It will pay to be organised this autumn

October offers ideal planting weather. Heat has eased, yet the soil stays warm and moist. Plant now, and roots will settle before the winter, giving stronger growth and earlier harvests next year.

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Onions, shallots and garlic in before winter

Sets and cloves establish reliably in cool, bright conditions. Plant onions and shallots in the sun and free-draining soil, 10-15cm apart in rows of 25-30cm, tips just showing. Firm and label so rows are easy to weed.

Garlic dislikes acid ground below pH 6.5, so add lime if needed, then plant individual cloves 15cm apart, 2-3cm deep, in rows with a gap of about 30cm.

In heavy soils, start cloves in modules and transplant in spring.

Keep beds weed-free so the young roots don't face competition. Cover newly planted onion sets with horticultural fleece to deter birds, then remove once shoots appear and repeat hand-weeding. Planting now means earlier, cleaner bulbs that store well.

Cold-hardy salad bowls