LANDSCAPING : This morning still belongs to a flower day — a good stretch of time to get chrysanthemum and heather planted out before the sign change. Dig each hole generously, work in a handful of compost, and settle chrysanthemum plants at the same depth they sat in the pot; space them 40 cm apart so air circulates freely around the stems. Heather goes into acid soil — if yours tends neutral, mix in some ericaceous compost before planting. After the sign change at midday, the day shifts to a leaf day: redirect your energy toward leafy ornamentals and hedging.
VEGETABLE PATCH : Before midday, tuck in any remaining cauliflower and broccoli transplants — plant out at 60 cm in the row, rows 70 cm apart for cauliflower; 50 cm in the row, rows 60 cm for broccoli. Press the rootball in firmly so autumn rain doesn’t rock young plants loose. On heavier soils, open the planting hole a little wider and fork in some compost to ease drainage around the collar.
ORCHARD : A quiet moment to add compost around the base of quince tree, cherry tree and plum tree — spread a 5 cm layer, keeping it clear of the trunk to avoid collar rot. This autumn feeding gives roots something to draw on through the cooler months ahead.
INDOORS : After the sign change, the leaf day suits bringing cyclamen inside. Plant the tuber at soil surface level in a cool, bright spot away from direct heat — they thrive in the same conditions as a cool autumn windowsill and will reward you with weeks of colour.