It’s a time of change – September is bountiful time of the year, a time to enjoy collecting crops and thinking about which ones we want to grow again next year. Then, at the end of October, it’s time to clear the remnants of summer crops and to consider how to fill those gaps for next year. 

The 2018 Kings Seeds catalogue is available at each site and contains excellent value seeds, onion sets seed potatoes and more. If the weather turns for the worse then spend an afternoon making plans for next year. 

It’s also time to store equipment for the winter buy don’t be too tidy – the odd pile of canes and long grass may provide the ideal habitat for beneficial insects.

There are crops to harvest and preserve/store – freeze beans and herbs, store squashes and convert other produce into chutneys and pickles. And, when you’ve used all you can from your crops, any plant waste can be added to your compost heap to rot down over the winter.

The weather can be extreme – at this time of year there can be prolonged dry spells, and hot or cold weather – so keep a close eye on the forecast and water or protect your plants as necessary.

Autumn is a good time to mulch around plants above warm, wet, weed-free soil. Biodegradable mulches (garden compost, wood chippings, well-rotted manure…) gradually release nutrients and improve the condition of the soil. (Non-biodegradable materials (e.g. shingle or fabric sheets) allow water to reach roots and suppress weed growth. Try not to smother small plants or the base of trees as this can cause them to soften 

A well planned plot will have some well-developed brassicas as we head towards winter: various types of kale, cabbage, sprouts and broccoli. Give them a helping hand by:

• Fitting mesh or netting to protect them from pigeons 
• Stake out taller Brussels sprouts and broccoli plants
• Remove any yellow leaves to discourage white fly and improve air circulation
• Apply soft soap solutions to help protect against pests the following spring