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NIGEL COLBORN’S ESSENTIAL JOBS FOR YOUR GARDEN THIS WEEK

HARVEST SQUASHES

SQUASHES, gourds and pumpkins are coming on fast and can be gathered as soon as they are fully ripe.

Remove any leaves from surrounding plants which may shade th e m, allowing late sun to build up flavour.

When you gather the crop, cut cleanly through each stem, leaving a short stalk still attached to the fruit.

The skins may still be soft and vulnera‑ ble so take care not to damage them while you harvest. Gourds and squashes will c o nt i nue to ha r den and mature in s t ore. Select d a ma ge d or imperfect fruits for using first and keep clean‑ skinned specimens f or long‑term storage.

Butternut squashes may take some time to ripen. allow them to develop their full golden colour before gathering.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS NEED A LITTLE TLC

BORDER chrysanthemums will be in bloom between now and late october. Their st e ms are s t urdy but in l ate autumn, rain and dew wi l l significantly increase the weight of the flowers. To prevent the stems from collapsing, give the taller varieties support with canes and string or with metal stakes.

handle the plants carefully and insert the sup‑ ports discreetly to avoid spoiling the late autumn display. If any have already collapsed, l i ft them gently, shake off surplus moisture and remove any ruined flowers. Buds and newly opened f l owers could l ast another month at least, so it’s worth taking the trouble.

If you gather chrysanthemums for the house, remove the lower leaves. Just before placing them in the vase, make a diagonal cut across the bottom of each stem. This will help to make the flowers last and is more effec‑ tive than the conventional practice of crushing the ends.