September is a transitional month in the garden as summer turns into autumn. Here are some gardening tasks you can consider for September:
Lawn Care:
– Continue mowing the lawn regularly but gradually raise the cutting height as the month progresses.
– Repair any patches on the lawn by reseeding or laying new turf.
Planting and Transplanting:
– Plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, crocuses, and tulips.
– Transplant shrubs and trees while the soil is still warm.
Pruning:
– Prune summer-flowering shrubs that have finished flowering.
– Deadhead flowers to encourage a second bloom.
– Trim hedges to maintain their shape.
Harvesting:
– Continue harvesting late summer vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and beans.
– Begin harvesting autumn crops like apples, pears, and plums.
– Collect herbs for drying or freezing.
Composting:
– Start a compost pile with garden waste and kitchen scraps.
– Turn existing compost bins to aerate the contents.
Weeding:
– Keep on top of weeds, as they can still grow in September.
– Remove any weeds before they set seed.
Pest Control:
– Check for pests on plants and take appropriate action, such as using organic pest control methods.
– Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and snails.
Feeding and Mulching:
– Apply a general-purpose fertilizer to feed your plants.
– Mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Wildlife Support:
– Set up bird feeders and bird baths to help birds prepare for winter.
– Create a wildlife-friendly area with log piles and brush piles.
Plan for the Next Season:
– Start planning your garden layout for next year.
– Order seeds and bulbs for autumn and spring planting.
September is a great time to enjoy the changing colors of your garden while also preparing it for the colder months ahead.