15th November, 2009 - 4:51pm
The combination of falling leaves and wet paths can make the garden hazardous. Keep the paths clear and bag up or stack the leaves for future leafmould.
Plant paperwhite narcissi for Christmas flowering.
Close the greenhouse at night and ventilate during the day.
Remove branches and stems broken by gales, leaving a clean cut
30th October, 2009 - 11:38am
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
26th September, 2009 - 9:57am
Plant early spring bulbs at three times the depth of the bulb.
Plant overwintering onions.
Sow hardy annuals like calendula and love in the mist outdoors or in pots in the greenhouse or cold frame.
Net your pond before the leaves begin to fall.
Liquid feed flowers and vegetables to extend the season.
16th September, 2009 - 3:08pm
This is a good time to sow grass seed – prepare the area carefully to create a nice smooth seed bed. Cover the newly sown area with fleece to prevent birds taking the seed.
Treat plants susceptible to vine weevil with a nematodes. Available from Green Gardener.
Cut back plants affected by downy mildew and burn trimmings rather than composting.
Peg down shoots of blackberries, tayberries and loganberries to encourage rooting and form new plants.
7th September, 2009 - 10:27am
Prune rambling roses after flowering, tie in the new growth and remove some of the old stems.
Trim lavender plants once the flowers have faded to keep them compact.
Cut raspberry canes to ground level after fruiting.
Keep topping up the bird bath in dry weather.