Here is the culprit in happier days (July I think). Some months later, two Fridays ago to be precise, I was clearing this bed and making good progress on the sweetcorn. I then had a go at the fennel and, after much hard digging and pulling, had uprooted two and started on a third. Rather tired by now, I dug as far as I could and then started pulling. And pulling. Then finally heaving with all my strength…. when of course the tap root broke and I went flying backwards to land very hard on my back on the edge of the raised bed. Ouch! Still recovering and unable to do any physical work. Most frustrating as I was already behind with clearing… Note to self: in future dig don’t pull!