Jobs you should be doing in September
Most people think September is all about harvesting, and there's certainly plenty of that. There are still key jobs we, as gardeners, have to keep up with in order to avoid any problems that might carry over to the next season.
1. Keep picking
Gardening comes with the satisfaction that someday we will see the fruits of our hard work. September is the time to continue harvesting the crops we put so much time in. Staples like beans, courgettes and tomatoes will only continue producing if you carry on picking them.
2. Preserve the harvest
Hopefully by now you have your fridge and pantry full from your harvest. Now it's the time to preserve it so it lasts you all winter. Can your tomatoes with basil for easy pasta sauce or make and freeze soups for a quick dinner. Make jams and preserves with your fruits and put your potatoes in a dark cold place.
3. Plant an early spring show
Get ahead of the game and start thinking about your spring garden. With the majority of garden centres already having their bulb varieties out, September is the perfect month to begin planting the colourful spring bulbs. Great bulbs to plant now are crocuses, snakehead fritillaries and daffodils for a magnificent spring show.
4. Utilise autumn debris
As you prepare your garden for the new season, you will inevitably end up with prunings, leaves and grass clippings. The best way to utilise them is to establish a compost bin.
You can go green and make your own with re-purposed wood or pallets, or buy your standard plastic bin and start your compost journey today.
You can go green and make your own with re-purposed wood or pallets, or buy your standard plastic bin and start your compost journey today.
5. Boost hanging baskets
Focus on your hanging baskets to keep them blooming for as long as possible. Remember to regularly water, feed and deadhead your bedding plants to keep them flowering until mid-autumn. When the summer plants have finished blooming, you can always remove them and reuse them as winter baskets.
6. Protect your soil
If you worry about your soil weathering from the inevitable winter rains, start thinking about protection. You can use a thick layer of low-nutrient mulch or even
newly fallen autumn leaves to cover the bare soil this September. It will make sure the ground stays protected and boosted for planting next spring.
newly fallen autumn leaves to cover the bare soil this September. It will make sure the ground stays protected and boosted for planting next spring.
