Late Summer jobs in the garden

Summer is nearly over and as we enjoy the last warm days, gardeners minds will soon be turning to what we can be doing next.

Here is a list of some jobs you can be getting on with in late summer.

Lawns

Aerate the soil, mow as needs and rake the first leaves that start to fall

Now is a good time to sow grass seeds to bald patches and fertilise your lawn.

Plant bulbs in your lawn for spring colour

Plants

Take cuttings of woody herbs like Rosemary and Thyme

Divide herbaceous perennials

Collect and sow seeds, you can leave seeds heads like the alliums to dry out for striking displays

Keep watering new plants (with rain or grey water where possible)

Plant spring flowing bulbs for that lovely spring life in the garden

Vegetable Patch

Pick autumn raspberries

Dip up remaining potatoes to avoid slug damage

Cover leafy crops with bird proof netting

Sow onion setts, broccoli, winter salads, cauliflower, radish and peas for early crops either in a cold frame/greenhouse or protected straight into the ground.

Maintenance jobs

Tidy and clean your greenhouse ready for the autumn to prevent parasites taking hold

Build a log pile for wildlife to over winter in, maybe even a hedgehog house for overwintering guests to stay safe in

Gather in canes and pots that aren't being used to prolong their lives.

Go on a snail hunt, this will ensure numbers are at a minimum for next year without the use of pesticides

Cover ponds with nets to catch leaf fall