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Lay new turf and re-sow bare patches of lawnPot up colchicums into decorative containers for bringing into the housePut up bug boxes to provide places for beneficial insects to hibernateCut attractive seed heads for indoor arrangementsSpread netting

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

up chicory roots to force in the darkPlant new fruit trees, bushes and cane fruitsCollect seeds from garlic and chivesStart pruning apples, pears and figsTake hardwood cuttings from currants and gooseberriesSpread compost or rotted manure onto beds

, the young shoots need clipping two or three times during the growing season. Dig out lawn weeds, such as daisies and dandelions Watch out for greenfly and blackfly on developing plantsCollect hellebore seeds from ripe podsAround the gardenPlant out

-potassium liquid fertiliserMore on growing climbersHow to grow annual climbers from seedCreate a sweet pea pot displayHow to make a cup and saucer vine pot displayGrow Spanish flag in a potConservatory climber plant collectionEvergreen climber plant collection

to its proper place in the greenhouse.More on greenhouse gardeningAdvice on gardening under glass.How to fit an automatic greenhouse vent opener.Learn how to sow seeds indoors.Browse our collection of tender plants.

Around the gardenLift dahlia tubers or protect those left in the ground Sow sweet peas now Collect seeds and berries from shrubs and flowering plantsFlowersLift and store carrots Pot up herbs to bring under cover for winter useSow green manure crops over bare areas

Free and easyFavouring a more laid-back approach to gardening, I love plants that self-seed with abandon. Here are a few of my favourites...Find out how to collect allium seedsSelf-seeders are the opportunists of the plant world. They may

, and is able to colonise new areas by producing seed.Spreading perennial plant that produces mats of foliage. Easily recognised by pretty, small, white-petalled flowers with a round yellow centre.Dig or grub out daisies from lawns using an old kitchen knife

Collect and sow seed from foxglovesTake cuttings from pinks (Dianthus)Prune philadelphus after flowering, removing stems carrying old flowers. Cut out very weak stems and some of the oldest woodFeed dahlias with a liquid fertiliser and ensure plants