What to Do in the Garden in September

September is a pivotal month for gardening in the UK as it marks the transition from summer to autumn. There’s a variety of tasks you can engage in to ensure your garden thrives in this transitional period and sets the stage for the seasons to come. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you should be doing in your garden during September:

Lawn Care:

• Aeration: September is an excellent time to aerate your lawn. Use a garden fork or specialized aerating tools to alleviate compaction and enhance soil drainage.
• Overseeding: Fill in bare patches by overseeding your lawn. The cooler temperatures and potential rainfall will aid germination.

Planting and Transplanting:

• Bulbs: Plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses for a burst of colour next year.
• Perennials: Early September is suitable for planting new perennials, giving them time to establish their root systems before winter.
• More:
  • Turnip, spinach, winter lettuce, and Asian vegetables.
  • Overwintering onion sets
  • Spring cabbages

Harvesting Fruits and Vegetables:

Many crops are ready for harvesting in September. This includes apples, pears, plums, raspberries, and late-season vegetables like carrots, beets, and winter squashes.

Pruning:

• Summer-Flowering Shrubs: After their flowering period, prune shrubs like lavender and cistus to maintain shape and promote growth.
• Roses: Deadhead spent blooms and lightly prune roses to encourage further flowering before winter.

Dividing and Propagating:

• Perennials: Divide overcrowded perennials like hostas and irises. This rejuvenates the plants and provides an opportunity to expand your garden.
• Cuttings: Take semi-hardwood cuttings of favorite shrubs for propagation.

Preparation for Winter:

• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of plants to protect their roots from freezing temperatures and reduce weed growth.
• Tender Plants: If you have tender plants that won’t survive the winter outdoors, start preparing them for indoor conditions by gradually acclimating them to lower light and humidity.

Composting:

• Fall Cleanup: As you tidy your garden for winter, add plant debris, leaves, and other organic matter to your compost pile.
• Compost Application: Spread mature compost on flower beds and borders to enrich the soil for the next growing season.

Wildlife and Habitats:

• Bird Feeders: Begin providing food for birds as natural food sources become scarcer.
• Hedgehog Shelters: Ensure hedgehogs have a safe place to hibernate by leaving areas of your garden slightly wild.

Planning and Design:

• Autumn Planting: Plan for autumn and winter interest by selecting plants with attractive bark, berries, or foliage.
• Garden Layout: Consider rearranging or adding new features to your garden’s design during this quieter period.

Tool Maintenance:

Clean your gardening tools, sharpen blades, and store them properly to ensure they’re in good condition for next season.

💡 Read more at The Royal Horticultural website.

Remember that weather conditions can vary, so keep an eye on local forecasts and adapt your gardening tasks accordingly. September is a fantastic time to savour the changing colours of your garden and set the foundation for a vibrant landscape in the coming seasons.

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