Clear up fallen Autumn leaves regularly
Cut back perennials that have died down
Divide herbaceous perennials and rhubarb crowns
Move tender plants, including aquatic ones, into the greenhouse
Plant out Spring cabbages
Harvest apples, pears, grapes and nuts
Prune climbing roses
Last chance to mow lawns and trim hedges in mild areas
Renovate old lawns or create new grass areas by laying turf. This month is an ideal time to make a new lawn from turf as it unlikely to dry out
Plant Winter and Spring flowering bulbs such as Daffodils, Narcissi and Crocuses should be planted in the garden or patio containers
Check the supports and ties on young trees and climbing plants
Re-position tender plants into a frost-free environment such as a greenhouse of conservatory
Help to drain your lawn by using a lawn aerator
Tidy up the garden shed and clean and sharpen secateurs in preparation for Winter pruning
Wash and sterilise pots and trays. The usual method of sterilisation is to soak the pots in a tub filled with 1 part bleach to 10 parts very warm water. As an alternative, you could use an all-purpose, environmentally friendly cleaner instead of bleach. Scrub the pots clean with a brush. Rinse and lay them out to dry in a rack or a towel. Store them for use next Spring
Protect plants in your greenhouse from cold winter nights with a heater
Water plants in the morning so that the foliage is not wet during the night
Clean the greenhouse glass inside and out to maximise the Winter sun and remove any greenhouse shading
Ventilate the greenhouse to keep up air movement and alleviate dampness
Replenish birdfeeders. All feeds, including whole peanuts, are safe, as the breeding season is now over
Leave some seed heads standing, rather than cutting them back, to provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Leave mature ivy uncut if possible, as it is an excellent late source of nectar for insects.
Make a leaf pile for hibernating mammals and ground-feeding birds overwintering in the UK.
Buy a hedgehog hibernation box
Continue to place nets over small ponds to prevent autumn leaves falling inTidy up the pond and clear out any debris, weeds and excess oxygenating plants. Leave the plants on the side of the pond for 38 hours before composting them so that any wildlife can escape back into the pond
Tender plants, such as water hyacinth and lotus need to be removed from the pond. Remove any dying foliage and place the plants in trays of deep mud or damp sand keeping them in a frost-free location (such as a greenhouse of conservatory) until the risk of frost has passed
Remove dead leaves from water lilies as the foliage dies back
Divide water lilies and other pond plants, both floating and marginal, in order to increase stocks or to control over-vigorous growth
Remove pumps or fountains and removable lighting systems, clean them and store over winter in a safe place
Gunneras require winter protection. Remove the old leaves and place them over the crown of the plants. Gunneras have spines on the foliage so ensure that you use gloves to do this
Zantedeschia (arum lily) also require protection. Cover these with a layer of straw or bracken
If there is any risk of frost or ice in your area, then take precautions to prevent the pond from freezing over entirely
