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 shoots', pot these up to create new plants. 

2. Cut-back Mint 

Love a mint tea on cold Winter's day? 

If you want some fresh mint leaves to use through autumn, cut back the stems of your plant to soil. Alternatively you could get a few pot-grown plants and cut these back to provide you with a little source of mint tea through the colder months! 

Once cut back, give the plants a liquid feed and ideally keep in a polytunnel or greenhouse.. alternatively locate in a sheltered spot in the garden. If not inside, it may need a little bit of protection in the freezing temperatures, so just keep an eye out for a drop in temperature! 

Tender shoots will start to develop over the coming months! 

3. Reduce Water 

As the temperatures are cooling and days are shortening, it is time to reduce the amount of water we give plants to reduce wet conditions overnight that encourages fungal diseases. 

4. Keep an eye out for pests! 

Several pests can be an problem in the Autumn. Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, whitefly, red spider mites, slugs and snails. If you spot any try and control them straight away to prevent damage to your plants.