In early autumn, cut down the old canes of raspberries and blackberries as soon as the fruit has been picked to make room for the new growth. Tie in young canes.

Placing a cloche over established perpetual strawberries can keep them warm and fruiting for a little longer, although they must be watered regularly to ensure that they do not dry out. Cut back summer-fruiting strawberries after picking. Either remove unwanted runners to give space to the main plants, or peg them out for layering, ready for transplanting to the greenhouse. Strawberry plants should be replaced every two to three years; discard older plants, and if possible position new plants in fresh ground where strawberries have not been grown for at least three years.

Lightly prune fruit trees, cutting away cross-shoots to maintain an open structure. Prune fan-trained peaches and nectarines after fruiting, and shorten pinched shoots on plum, apricot and sweet cherry fans.

In mid autumn, carry out root pruning of any trees that have become too vigorous. Prune away the old wood from fig trees to make room for new growth. If planning on replacing any fruit trees, order the new stock, remove the old tree and prepare the ground for planting.

New fruit trees should be planted in late-autumn, as this will give the maximum amount of trainable growth the following year. Make sure that the ground is suitably prepared, with plenty of well-rotted manure or compost to improve the soil structure. Bushes and canes should also be planted at this time, along with hardwood cuttings of currants and gooseberries.

Apple, pears and bush fruits should start to receive their winter pruning in late-autumn.