Watch out
Fruit fly are about. Lure and trap them now. If you can get your neighbours to do the same you will double protection of the summer tomato bounty.
Grow
Pumpkins can be grown vertically over fences and trellis to save on space while still providing a plentiful harvest for next winter’s soups. And no they
don’t need stockings to hold themselves up – that’s a myth.
Plant
Plan your Christmas party colour scheme and plant to suit.
Stuff a hanging basket with flower and foliage. Water often, especially if the wind is blowing. Fertilise regularly too.
Make garden Christmas gifts now; perhaps a pot of herbs, grown from seed.
Prune
Spring-flowering shrubs with arching canes, such as weigela, philadelphus and deutzia should be allowed to develop their natural
form so don’t give them a short back and sides prune. Instead remove canes three years and older at ground level. This allows the new soft arching
canes some room.
Sow
Summer stunners such as zinnia, cleome and sunflowers can be sown directly into warm garden soil or pots.
Lawn Care
Fill any bare spots, lawn gaps or dips with top dressing and feed evenly with granular fertiliser. A light aeration will help compacted lawns get the drink
they so desperately need.
Last chance
Plant lilium bulbs for Christmas colour. They’ll come back every year.