>> Plums should have been thinned out during the June/July 'drop', when high winds usually blow off excess fruits. But if it's a heavy crop they'll need more thinning out by hand. Do this by removing the smallest and weakest, or those growing too closely together, or showing any signs of discolouration and rot.

>> After heavy rain is a good time to catch up on your mulching and conserve any precious moisture in the soil. After rain is also a good time to divide primulas and polyanthus and replant them in refreshed ground.

They will repay you handsomely next spring.

>> Early apples such as 'Discovery' are ripening rapidly now, so keep an eye out and collect them before they fall and become bruised. 'Discovery' is very pretty but is not an apple that keeps well in storage. As a general rule, apples should be just ripe when picked. Immature fruits will deteriorate in storage. To check for ripeness, lift the fruit gently and if it comes off with a slight twist, it's ready.

>> Rambling roses should be pruned as soon as the flowers fade. At ground level, cut out all the dark old stems that have flowered this year and leave the fresh green shoots for tying in to supports. If strong new shoots have developed on old stems, cut back the stem to a joint, just above the strongest newcomer. Climbing roses are less energetic than their rambling relatives and don't need such drastic pruning. Gentle deadheading and the removal of any dead wood will be sufficient for now.

>> Young nasturtium leaves (below) add an invigorating, peppery taste to salads and the flowers are wonderfully decorative. Both are perfectly safe to eat, as are the petals of pot marigolds Calendula officinalis, which are also used to flavour soups, stews and as a colouring substitute for saffron or turmeric.