September and October are the best time to plant daffodils, crocus and iris bulbs. Tulips can wait until November without affecting flowering.
This is your last chance to take semi-ripe cuttings of Verbena, Penstemon and Salvias to increase stocks and beat winter losses.
Leave the heads on Mophead or Lacecap Hydrangeas after winter flowering, as old blooms offer winter frost protection to tender new buds below them. Instead prune early to mid spring.
Harvest pumpkins and winter squash when fruits are richly coloured and ring hollow if tapped. Cure fruit outdoors in the sun for seven to ten days before storing.
Keep hanging baskets and containers of summer annuals looking good into mid autumn by continuing to dead head, feed and water.
But forced or prepared Hyacinth bulbs and later in the month plant in free draining compost for festive flowers. Place in a darkened space until bulbs emerge at 5cm. Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) are quicker to flower, so wait until October to plant them.
Plant up large pots with Heucheras, Ericas, small evergreen shrubs and grasses and variegated ivy for long lasting autumn display.
Apply barrier glue or grease bands to fruit trees at the end of the month to deter winter moth.
Plant new strawberry plants for fruiting next year as soon as possible.
Summer flowering Jasmine is pruned by cutting back to a strong new side shoot below the flowered stems. Completely remove any weak or congested stems to encourage new growth.