Vegetable garden
Garden maintenance is important at this time of the year. Hoe regularly to control weeds and maintain a good tilth in the soil.
Clear away remnants of finished crops. The best place for these is the compost heap.
Broccoli can be planted in warm districts for spring use.
Rhubarb seed stems must be removed. Also cut seeds off herbs such as sage, parsley and thyme.
Late-sown beetroot, carrots and turnips should be thinned.
Leeks need to be kept thoroughly watered. A light sprinkling of salt on sandy soils will stimulate growth and help the soil retain some moisture.
Parsley sown now should be ready for salads in spring and next summer. Soaking the seed for a few hours in warm water will help germination. As seedlings appear, thin them severely to prevent overcrowding.
Flower garden
Seeds to sow for next-summer flowering include alyssum, Iceland poppies, cornflower, godetia, larkspur, scabious, antirrhinum and clarkia.
Place in well-prepared, permanent positions, thin to a few centimetres apart when seedlings appear and look forward to a fine show.
Carnations may still be layered.
Bulb-planting time has arrived, with daffodils the first to go in. Bulbs that have been in the same spot for three or more years might need to be lifted, divided and replanted in replenished soil.
Compost dug well down and bone dust sprinkled in the upper soil is beneficial.
The depth to plant bulbs is dictated by the soil type. In light, sandy soil, plant at three times their depth. Half that amount would be best in heavier ground.
Crocuses, hyacinths and tulips should be planted at least 10cm deep. Tulips like lime but daffodils prefer a slightly acid soil.
Ranunculi are one of the longer-flowering bulbous or tuberous-rooted plants. They like a cool, moist position with rich, well-cultivated soil.
If it is a sheltered, well-drained spot, plant in autumn. If the area is wet and cold, wait until August.
Place ranunculus tubers no more than 10cm apart with the claws down. Placing sand under each one will improve drainage and they should be covered with good soil, about 8cm deep.
Biennial and perennial seedlings from seeds sown early last month can be planted out. The plants must be well watered and prevented from drying out.
Brompton, East Lothian stocks, aquilegias, Canterbury bells, wallflowers, forget-me-nots, cheiranthus, pansies and violas can all be set out now.
