Autumn gardening – top ten tips from the RHS

October is regarded as the 'last chance saloon' when it comes to getting regular garden maintenance tasks completed before the colder weather of winter sets in. Perhaps the most comprehensive set of tips for any gardening enthusiast is to be found on the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) website.

To help you we have listed the RHS’ top ten list of jobs to get done in your garden this month:

1. Cut back perennials before they have died down – don’t forget to put them on the compost heap.
2. Keep an eye on your hanging baskets – deadheading and watering could keep them going later in the month.
3. Divide herbaceous perennials.
4. Move tender plants into green houses or conservatories.
5. If you’re growing your own vegetables, now is the time to plant our spring cabbages.
6. Harvest apples, pears, grapes and nuts.
7. Prune climbing roses.
8. Finish collecting seeds for sowing next year.
9. Last chance to mow lawns and trim hedges before the colder weather.
10. Time to renovate your lawn by scarifying and aerating the lawn or laying new turf.

October is also a good time to plant any trees or shrubs or to lay a hedge. It’s also worth throwing some netting over the pond to prevent autumn leaves falling in. Tidy it up and remove any weeds and debris.

Now is also time to sort out any repairs to wooden structures like sheds, compost bins or furniture. Replace rotted wood and give them a lick of paint or wood preserver.