ORCHARD : Morning dew still clings to the grass as a fruit day opens — lift each apple and pear with a gentle twist: if it comes away cleanly, it is ready. Store them separately in a cool, dark place, wrapping blemished ones in paper first. Quince turning golden can be brought indoors to finish ripening. Walnut husks are splitting — gather fallen ones daily and rinse off the black shell before drying. Grapevine clusters reward a quick taste test before cutting with sharp secateurs.
VEGETABLE PATCH : Squash and pumpkin left on the plant are building up their skins — tap the shell: a hollow sound means the flesh is dense and ready for cutting. Leave a good length of stem when harvesting to extend shelf life. Broad bean seeds can be collected from any pods left to dry on the plant; spread them on a tray out of direct sun for a week before storing in paper envelopes.
LANDSCAPING : Strawberry runners set out now at 30 cm apart, crown flush with the soil surface, will establish before the cold and fruit well next summer. Crocus bulbs can go in at 8 cm deep, tucked between shrubs for a welcome late-winter burst of colour.