VEGETABLE PATCH : Morning dew still clings to the leaves — a perfect moment to walk the rows and gather. This is a strong fruit day until evening, so focus on harvesting fruiting crops at their peak. Pick aubergines while the skin still shines; a dull surface means they’re past their best. Cucumbers benefit from daily picking to keep the plant productive — harvest any that have reached finger-thickness or beyond. Collect seeds from bean pods that have dried and rattled on the vine; spread them on a tray in a shaded, airy spot to finish drying before storage.
ORCHARD : Wisteria summer pruning is overdue if you haven’t done it yet — cut lateral shoots back to 5 or 6 leaves from the main framework now, then repeat in winter. Kiwi vines can also be pinched back: count 5 leaves beyond the last developing fruit and cut cleanly to concentrate energy into the fruit. For fig trees in a warm wall spot, check that any swelling figs are holding well; remove any that feel hollow or show signs of splitting to prevent mould spreading.
LANDSCAPING : Lavender that has finished flowering can be lightly trimmed today — remove the spent spikes without cutting into old wood, which keeps the plant compact and encourages next year’s growth. Avoid cutting below the green growth zone.
VEGETABLE PATCH (after the sign change, root day) : Once evening arrives, the energy shifts underground. A good moment to plan your autumn root sowings for the days ahead — prepare beds, loosen compacted soil and work in a little compost so the ground is ready when conditions return.