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nitidaUse a circuit breaker (RCD) when using mowers and outdoor electric power toolsFill gaps in borders with pots of tall bulbs, like lilies, to add colourClean paths and paving with a pressure washer, then water with a solution to deter moss and algae

Line greenhouses with bubble polythene for insulation against falling night temperatures Clean staging and capillary matting to use next yearBring pots of tender agapanthus and eucomis under coverCheck all plants for signs of pests and treat

particularly cold window sills at nightCollect fallen leaves from around roses to reduce the risk of diseases carrying over to next seasonOrder bare-root fruit trees to plant later this yearClean out water butts and check downpipe fittings

Retrieve plant supports from flower beds, clean and store away

Plant crocuses, fritillaries and dwarf narcissus in lawns Plant up patio pots for autumn interestLift gladioli, clean the corms and store them in a shed or garagePrune rambling and climbing roses, and shorten long shoots on standard roses

Bring aeoniums and other tender succulents under cover for winter Empty begonia tubers from pots, clean off the compost and store somewhere dark and dryWater plants more sparingly now conditions are getting coolerWash off all shade paint and remove

Lift dahlia tubers or protect those left in the ground with a thick mulch of straw or barkSow sweet peas now for bigger, earlier blooms next yearCollect seeds and berries from shrubs and flowering plants that you want to propagateEmpty and clean out

Clear fallen leaves from greenhouse gutters Bring tender plants under cover before frosts strikeWash off any remaining summer shading paint and clean glass inside and outInsulate the greenhouse with bubble polytheneOpen vents on warm days but close

Clean out bird boxesLevel out dips in lawns with loam-based compost and sow fresh grass seedClear away debris that could be sheltering slugs and snailsCheck bonfires before lighting, in case they are sheltering sleeping hedgehogsSend off for seed

autumnImprove soil in borders in preparation for autumn planting, digging it over and adding compostRemove and clean pumps from pondsTake hardwood cuttings from shrubs and fruit bushesSpike lawns and brush sharp sand or grit into the holes to improve