VEGETABLE PATCH : Before the evening sign change shifts the energy toward flowers, make the most of a solid root morning. Lift celeriac that has swelled nicely — firm roots store well in slightly damp sand in a cool shed. Swede planted out now at 25 cm in the row, rows 40 cm apart, will bulk up before the first frosts; water in well after transplanting. Garlic cloves can go in too: push each one 3 cm deep, tip pointing up, 12 cm apart — a light compost dressing around the bed gives them a strong start. On heavy soils, fork the bed lightly first to prevent waterlogging over winter.
ORCHARD : Check the base of your plum tree and cherry tree for any suckers stealing vigour from the main trunk — snap or cut them cleanly at the root. A generous layer of compost around the drip line, kept clear of the trunk itself, will feed the roots through the last weeks of summer. Quince trees benefit from the same treatment now.
LANDSCAPING : After the sign change this evening, the day turns toward flowers — a good moment to plant strawberry runners into freshly prepared beds, crown level with the soil, 30 cm apart. Lavender can also be divided and replanted in well-drained ground; trim the new divisions lightly to reduce water stress. Dahlia tubers already in the ground will appreciate a top-dressing of compost to see them through to the first frosts.