Plant about fifty for use in winter (6)
I believe the answer is:
sledge
'use in winter' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'plant about fifty' is the wordplay.
'plant' becomes 'sedge' (sedge is a plant).
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'fifty' becomes 'L' (Roman numeral).
'sedge' placed around 'l' is 'SLEDGE'.
'for' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sledge that I've seen before include "In Canada train" , "Vehicle mounted on runners" , "In the field, abuse" , "Snow conveyance" , "Snow vehicle or heavy hammer" .)