.Now the clocks have gone forward we have an hour more light, and what better way to spend it than weeding?

Ripping the weeds out now while they're young and tender means they're less likely to take over, robbing your poor plants of nutrients. So what better method of destruction than using the weed to feed yourself or your plants?

The two I put to good use at the weekend were nettles and comfrey. When they're young and tender, nettles make a lovely soup. Pick the smaller top leaves (you'll need to wear gloves; the little ones can be vicious too). Avoid ones that are likely to have been watered by dogs, and check for greenfly; they're not easy to wash or pick off.

And for the soup: gently fry a chopped onion in oil or butter, add a couple of small diced potatoes, a couple of handfuls of nettle leaves (discard stalks, which can be tough), and some stock. Bring to the boil, then simmer until potato is soft - by which time the nettles will have lost their sting. Blend until smooth, then serve, for a deliciously fresh-tasting soup.

Nettles are also one of the hedgerow plants used in the spring detox - click here for details.

Want to eat your own nettles? Here are our recipes.

Read my last 'plot to plate' blog.