Prune hydrangeas
Tidy up hydrangeas but don't cut them back by more than a third. Cut off old woody stems at the base. Once the plant has lost all its leaves, take hardwood cuttings (see main story) and grow a heap of new plants.
Set out seedlings
Plant seedlings of
broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, silverbeet, spinach and spring onions. You can sow seeds of broad beans, spinach, winter lettuce, onions, radish, peas, turnips, swede and parsley.
Trim perennials
Autumn-flowering perennials will be looking a bit tatty so trim off the tops and give them some compost.
Prevent pests
Spray trees and shrubs with Conqueror oil to control scale, aphids and mites which are on the plant over winter.
