I know autumn doesn’t conjure up images of delicious strawberries and cream, but if you want them next year, now is the time to plant a new strawberry patch.

Dig out rows of older plants which have fruited for a few years, as they are probably past their best, and replace them.

If you grew your own plants from runners in the summer, they will be ready for planting now to give them plenty of time to establish, raising the chances of a better crop next year. Strawberry plants may be hard to find in garden centres now, so those who haven’t grown their own plants may have to wait until spring.

Before planting a new bed, clear out old plants and weeds, then add some well-rotted organic matter and plant the new plants 30cm (12in) apart in rows, leaving enough space for you to be able to walk between the rows for weeding and harvesting. Ensure the crown of each plant is slightly above soil level, water in and weed. They won’t need feeding until spring.