Time to get growing - autumn in the garden

It may seem like the work in the garden is over, but late September/early October is the time to plany out bulbs for Spring growth and to get the garden ready for winter. Finsbury's Park's heavy clay soil suits fuschias, hydrangeas and geraniums, and if you have enough room in your garden, crab apple and birch trees. Don't forget to "open out" the clay soil with organic matter such as leaf litter, manure or composted bark, and to mulch the surface of the soil to improve the texture.

There's a good supply of gardening equipment, plants seeds and bulbs at Homebase on Green Lanes (many of which will appear strikingly familiar to anyone who has visited our house). Houseplants, container plants for patios and balconies, bedding plants, trees and shrubs can all be found in the garden centre along with compost, gravel, decking and garden furniture. Spring flowering bulb packs are on offer currently at 3 for £10, so grab a handful of crocus, tulip and iris bulbs for a colourful border come springtime.

Not sure which end of a trowel is which? Help is at hand - the Garden Ninja will landscape your garden for you and provide advice on maintenance. We think he might do all this without being seen by human eyes but we're not sure - call 07963 210250 to find out. Nearby Middle Earth Garden Services also offer a full design and planting service.

Not got a garden but would like to flex your green fingers? The Finsbury Park Community Garden Project is an informal group that meets on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am - 12.30pm behind the Manor House Lodge in the park. Wear boots and suitable clothing, and learn to tend trees, flower gardens and the wildlife pond. No experience necessary!

Transition Finsbury Park are always on the lookout for gardening volunteers, too, and there's plenty of opportunity to share and swap both produce and expertise. Transition meets on the fourth Sunday of each month from 3pm to 4.30. See this page for further details.

Do you have any autumn gardening tips you'd like to share? Is there a garden centre you always use? Need help from other N4 gardeners? Let us know below!

Image: Rob Young