Weekly jobs

It’s a good time to take softwood and semi-ripe cuttings – this is a great way to grow relatively expensive plants, such as Buxus. Take cuttings from tender plants to over-winter indoors.

Pinch out tomato shoots. Feed tomatoes, peppers and cucumber with high potash fertiliser once fruits start to form.

Cherry, plum and peach trees can be pruned if needs be now – this is a job you can’t do in winter as there is a risk of silver leaf disease.

Check for cabbage white butterfly eggs under cabbage leaves and

Best of the bunch

ABELIA IT will come as no surprise that this shrub is related to the honeysuckle family when you get a whiff of its delicious sweet fragrance.

Petite dark green glossy leaves on arching stems are the backdrop to lots of small pink flowers which provide the lovely scent from July to September. Plant in full sun in well-drained remove.

Sow spring cabbage, turnips, fennel and autumn/ winter salads.

Stop climbing beans when they reach the top of their stakes so they divert energy to cropping on side-shoots.

Remember to keep them, and all vegetables, sufficiently watered.

Missed the potato planting season?

You can get cold-stored tubers which can be planted now and will mature in time for Christmas.

These are best planted in bags or containers that can be brought indoors to a soil. In colder areas, plant in a sheltered position near a wall for protection as it is borderline hardy.

It’s low maintenance – trim to keep tidy after flowering.