Who said gardeners can start taking it easier once autumn arrives? Are they quite mad? This is the season of multi-tasking, of keeping summer’s garden going for as long as possible while also preparing for worsening weather and packing away our hot-weather toys.
So this week you will find me cajoling the remaining greenhouse tomatoes and aubergines into ripening (they have been extremely slow this year) and deadheading the remaining perennials for a few more late blooms, while also preparing and preserving woodwork and metalwork. I will also be making sure gutters and drainage channels are unblocked and will run clear.
It may seem like rather a nuisance and an added hassle, but these practical maintenance jobs need tackling now rather than later in the year when any weather-induced wear and tear will probably have deteriorated.
Denne historien er fra September 12, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra September 12, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
