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Hang old CDs among crops and from fruit trees to scare away birdsWater beans and sweet peas as they start to flowerGive extra water to ripening soft fruits such as raspberries, gooseberries, strawberries and currantsFeed tomatoes and crops

and other berries from birdsCut out fruited canes of raspberriesPile up the earth around trench varieties of celery for whiter stemsPick 'Discovery' and other early ripening applesPrune blackcurrants after fruiting, removing about a quarter of the oldest

Raise the cutting height of your lawn mower and continue composting clippingsWash out and top up bird baths regularlyStretch netting over ponds and water features to prevent autumn leaves blowing inWater houseplants less frequently and move them off

Pick ripe apples and store the best in fruit cratesDig up strawberry runners and pot them upNet autumn raspberries and blackberries to protect them from birdsLift and dry maincrop potatoes and store in paper sacks in a cool, dark placePot up a few

Collect leaves as they fall and store in a wire bin or plastic bag to make leaf-mould Leave out sunflower seed heads for the birds to feed onCollect sprinklers, drip-feed systems and other watering kit to store in the shed over winterSprinkle grass

Plant spring bedding, including wallflowers and forget-me-nots, among tulipsLift, divide and replant congested clumps of perennialsNet holly berries to protect them from hungry birds if you want them for Christmas arrangementsPlant lily bulbs, including

Wash and disinfect bird feeders and tables Collect fallen leaves and add to a leaf bin to compost down Spread fresh gravel or grit around alpine plants Shred prunings and add to your compost heapCollect and empty hoses and sprinklers to store

Save time by investing in a garden vac to scoop up fallen leaves, for leaf-mouldPlant bare-root trees, bare-root shrubs and hedgingRegularly wash and disinfect bird baths and feedersAvoid walking on lawns covered with frostEmpty the contents of well

manure or mushroom compost to improve your soilCheck garden birds have water to drink, especially on frosty days when it might be frozen

to keep birds awayPrune overgrown laurel, yew and camellias back hard to rejuvenate themWrap straw or bracken around the base of tender shrubs and climbers to protect them the from coldCheck stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbers