September Gardening Tips 2024
There is a wonderful benign period in early autumn, before the nights really close in and it starts to get truly grey and chilly; when the sun still has some warmth and yet there is the unmistakable scent of autumn in the early morning when dewy mist hangs over the grass.
Nature certainly has colourful treats on offer throughout September. Bedding plants are still in full bloom, especially if they have been fed and deadheaded. Japanese Anemones, Asters and Sedums are coming into their own right now. I spotted these amazing Echinacea this week which stopped me in my tracks with their quality and radiance. If you want to refresh your pots and borders then look out for autumn Cyclamen in pinks and whites and purples, nodding their jolly heads, or the autumn hues of chrysanthemums with balls of brightly coloured flowers which really make a statement beside the front door or on a terrace. Pansies, with their expressive faces, are a good way to stretch the colour well into the autumn and early winter with another flush in early spring.
An abundance of beautiful spring flowering bulbs are available now and it really is a case of less is definitely not more. Bulbs are always best planted in generous clumps. Most bulbs can be planted from early September onwards but tulips are best planted from October. Spring flowering bulbs are a really cost effective way of securing fantastic spring colour. Do plant them at the depth recommended on the packet and no less. It really makes a difference to their performance and all too often people plant them too shallow. It is also great fun to plant specially treated hyacinth bulbs to flower indoors around Christmas and spread their incredible fragrance
In the vegetable patch you can plant out winter veg followed by strawberries and, a little later, onion sets and garlic.
New lawns can be grown from seed and worn patches repaired from now on, but you will need to water if the weather turns dry. You can also lay turf. Existing lawns will benefit from a good hearty rake (scarifying) to get rid of debris. Aerate established lawns with a garden fork or hollow tined fork. This allows air and water to reach the roots and sets the grass up well for winter. But more on autumn lawn care next month.
Enjoy September with all nature has to offer before the cooler months return.
