AS we creep towards autumn the main target in the flower garden is to keep our beds colourful and healthy for as long as possible.
It is time to balance care with ruthlessness - continue to deadhead and feed plants regularly but don't be afraid to remove those that are past their best or showing signs of disease.
It is too late in the season to use fungicides against problems such as black spot and powdery mildew so you need to remove and bin leaves afflicted by these problems.
It is best to remove badly affected annuals altogether to prevent the spread of disease spores and improve airflow through borders.
Water consistently, as this helps keep powdery mildew at bay, and don't forget to feed flowering plants fortnightly with a solution of liquid tomato fertiliser to help them stay blooming. Container plants will need daily watering during dry spells and a weekly feed.
Denne historien er fra August 13, 2022-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra August 13, 2022-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
