October - The last hurrah!

• Collect seed and store in paper envelopes or pouches made from folded kitchen paper

• September and October perfect times to divide congested clumps of many perennials after they have finished flowering. Dig up, divide, replant, and water-in well. The warmth of the soil will mean they will re-establish quickly. If the clump is very large it is usually best to only take new plants from the edge and discard the older, woody centre.

• Start planning for the first frosts of the year and move the most precious or the most tender plants to a sheltered spot, or under cover

• Remove any pot saucers and raise pots up onto feet to prevent waterlogging over winter

• Dahlia and Begonia tubers should be lifted once the top foliage has turned black with the first frosts - Lift carefully to avoid damaging the tubers, trim off the dead foliage, label, then store in dry sand or compost in a cool, frost-free place. Alternatively, apply a thick layer of mulch over the plants in situ to protect the tubers from frost.

• It is still possible to take a few late cuttings of tender perennials if you can root them in some gritty compost on a warm windowsill and keep them safe and frost-free over the winter

• Repair and reseed any bare patches of lawn but do not apply fertiliser. Sow seed onto lightly forked soil and rake over

• Rake leaves off lawns and paths regularly and collect in perforated sacks or a dedicated bin. Pack tightly and leave to transform into amazing leaf-mould.

• Take steps to reduce garden pests and diseases. Apply grease bands to fruit trees to trap winter moths that climb the trunks in November, and whose caterpillars eat spring buds and flowers

• Clean out the greenhouse and remove any vegetation that may harbour pests or encourage moulds