With temperatures starting to go south, it is time to assess the needs of the garden after a mix of climatic conditions during the summer.

Heavy rains invariably leach out nutrients from the soil and, in combination with the heat of the day, produces abundant growth that lends itself to the need for pruning.

As there is still enough heat in the air to encourage growth — though shorter daylight hours do have an impact — applying a good all-round fertiliser would be beneficial. Check the nutrient content and try and purchase a mix that has trace or minor elements combined in general mix.

Check all plants for excessive growth and prune to thin out growth that will reduce damage from late storms and winter winds. While pruning, check for any pest and disease problems, as damp mornings can be a problem with fungal activity being prevalent.

Annuals should be planted as they become available and there is always a wide range to choose from. In areas where mass planting of annuals is required, a tilling of the soil and incorporation of good compost will assist in the development of a good display.

When purchasing annuals in cell packs, check they are healthy, of good colour and not too drawn or tall. Also check that the root zone is not congested to the point it is just a ball of root and no compost; in such cases the root system could become strangled, which could have an adverse effect on future development.

Lawns should be checked for weed growth. As the summer temperatures drop, winter weeds start to germinate, which means two seasonal-type plants are present. By keeping lawn weeds under control — better they be eliminated — and the thicker the grass sward the less likelihood there is of weeds becoming established.

When mowing it is essential that the height of cut that is best suited to the grass type be the criteria. Scalping St Augustine Floratem lawns does nothing but encourage weed growth and a poor root system in the grass.

Composting and associated costs are worth considering if you generate a fair amount of horticultural waste.

Horticultural waste is organic matter that has not broken down to humus which can, contingent on type of waste, take time to reach a friable state for recycling in the flower beds.

Compare the cost of trucking the debris away against having on occasion the need to purchase soil, which is certainly not top soil and on occasion questionable as to its content.

Adding compost to the soil certainly enriches the fabric of the soil with beneficial results of sturdier plants; the creation of a compost heap will take time to be productive and in time should certainly be worth the cost, even if a chipper has to be used for larger materials.

If you are considering new plantings or to replace old or lost plants, selection of using site-appropriate material is important not only for the aesthetics and function of the plant itself, but also from a time, labour and cost factor.

Selection is often based on first appearance, especially if the plant is in bloom, which belies the function and even longevity of the plant if it is, for example, not wind or salt tolerant and it is to be planted in an exposed location.

Eventual size also should be considered as part of the selection process, especially with taller growing plants as root systems come in to play, which is a part of the plant never considered a problem until it becomes one. It is then too late and a costly exercise.

• You can e-mail Malcolm Griffiths at griffm@northrock.bm