Within our own gardens there's still plenty to enjoy, plants and flowers to tend to and of course the grass needs cutting.

Flowers and plants

Cut back any dead plant stalks and branches and to promote more flowers continue to ‘pinch off’ and dead head those that have withered.

Keep weeding flower borders to prevent their roots from getting a firm grip before winter.

Insect pests need to be kept in check especially since natural predators such as wasps will soon die off.

Harvest

Many garden grown crops will need to be removed from the ground before the first winter frosts arrive in late October. Onions, Carrots and many leafy greens won’t tolerate the severe cold so be prepared to lift them in the weeks to come.

If you grew tomatoes it's time to force ripen them by significantly reducing the leaf cover to expose the fruit to sunshine and regularly water and feed taking care not to drown them or cause splitting.

Pick and freeze any raspberries and blackberries and they'll be great for smoothies or baking.

The changing weather will bring rain and fresh winds so stake plants and vegetables to support them upright.

Leafy herbs will perish in the frost so sage, mint, thyme and basil cuttings can be picked and either dried or frozen. Prolong their life by bringing them into conservatories or sunny windowsills.

New planting

Although September can be sunny and warm the nights become colder and we start to consider switching on the central heating and finding warmer, wet weather clothes. The soil however is still warm and planting now means they have the chance to establish roots ready for strong growth in the early spring.

Many shrubs and plants can still be planted such as daffodils, tulips and crocuses before the first frost comes.

Plant Christmas potatoes, garlic and those vegetables that can overwintered to then ripen in the very early spring.

Although grass is very resilient it's now an excellent time to sow lawn seed whilst temperatures are lower, the sun is less harsh and whilst winds are low.

Trees

If you can wait then November is usually a better month to prune branches when the leaves have already fallen and the branches are easier to see and get a grip of.

Don't be tempted to use it as firewood until the oil and moisture has dried which takes several months.

Wildlife

Try not to disturb the bees which you might discover as they prepare to hibernate in compost or loose soil.

If you grew sunflowers you'll likely have a great cache of seeds. Dry them and if you're not going to eat them then save them for bird feeders but remember to break them up into smaller pieces first.

Visit the Navan Garden Centre for expert advice and a wide range of plants and garden products.