I have it on good authority from Paolo Arrigo of Seeds of Italy that now is the perfect time to find porcini (Penny Bun, Cep) in the woods. The moon is right, the temperature has dropped and there has been a reasonable amount of rain, so fungi are popping up everywhere. Apparently the Italian community are out en masse harvesting them – but follow their example and only take what you need.

Bob Flowerdew’s Complete Fruit Book is a reprint of this comprehensive guide to the basics of how to grow and use every fruit you’ve ever heard of – and a few that may be new to you too. Some of the more exotic fruits may be something of a challenge, but you could have some fun trying.

My Burgon & Ball stainless steel Soil Scoop with serrated edges. I’m not the tidiest of gardeners and filling pots can end up with me having more soil in my boots than in the pot. This scoop efficiently avoids the mess. Prices vary – the best current deal seems to be £16.95 from the Gardeners Shop.

My experiment with starting carrots in Rootrainers sort of worked in that I did harvest a few bunches.

The prize-winning entries for the RHS Autumn Show were in a different league.

Gladiolus callianthus is a favourite late autumn flower – and beautifully scented too.

The trees are beginning to develop their autumn tints – the container grown Acer is leading the way.

Harvest seed on a dry bright day
Begin sowing hardy annuals in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame
Remove saucers from under containers before the weather turns frosty. This will prevent damage to roots and terracotta pots
Sow Aquadulce Broadbeans outdoors for an early crop next year