This September is looking to be one of the best in memory. The temperatures and weather just seem perfect, and if we continue to get soft rains in a timely way, along with cooler than normal temperatures the new planting and fall vegetables should grow on their own with little help from the gardener. Although we are going to want to be out in our gardens!
Tomatoes have been coming along after the delays that the horrid hot and dry conditions of this summer caused. My plants are full of ripening tomatoes and that means plenty of tomato based cooking and sliced fresh tomatoes on sandwiches.
Task Reminders
September is one of the best months for garden, believe it or not. Going into the rains of fall, with mild temperatures, the soils become mellow and the weather just seems perfect for being out in the garden and those conditions are perfect for plants.
- September planting of perennials gives their roots time to settle in before frost begin to freeze the ground.
- The same goes for planting bulbs, which benefit from being planted early rather than later in the fall.
- A great month to plant trees!
- Plant your Madonna lilies.
- Harvest peas and broccoli after a light frost, it improves the flavor.
- Time to collect seeds. Let some nicotiana, annual poppies, and larkspur self sow for next year, too.
These are informative posts for September:
General Chores for this Month
- Buy your bulbs before the crowds arrive
- Plant your bulbs to give them the best start
- Start digging up new beds for the next growing season- the earth is mellow.
- Plant some trees and shrubs
- Early in the month divide perennials for new plants- frugal gardening tips.
- Keep new plantings moist in dry spells.
- Divide Bearded Iris
Flowers
Asters bloom in September
Asters are blooming this month.
New perennials can be planted.
Peonies must be replanted no more than 2 inches below the soil level- that is from the top of the “eyes” or growing points.
Veggies
If you planted a vegetable garden, it is likely your bumper crops are arriving right now. Pick just ripe fruits of the garden often. Eating fresh, freezing, and canning – and giving away what can’t be preserved! After all, August 8 is National Zucchini Day or as some like to call it “National Sneak a Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day”.
This calls for an arsenal of good Zucchini recipes. Of course, Martha Stewart has a number of yummy ones listed for this summer squash- try a few!
Tomato plants should be in full production by now. Keep the moisture levels of their soil even, water when dry, but don’t overwater which causes cracking.
Evergreens
Slow growing evergreen shrub, Bird’s Nest Spruce
*Don’t Feed Your Evergreens
If they show some browning, especially on their inner parts, don’t worry, it is most likely their normal shedding.
Water weel in the months of September and October to prepare for winter, especially after a summer of drought.
For more tips for this month:
Autumn Garden TasksAutumn Garden TipsSeptember
Important: Keep Up with the Weeding
I know you will feel overwhelmed by the way weeds seem to outnumber desirable plants at this time of year, but go ahead and get rid of as many weeds as you can manage. With the heat and busy summer schedule that can be a challenge.
You may be ready for the advice in this post, “When Your Garden Gets Away From You”
Getting weeds out by the roots is the method with most of them, but some, like burdock, can be simply spaded out at the crown, which will kill it; the root being fairly long and hard to dig out at this time of year. Tall ragweed? I simply use a machete or clippers to cut it near the ground.
Chores For September
| Plant | Store | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Most trees and shrubs will put down good root systems if planted now. *Remember to trim back broken branches or top heavy plants. | *Prepare storage for your summer bulbs. Once foliage has died down, lift bulbs and store in a cool dry, frost free place. | *Any and all seeds from annuals, perennials, or vegetables that you want to keep. Remember that hybrids will not come true. |
| *Plant Madonna lilies in the early part of September. Lilies of other types all through the month. | *Frost threatens but you have lots of tomatoes to ripen? If they are not too green, lay them out ( not touching) on newspaper in a cool dry place. I use my basement. They slowly ripen and I have fruits long after the outdoors plants are gone. | *Keep your vegetable garden harvested and the new plantings thinned for optimum growth. |
| *Prime time to plant your tulips and daffodils. Those you want to force for winter bloom go into refrigeration for a bit (6-8 weeks) | *Fast acting fertilizers might as well go on the shelf. Use slow acting types like bone meal for the early fall feeding. | *Pears ripen best off the tree. Apples often are sweeter after first frost. |
| Plant radish, lettuce, spinach | strings of dried peppers and garlic braids | Use root storage bin for potatoes, etc. |
