JOBS TO DO THIS WEEK
■ Get a head start with hardy annuals and sow now. This can be done in situ or in trays.
■ If you have an area set aside as meadow, it’s time to give it an autumn chop. Cut as close to ground as possible and remove the cuttings. This allows the light in and helps germination.
■ Remove summer raspberry canes that have finished fruiting. Next year’s fruit will be on the fresh green canes and these need tying in to supports.
■ Dry days make good seed collection days. Armed with a brown paper bag and pen, shake the seed into the bag and label. Many seeds can be sown fresh now or kept in a dry cool place for spring sowing.
■ Start planting bulbs – you can get autumn flowering crocus in the shops now which should be planted immediately.
■ It’s a good time of the year for soil improvement while the earth is still pliable and not waterlogged – dig in your garden compost or well-rotted manure.