DURING the coming weeks, the digging of vacant areas of the garden should be taken in hand, especially where you intend to make early spring sowings. The longer the upturned soil is exposed to the weather, the more settled and workable it will be in the spring.

The first autumn leaves are beginning to fall. As they accumulate, gather them together in a small wire netting enclosure so that they can rot down and form leaf-mould. This is an excellent soil conditioner.

Fallen leaves left unattended not only look untidy, but can also bring problems, particularly to the lawn. A heavy covering can cause the grass to quickly discolour and die, while even a modest sprinkling encourages the activities of earthworms, which drag them into their burrows and then throw up unsightly casts.

Any leaves or debris which accumulate in pockets on the rock garden should be removed, or else rotting and elongated early development of growths on the plants beneath will occur. Accumulations of leaves also provide a hide-away for slugs and other pests.

If soft fruit has not been pruned and tidied up, now is the time to get out the secateurs. Gooseberries, currants and raspberries should all be prepared for the winter.

Raspberries fruit on year-old wood. The canes that have borne fruit this year have passed their useful life and most are dying. They must all be removed.

The current season's growth should be thinned to ensure that only the strongest canes remain. These are then tied to their supports in readiness for next year's crop.

Blackcurrants bear fruit in the same manner. However, not only should old fruiting wood be removed, but also weak and crossing shoots as it is important to maintain bushes with an open framework. Redcurrants and whitecurrants are a different proposition. These fruit on older wood which for the most part is retained, while gooseberries need only be tidied up for the moment.

If gooseberries are pruned now and the birds attack the remaining dormant buds, then the bushes will be threadbare in the spring. By leaving a congested tangle of branches, not only are marauders deterred, but spring pruning can be done according to the material that remains. The garden pool should not be neglected during winter. Remove the pump, clean it and put it away until the spring. If possible, replace it with a pool heater. This consists of an element in a brass rod attached to a polystyrene float.

As toxic gases accumulate beneath ice during the winter it is vital to have provided an escape route. A simple pool heater costs very little to operate and keep a small ice-free area.

If this is impossible, when severe weather strikes, melt a hole in the ice with a saucepan of hot water stood on the surface. This is far safer than banging the ice with a blunt instrument. The shock waves could concuss or kill the fish.

WHAT'S NEW

Turkish Delight is a salmon pink and purple semi-double fuchsia.

Tea and Crumpets is a hosta with cream edged green leaves and pale lavender blossoms.

Ebony and Ivory is a dark leafed heuchera with white flowers.

Q What kind of compost should I use for an amaryllis bulb?

A Although most potting composts are suitable, a soil-based compost such as John Innes No 2 would be the best.

Q Can I take a cutting from my Korean fir?

A It is possible to root a cutting, but very difficult. Korean firs are usually raised from seed which can be sown in a cold frame now, or alternatively in the spring.