What to do in the garden in September

September is a good time to plant new herbaceous perennials as the soil is still warm but the weather is wetter. For more advice on planting perennial plants take a look at our article.

It may seem a long way off but now is the time to think about which spring bulbs and perennial plants you would like for your garden next year. Order now ready for autumn planting.

Now is the time to autumn-sow hardy annuals such as cornflowers, poppies and Love-in-a-mist for a bumper display early next summer.

Try growing autumn onion sets and garlic bulbs for the best harvests next year. Plant garlic cloves 2cm (1 inch) below the soil surface and onion sets so that their tips are just showing above ground.

Cut the foliage off your maincrop potatoes at ground level about 3 weeks before you harvest them. This prevents blight spores infecting the tubers when they are lifted.

If you're growing pumpkins and squashes this year make sure you place them on a piece of wood or slate to prevent them rotting.

If you haven't already, cut back any fruited raspberry canes on your summer raspberries. Tie in the new green canes to support wires or fencing.

Keep an eye on your fruit trees and remove any rotting fruits as these may spread disease.

Tidy up around your strawberry plants, removing dead leaves and old straw. This improves air circulation and reduces the risk of pests and diseases building up.

Plant up your winter hanging baskets and other winter containers between now and October. Use ordinary multipurpose compost and incorporate some SwellGel to help the soil remain moist.

If you have clay soil, now is the best time to improve it before it becomes too wet or frozen. Incorporate organic matter such as well-rotted manure or compost to break up the soil and improve drainage.

Try growing autumn onion sets and garlic bulbs for the best harvests next year. Plant garlic cloves 2cm (1 inch) below the soil surface and onion sets so that their tips are just showing above ground.