The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is urging gardeners to take advantage of the mild September weather by collecting and storing seeds for next year.
The charity says growing plants from seed is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to increase numbers in the garden, offering the chance to create new plants for free. Seeds can be saved from many types of plants, including flowers, herbs and vegetables, as well as trees and shrubs.
Timing is key as seeds are usually ready around two months after flowering, but the RHS warns they can ripen quickly and need to be gathered before they are lost.
Some, such as calendula, should be picked while still slightly green, while berries must be harvested before birds eat them. To get the best results, seeds should always be taken from strong and healthy plants.
Collected seeds need to be dried and cleaned before being stored. Once dry, they can be kept in envelopes or paper packets inside airtight containers.
Adding a drying agent, such as silica gel, helps stop them spoiling. Most will last for several years if kept in a cool place, such as a fridge, although some species, like hellebores, should be planted straight away as they quickly lose their ability to grow.
Others, such as walnuts and oaks, cannot be dried out and should instead be stored in damp sand or compost until they are sown.
The RHS notes that not all plants produce seed, and weather conditions can also affect how much is available from year to year.
Still, it says September provides an ideal window to prepare for the future and make the most of the final weeks of warmth.
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