JOBS TO DO THIS WEEK

■ Get your compost bins or bags ready for collecting leaf fall, left, which makes superb compost.

■ Get your bird table cleaned and stock up on some food for the approaching autumn.

■ Lift maincrop potatoes and store in a dark, frost-free area.

■ It’s a good time to divide plants in ponds to increase stock if desired, or cut back overgrowth – you are aiming for around 50% plant coverage of the pond.

■ Evergreen hedges can have their final trim before winter.

■ While the soil is still warm, these are perfect conditions for applying vine weevil-controlling nematodes into the soil.

■ Observe gaps in your border – does it need some late summer colour? Sedums, asters and chrysanths are all good options.

■ Plant biennials sown earlier or buy them now – this includes violas, wallflowers and foxgloves.