Now’s the perfect time to get planting

■ If you grow cabbages, make sure they are netted for winter to protect against birds.

■ Bring potted herbs such as mint, basil and parsley indoors to the kitchen windowsill.

■ November is the month to get your tulip bulbs in.

■ Remove stakes from herbaceous borders that have died back. ■ Don’t forget some of your pond plants may be tender and need protection from the big freeze.

■ Bare root roses can be planted anytime between now and March.

■ Borderline hardy plants such as Melianthus and some Agapanthus that you are leaving in the ground should have a heavy layer of compost around their base to protect them from frost.

JOBS FOR THE WEEK

■ Give your garden tools a decent clean before tidying them away for winter.

Remove any earth and apply oil to prevent rust.

A bit of linseed oil on wooden handles can help prevent them drying out and splitting.