VEGETABLE PATCH : A sign change early this morning shifts the day from a flower to a leaf day — and a descending moon keeps energy anchored in the foliage. Transplant leek seedlings now: set them 12 cm apart in rows 30 cm across, dropping each plant into a dibber hole and watering in without backfilling so the stem blanches naturally. Chicory transplants settle in well too — space them 30 cm in the row, rows 35 cm apart. Corn salad and spinach seedlings already in trays can be planted out at this stage: corn salad 5 cm apart in rows 20 cm, spinach 8 cm apart in rows 30 cm. In colder regions, cover newly planted beds with a light fleece to keep young plants settled overnight.
LANDSCAPING : Trim box hedges this month — September is the second ideal window, and a clean cut now keeps plants tidy through winter. Work methodically with sharp shears, removing no more than the current season’s growth. Mulch the base of newly trimmed hedges with 5 cm of wood chip to protect shallow roots from early frosts. Strawberry runners planted now at crown level, 30 cm apart, will root before the cold and reward you with a strong flush next June.
INDOORS : Lemon trees and oleanders should come under cover before temperatures dip below 5 °C at night. Check pots for vine weevil grubs while repotting, and top-dress with a thin layer of compost to refresh the growing medium without disturbing roots.