Before the change (morning), root day: a brief window in the early hours suits any last-minute root-zone tidying — loosen the soil between leek rows with a hand fork and work in a thin dressing of compost to feed the developing stems.
VEGETABLE PATCH : The damp cool of early September suits cauliflower and broccoli transplants well. Set cauliflower plants out at 60 cm in the row, rows 70 cm apart, firming each one in with a good drink of water at the base. Broccoli follows the same logic: 50 cm in the row, rows 60 cm, and a handful of compost tucked around each collar to keep moisture in as the soil dries between showers. Both crops will thank you for a light mulch over the root zone.
LANDSCAPING : From this morning onward the day turns to flowers, and the ornamental beds are calling. Chrysanthemums moved from their nursery pots into a sunny border now will settle in before the cold arrives — pinch any remaining soft shoot tips to encourage a bushy habit. Strawberry runners can still go in at 30 cm apart, crown sitting exactly at soil level, for a productive patch next summer. Crocus bulbs are worth planting in bold drifts: 8 cm deep, 5 to 8 cm apart, tucked beneath a deciduous hedge or along a path edge where their early colour will be most welcome. Lavender planted today in well-drained soil and full sun will establish its roots before winter sets in.