YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO A GLORIOUS GARDEN FINISH

Even if you've done nothing yet

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THINK GARDENING winds down in August? You're not wrong, but you're not right either.

Summer may be heading past its peak, but your garden still has plenty to offer - especially if you're keen to squeeze the most out of your outdoor space before autumn arrives. In recent years, UK autumns have warmed by around 1.6 °C since 1970, meaning those golden September evenings are now milder, brighter and longer-lasting than we've previously been used to. More warmth means more colour, more time to grow and more reasons to enjoy it.

But don't worry, this doesn't mean spending hours toiling away. A few smart, well-timed jobs can keep your garden blooming, buzzing and even feeding you through autumn and into the colder months. Whether you've got pots on a balcony, a border that's hanging on, or a veg patch you've half-abandoned, there's still time to make the most of the season and enjoy your garden for longer.

And the best part? You don't need green fingers, fancy tools or heaps of time. Just a handful of easy jobs over the next few weeks will set your garden up to keep on giving, long after summer fades.

Early August: Chop, feed and water like a pro