Clean this
If your water butt is running slow, don your overalls, drain the water and clear out rotting leaves. To prevent a repeat performance, make sure the lid is tight-fitting, cover the inlet pipe with old tights to catch the muck before it gets stuck, and invest in EM Ceramic Chips, which you drop into the water to keep it sweet.
Cure this
Reached peak pumpkin? Make sure your glut lasts well into winter. The secret is to cure the skin. Once the foliage dies back and the squash sounds hollow when slapped, cut the stem, leaving a T-shaped “handle”. Put the fruits on a sunny windowsill or in the greenhouse for a month, turning once. Store somewhere cool but frost-free: hanging up in an old T-shirt or netting will stop them rotting.
Plant this
Meconopsis ‘Hensol Violet’ is an exquisite, mauve-petalled variety of the Himalayan blue poppy. It needs evenly moist, rich soil and some shade – think dappled woodland. Height and spread: 90cm x 30cm. Order one 9cm potted plant for £9.99, or two for £14.98 (prices include free p&p). To order, call 0330 333 6856, quoting ref GU392, or go to our Readers’ offers page. Dispatched in October.
