In this episode, Dan & Julia consider the gardening chores we could do less to free up time for new projects or relaxation. Dan explains why anvil secateurs are better for some pruning jobs and Julia shares how to sustain your crop of annual herbs into the late autumn and early winter. Your hosts round off with a list of jobs to do in your garden this fortnight and reveal what will keep them out of mischief until the next episode.

A few of Dan & Julia's time-saving measures:

• Not washing or sterilising pots.
• Not using crocks at the bottom of pots and containers.
• Not sowing seeds too early in the season.
• Using a mulch of bark, compost or grit to reduce watering time.
• Choosing shrubs that grow slowly and neatly and require little pruning.
• Selecting tried and tested plants that aren’t too fussy - an RHS Award of Garden Merit is a good sign that a plant won’t be too diva-ish!

Jobs to do in your garden this fortnight

1. Clear out greenhouses and clean the glass to let more light in.
2. Sow wildflower seeds.
3. Lift and divide dahlias after the first frost unless left in the ground, in which case cover them with mulch.
4. Compost or mulch empty beds - or still time to sow green manure.
5. Cut back asparagus fern when turning yellow.
6. Make a final cut to topiary and hedges before winter sets in - but it’s too late for most conifers now.
7. Clean and sterilise bird feeders before refilling with high-energy seeds.
8. Sow sweet peas and broad beans.
9. Stake sunflowers if they’re still blooming.
10. Reduce the height of any roses or perennials that might rock about in the wind.

Dan's Products of the Episode:

• Original LÖWE anvil secateurs

Website links:

• Dan Cooper Garden
• Parker's Patch
• Gold Leaf Gloves

Produced by Scott Kennett at Red Lighthouse Local

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.