Households with greenhouse in garden urged to complete 1 simple task in September

As the summer comes to a close, many people will think their gardening days are nearing the end for another year, but it's not quite the case as there are plenty of jobs to get on with. In fact, one gardening expert said there's a simple task everyone should complete if they have a greenhouse in the garden.

If you're a property owner who has a greenhouse, you still have a few jobs to do to make the most of your plants and crops before the summer is out. To get ahead of the autumn chill, and beat the frost, an expert has shared some key guidance to aid people this month.

Expert at Mr Fothergill's, David Fryer, has offered some essential advice. With over 30,000 followers on Instagram, the brand has been inspiring gardeners since way back in 1978 - and David has shared all sorts of tips, including how to rid weeds from gardens.

Now he's turned his attention to September gardening tips, and one is pretty essential. David said: "Autumn is a key time of change in the garden, as the days are drawing in and the temperatures are coming down. This is often a time to start clearing up and preparing for next season, but it is essential to remember that this one's not over yet, and it can still offer more.

"When it comes to vegetables, you will want to harvest the last of your summer crops before the frost takes them - and that can be sooner than you think, depending on the season. In your greenhouse, tunnel plants are better protected, and crops like tomatoes will still be harvesting well into September."

He added: "To prepare for the upcoming months, pinch out the growing tips and remove a few extra leaves early in the month to encourage the fruit to ripen. As we enter October, any remaining unripe or green tomato fruit can be picked from the plants and ripened indoors.

"They will do so quickly in a warm place when kept in a breathable container (like a paper bag). To speed up this ripening process, add an apple to the mix, which produces natural ethylene.

"Outside, suppose you're growing pumpkins and squashes as part of your harvest. In that case, they will be mature and complete in colour and need cutting in October at the latest - just in time for those pumpkin-carving evenings as Halloween approaches.

"Courgettes will finish with the frosts of early winter, and growth will slow considerably before then. As a family favourite, carrots are ideal to be harvested in the autumn, too.

"However, if you've grown more than you need, you can cover them in straw to protect them from frost and dig them up just when you need them for those roast dinners and casseroles throughout winter."

According to gardening experts, many crops should be harvested in September. These include fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, autumn raspberries, tomatoes, runner beans, courgettes and squash.

Root vegetables like potatoes, onions, carrots and beetroot also mature during this month, and leafy greens such as cabbage, lettuce and spinach can also be picked. Little you may know, September is likely the most plentiful month for British grown produce.

Summer crops, such as salads, tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers and runner beans are still highly productive during this time of year. Not to mention, autumn crops crops such as apples, pears, squash and leeks are also nearly ready for harvesting.

RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) states: "Harvesting top fruit such as apples and pears begins in earnest in September. The last of the plums and autumn-fruiting raspberries are also picked now.

"Continue to sow vegetables for overwintering, to mature next spring, including turnips, spinach, winter lettuce and oriental vegetables. Plant overwintering onion sets.

"Spring cabbages that were sown last month are probably ready for planting out. Cover them with reused netting to stop the pigeons shredding them."