Whether it’s a lone apple tree or neat rows of soft fruit, there is still plenty to do in the fruit garden this October, when you’re not catching those last rays of sun while dining al fresco at your Supremo Tuscany dining set.
Soft fruit
• Cut back any spent canes from this summer’s raspberry crop, leaving any that are green in preparation for next year. Erect supports for these new canes
• This is the perfect time of year to prepare for planting new soft fruit. You need a sunny, well-drained area that is not likely to be affected by late frosts. Remove any perennial roots and dig over thoroughly, incorporating some manure or garden compost as you go
• Give your strawberry plants a little TLC by clearing any remaining straw and trimming back the foliage. This will increase ventilation while also encouraging new growth
Fruit trees
• If you have any lime, lemon or orange trees, it’s time to move them indoors. Store them away from heat or draughts, and water less often, but without letting them dry out
• Harvest ripe apples, which should come away from the tree when pulled gently if ready. Clear any fall fruit to deter pests and minimise the risk of infection
• You can use a suitable winter wash on fruit tree trunks and branches if you wish, which will help to eliminate winter pests
• If your fig tree has any remaining large fruits that have not ripened, remove these, leaving any pea-sized specimens for next year’s crop
• Apply grease bands to apple or stone fruit trees to trap female winter moths
