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VENTILATE greenhouses and conservatories on warmer days, but keep windows shut at night.
Clean the glasshouse if not already done, to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in nooks and crannies.
Greenhouses can be insulated using plastic bubble wrap. This will cut down the heating bills, but make sure to minimise the amount of light blocked out by strips of tape etc, as the wrap itself will reduce light levels.
Put cloches over tender herbs like basil, coriander and tarragon, or pot up to move under glass. Pot up mint, chives and parsley to keep on a bright window sill.
Plant autumn garlic, onion and shallot sets.
Replant hanging baskets with spring- flowering bulbs, winter heathers, trailing ivies and spring bedding plants.
Raise patio containers on to bricks or purpose- made pot feet to avoid them sitting in water.
Move alpine troughs to a covered porch or lean- to to protect them from the rain. Pick over alpines regularly, removing debris and covering dead patches with extra grit to encourage re- growth.
Powdery mildew may be a problem. Cut back fading growth, rather than spraying, which is less effective at this time of year.
Digging the soil, especially bare patches or newlycultivated land, will expose pest larvae and eggs to birds, as well as clearing weeds and improving soil structure. Don’t leave soil uncovered for too long, however, as it runs the risk of erosion.
It’s an ideal time for moving and planting trees, shrubs and climbers, as well as for hedge planting. Bare- rooted deciduous trees and shrubs are cheaper than containerised plants. You can still order containerised trees and shrubs, and large semi- mature specimens, for planting over the winter.
Shrubs normally pruned hard in the spring such as Buddleja davidii, Cornus alba, and Lavatera, can be cut back by half now, to prevent wind rock and to neaten their appearance. Check tree ties and stakes before winter gales cause damage.
Place fallen leaves on the compost heap or into separate pens for rotting down into leafmould. Shredding leaves first with a shredder or mower will help them break down quicker.