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Collect seed from allium seedheads and sow straight away into seed compostPlant evergreen shrubs and conifer hedgesCarefully dig up gladioli corms and overwinter in cool, dry storage conditionsLift and pot up tender perennials to protect over winter

drainageGet hold of stable or farmyard manure to dig into your soil over winter

Take hardwood cuttings from cornus, ribes, salix and rosesPlant up tubs and baskets with evergreens for autumn and winter interest

Plant new fruit trees and bushesTidy strawberry beds, cutting back old foliage and congested runners and removing weedsPot up a few roots of mint and bring under cover for winter pickingsImprove soil, digging over bare ground and forking in bulky, well

Wash greenhouse glazing to let in maximum lightBring potted cordylines under cover for winterInsulate your greenhouse with bubble polytheneMaintain plant hygiene, picking off faded blooms and dead leaves from all plantsWater plants more sparingly

Keep pelargoniums looking good into winter by picking over spent flower heads and tatty leavesClean glazing to let in the maximum amount of lightWash pots and traysClear fallen leaves from guttersPlant lilies in potsClear old plants from

Take root cuttings of oriental poppies Check stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbersMove containers of shrubs or winter bedding to a sheltered spot when conditions turn very coldPlant new rose bushesEmpty pots of spent annuals and compost

Dig over empty borders and pile manure on top for the worms to pull undergroundLift and divide congested clumps of rhubarbCut down asparagus ferns and the tops of Jerusalem artichokesUse cloches to protect winter peas, beans and saladsLift and pot

and out before putting up bubble polythene for insulationSow hardy annuals, like calendulas, in pots for early displaysCheck bulbs, corms and tubers in store for signs of rotWater sparingly in winter, taking care not to splash water aroundPick yellowing

Clear away annual climbers, like sweet peas and morning glory, growing on obelisksPick seedheads and evergreen foliage and mix with fruit such as clementines or limes to make a fresh Christmas wreathMove tubs of shrubs or winter bedding to a