VEGETABLE PATCH : A root day calls for action below the surface. Sow black radish 1 cm deep, seeds 3 cm apart in rows 30 cm wide; once germinated, thin to 15 cm so each root has room to swell. Carrot under cover is still worth trying: seeds 1 cm deep, 2 cm apart in rows 25 cm. On heavier soils, loosen the bed with a fork first so roots push down freely.
ORCHARD : Morning dew and low autumn light — a good prompt to check the fruit trees. Harvest any remaining quince before cold nights bruise the skin, and store separately from apple and pear as the scent transfers easily. Walnut and chestnut gathered now should be spread in a single layer in a cool, airy shed to dry.
LANDSCAPING : Crocus and hyacinth bulbs waiting on the bench deserve to go in today. Plant crocus 8 cm deep in clusters; hyacinth goes in at 12 cm with a little grit beneath in heavy soils to prevent rot. Daffodil bulbs planted now at 15 cm deep will anchor well before the ground cools further.