JOBS AHEAD
Autumn is the best time to get new plants in the ground so the roots get established while the ground is still warm. Take time to look at, and note, where you have gaps in the borders that need filling.
Get bulb planting now for a fabulous spring display, but hold off planting tulips until the end of November. Plant bulbs at three times their own depth, pointy end up. Always plant bulbs in odd numbers for a more natural look.
Cut back any perennial plants that have started to look past their best. Ones with seed heads can be left to help feed birds over winter.
Pots which will stay outside all winter should be raised onto pot feet, or a couple of bricks, to prevent them from becoming waterlogged.
Empty spent hanging baskets and pots, wash them, and fill with new compost and a bright display of cyclamen, heather, pansies, ornamental cabbage, and violas to see your containers through winter.
Drifts of spring bulbs can be planted directly into the lawn now, covering them with at least twice their depth of soil.
Rake up and collect fallen leaves into bin bags to decompose into the most beautiful leafmould.
Check stacked piles for bonfires carefully before lighting to make sure no hedgehogs or other wildlife are sheltering in the centre.
Sweet peas can be sown in deep pots now, for a vibrant burst of colour earlier next year.
Tropical outdoor plants, such as hibiscus and yucca, should be brought under cover to protect them from damaging winds and wet, winter weather.
Close greenhouse vents and doors mid-afternoon to trap in warmth and keep plants snug overnight. As we move into winter, add a layer of bubble wrap to the interior windows of the greenhouse to preserve heat.
Finish harvesting beans and peas then cut the plants away at ground level, leaving the roots in the soil. These crops fix nitrogen which is slowly released into the soil as the roots break down.
Squash and pumpkins can be gently raised onto bricks to keep them off wet soil and to help expose the skins to more sun in order to finish ripening well.
Plant garlic now by breaking the bulb into individual cloves and pushing into the soil so the tip is just covered. Space the cloves 15cm (6in) apart, in rows 30cm (12in) apart.
Cut fruited stems of autumn-fruiting raspberries down to the ground later in October after fruiting.
Divide established crowns of rhubarb which have become congested. Lift the clump with a spade then split into pieces, ensuring that each has at least one good bud for replanting. Plant 1m (3-4ft) apart with the bud just above the level of the soil.
Clear away straw from around the base of strawberry plants to increase ventilation and cut back old foliage to encourage fresh new growth.
Large clumps of herbs such as chives, marjoram, and lemon balm can be lifted, divided and replanted in new clumps to bulk up for next year.
Take cuttings of shrubby herbs like lemon verbena, thyme, and rosemary to pot up to root to increase stock.