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doors closed, has caused a build up of algae. So, the glazing will have to be cleaned again. Once that’s done, I’ll take the opportunity to tidy beneath the benches, to deprive the mice of hiding places. I’m determined to keep the greenhouse mouse

The sudden drop in temperature has got me flustered. I know it shouldn’t, as every year by Halloween the weather has usually turned significantly colder.Well, the clocks have gone back, evenings have got darker, and the chilly weather confirms the end of the 2012 growing season. ...

Keep baskets and patio pots wateredSpray roses to protect them from pests and diseasesCut the foliage of daffodils and tulips down to the groundTrim box topiary and formal edging to keep it neat and tidyTake cuttings of non-flowering new shoots from

Plan your seed-sowing year by organising packets in sowing order in a shoe box or trayTrim lawn edges to keep the area neat and tidy Apply residual path weedkillers to paved and gravel areasLay sheets of black polythene on lawns overnight to bring

, such as calendula, for some early flowersTidy up the greenhouse, getting rid of any old compost or rubbish that could hide unwanted visitors

Lilies are bursting into elegant and colourful blooms at this time of year . It's a dramatic sight, and one you can prolong by simply removing the flowers as they fade.Lily plantsSecateursJuly - August10 minutesJuly - AugustTidy up the lily

leavesChoose plants for autumn colourHow to build a compost binPractical guide to making garden compostRead Kate Bradbury's blog on autumn tidying in the garden

Sow sunflowers outside, directly where you want them to bloomTrim winter-flowering heathers, removing faded flowers and tidying up their shapePick off faded flower heads from hyacinths, to prevent them wasting energy setting seedPlant groups

Mow lawns regularly, gradually lowering the height of the cut as spring progressesTreat problem weeds, such as nettles and brambles, with weedkillerTidy up hedges, but before you start cutting make sure no birds are nesting in them Keep large sheets

Tidy up piles of flowerpots and debris that could harbour snailsRaise patio containers on feet or bricks, to ensure their compost drains properlyAvoid walking on lawns covered with heavy frost, as you'll kill the grassProvide birds with fresh water