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old plants from beds and bordersWrap tender plants, such as olives and palms, to give them extra weather protection

levels in garden pondsFeed bedding plants with high-potash fertiliser to keep them bloomingWeed flower beds, pulling them up by hand or hoeing bare areas on a hot dayScoop floating weed from ponds with a net

and stone mulches on alpine gardens and scree bedsBuy summer-flowering bulbs to plant in spring, such as gladioli, tigridia, galtonia, eucomis, anemone, lily and acidanthera

Feed fast-growing plants with a diluted liquid or powdered fertiliser Thin out congested pond plantsHand weed flower beds to prevent weeds establishing and setting seedBuild simple log piles at the back of borders to provide shelter for frogs, toads

Retrieve plant supports from flower beds, clean and store away

Plant tagetes with your tomatoes, to act as companion flowers which deter pests Scoop out floating pond weed and algae from poolsHoe bare soil and hand weed beds weekly to prevent weeds from establishing and setting seedPut soft tops on the tips

Move worm compost bins under cover for winterEmpty glazed and ceramic pots that aren't frost-proof and move under coverOrder loads of farmyard manure or mushroom compost to use over winterCut down marginal plants surrounding pondsCheck piles

Collect and compost autumn leaves Cut back suckers growing around the base of treesVisit garden centres to choose bulbs and bedding for spring displaysMow lawns less frequently now grass growth is slowing downComplete new lawn laying projects during

Add old crops and bedding to the compost heapSpike lawns then brush grit into the holes to improve surface drainageCollect seeds from beans and sweet peas to sow next yearFirm soil around newly planted trees and shrubs if they've been loosened