brush heavy snow off netting and cages so it doesn't collapse onto the plants.

Snow covers the plot here, and the light is that of sunset. Leeks, sprouts and bean poles stand out against the white, and a timber shed shows a lit window. On a short winter afternoon that window is the warmest thing in view. The picture catches the end of the day, when the work's done and the plot goes quiet.