Emma Atkinson: Landscape Architect & Garden Designer

  A FEW TIPS FOR SEPTEMBER  Now the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are starting to fall, it is time to start preparing your plants and herbs for the next few months as we head in to Autumn.  1. Tidy up Strawberry Plants  A great way to grow strawberries is in containers or in hanging pots, but as summer comes to an end it is important all of the old foliage and leaves are cut back.  Cutting back foliage does two important things:  1. It instantly tidies up the plants by getting rid of old and tired leaves, whilst removing any insects or fungal spores that could cause problems with the plant in the future.  2. It also encourages more growth and flowers in Spring, eventually leading to more fruits!  Simply cut the plant back to the crown, removing all dead foliage and leaves. Make sure you do not 'pull' at the plant to remove growth as strawberry roots are shallow, so this may loosen the plant in the soil.  Tip: If you have lots of excess runners ' trailing sh