September Jobs
With so many different tasks in the garden it's easy to lose track of time and forget when to do certain tasks if even remember them at all, so here is a quick pointer on what jobs should be ticked off the list in September.
Lawn Care- Now is the right time to be spreading new grass seed or laying turf. If you already have an established lawn you should be aerating it and sowing any thinning patches. It's important to get this done before the first frost hits and the heavier rains come in.
Onions and Cabbages- It's a bit last minute but there's still a short window in September to get those spring veg in.
Harvest- All your apples and pears should be ready for picking and storing now.
Cuttings- Hardwood cuttings should be taken now, it is the perfect time for getting rose cuttings for instance.
Clean- Leaf and dead plant matter should be completely removed from beds. This will prevent diseases and minimise pest problems going forward. (It's good to leave a small area of the garden for the shelter of the bugs that you do want)
Turn Over Soil- It's advisable to dig any beds and trenches now as once the heavy rain comes in and the frost it will be ten times the hassle of doing it now.
Plant Dividing- If you have any perennials that have done well they can be divided now. A good trick to divide them is after you have lifted them from the ground, get two forks back to back and slide them down the middle of the plant. Gently pull the forks apart and hey presto! two plants :)
Greenhouse care- Watering should be slowed now in the greenhouse and any vents or windows closed to prevent sudden temperature changes. It's also a good idea to give the place a good wash down using something such as Jeyes Fluid which comes in a concentrate or in a handy 750ml premixed spray bottle. This is great for getting rid of any diseases that may have occurred over the growing season.
Climbers- Any climbers that you have that flowers are spent should be pruned back and tidied up. If you are training them, tie the stronger main branches only after doing so. Only tie them after pruning as the stress of new overgrowth on the branches may cause them to break or be damaged in windier conditions.
Bulbs- Spring flowering bulbs can be planted out now. So the likes of Daffodils/Crocus/Hyacinth. Alliums are a fantastic bulb to plant and come in all sorts of different sizes and shades of blue/white and purple. Among the ones we stock is Allium Christophii or The Star of Persia which has beautiful large flower bulbs and is a favourite with the bees.
Feeding- Any pot plants should have the amount of fertiliser they're receiving limited now, with their main growth done for the year they no longer need such rich food and it can actually harm them.
Here's hoping for an Indian summer and some dry weather for getting our outside jobs done! :)
