JOBS TO DO THIS WEEK
It’s the rainy season so make sure your drains are clear of twigs and leaves. You can stand pots on bricks to help drain them more quickly. Try not to walk on lawns that are sodden.
Larger tender plants such as bananas, olives, palms, bay trees, cordylines, echiums, gingers, and tree ferns, can be wrapped up with horticultural fleece for winter. Tree ferns need their fronds tied up first so they don’t snap off, though in milder areas you can just cover the crown, even with a bit of straw.
Decking and paths can be hazardous in wet weather – remove any algae with dilute bleach solution.
Lag outdoor taps and drain pipes before icy weather sets in to prevent damage.
You can stop feeding goldfish in the ponds but make sure if the pond ices over to keep a small area open to let oxygen in.
If you leave your carrots in the ground over winter, insulate with a layer of straw. Gently lift leeks as required – the rest can remain in the ground until needed.
Inspect your pansies for mildew and leaf spots. Remove any infected material.