TIDY UP THE GREENHOUSE

September is a key month to start taking stock of the plants in your greenhouse. While days are still warm and dry, take the opportunity to prepare the plants for winter, providing frost protection for tender specimens and making space for overwintering bulbs, tubers and seedlings.

HARVEST LATE CROPS By mid-September greenhouse crops are unlikely to ripen further. Pick what you can – and encourage late tomatoes to ripen by placing them in a bowl next to a banana. Use any green tomatoes to make delicious pickles and chutneys for the pantry.

CLEAR PLANTS AWAY Dig up spent tomato plants from the greenhouse borders, empty out any dead or declining potted or basket plants, and take cuttings from mature pelargoniums then dispose of the old parent plant.

CLEAN THE GLASS Wash dust or dirt off the glass to maximise light levels. Wipe the internal framework and staging with warm soapy water, and sweep the floor to remove debris likely to harbour pests and diseases.