Prune raspberry and tayberry canes that have finished fruiting, tying new canes into position. Limit the number to about 10-15 per meter of row.
Complete any remaining summer pruning of over-vigorous apples and pears, shortening long shoots to finger length.
Sowing and Planting
Sow vegetables for overwintering, such as lettuce, chard, and spring onions.
Sow spring cabbage now, or buy plants in September.
Plant out new strawberry runners while the ground is in good condition. Prepare for planting other fruits later in autumn.
Plant new fruit trees and bushes, controlling weeds around them for better crop yield.
Harvesting and Using Vegetables
Watch for sweet corn, parsnips, potatoes, and swede turnips becoming ready to harvest.
Use vegetables before they go over; consider freezing them or giving surplus away before they become over-mature.
Soil and Weed Management
After a spell of dry weather, dig over the vegetable ground, removing old crops, or use a no-dig technique by layering well-rotted garden compost on the surface.
Control weeds over areas that will be dug later, using a hoe, covering with old carpet, or applying suitable weedkillers.
Do not let weeds go to seed, especially chickweed, to avoid future trouble.
When lifting potatoes, remove all small ones to prevent them from becoming ‘ground-keepers’ and carrying blight or blackleg disease.
Fruit Tree Care
Spray apple and pear trees in damper localities or if wet weather persists.
Prune fruit trees and bushes now, if not done earlier.
Preparing for Autumn and Winter
Remove old crops when they are finished, making sure not to let weeds get away and go to seed.
Control all weeds and dig the soil deeply, ensuring that it is a sunny site with deep well-drained soil.
