This post was most recently updated on March 28th, 2017
Well I can hardly believe it is week four of Autumn here already – our Summer has finally arrived this week, and we have had blue skies and sunshine all week. There is still that nip in the air over night however. One day soon it will herald the first frost.
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VEGETABLES
As you harvest your cabbage and broccoli, pull their stalks from the ground and throw them to your compost pile unless you are wanting seeds from them. They continue to pull nutrients from the soil, and they provide a safe haven for nasty aphids.
Plant some spring cabbages immediately after some rain to reduce how much you have to water them. If you plant them 1 ft apart, you can harvest every second one at about 1/2-3/4 grown, then leave the rest to mature.
You can still plant out cauliflower, they will stand over winter and grow further when the weather warms up again in spring.
Green manure or mulch can be sown over empty areas.
FRUIT
Half ripened tomatoes should be picked to encourage more to come on before the frosts. The half ripe ones can be put in a paper bag or cardboard box in a warm place for a few days.
Fruit trees are usually planted in late autumn and winter. Now is a great time to prepare the site – clear off the weeds, lightly dig the top 4-6 inches and add manure or compost.
Pick early apples and pears as they come ready. Store in a single layer in a cool place, airy place.
If you are planning on buying pears and apples remember they need another to pollinate with – so check their compatibilities before you buy.
