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Autumn is here and we have plenty of jobs to keep you in your garden this month!
What to Plant:
- Daffodils
- Crocus
- Muscari
- Alliums
- Hyacinths
- Other spring-flowering bulbs
- Biennial plants (foxgloves, violas)
- Perennials
- Shrubs & trees
What to order:
- Tulips
- Other spring-flowering bulbs
- Roses
- Rhubarb
Spring Flowering Bulbs
The bulb planting season is upon us again! The soil is still warm but is becoming increasingly moist, so now is the time to plan ahead and start planting for spring. There is still plenty of time to buy your spring-flowering bulbs and plant them throughout September and October.
Harvest Fruit Trees
September is the key month for your fruit trees. Various varieties of apples, pears and plums ripen throughout September. The optimum harvest date varies with the size, variety, and geographical area. Pears can be picked whilst firm but don't be tempted to pick your apples too early. You can gauge their ripeness by gently twisting them as a ripe apple will easily part from the spur.
Greenhouse Maintenance
We're on our way out of summer now and your greenhouse will soon become an essential escape for your tender plants during the bad weather. You could even think about fitting some insulation to protect against the cold nights ahead. However, remember that summer weather can sometimes extend right into early autumn. September can sometimes hold particularly hot days, so keep a watch for these.
Disease
The damp weather and cooler temperatures can be a great environment for disease. Be on the lookout for signs of mildew, rust and burn any diseased plants to prevent them from spreading to the rest of your plants.
Tidy Up
It is very easy to neglect your garden when it starts to die back, but the usual garden maintenance tasks are still necessary. You can prolong your hanging baskets through to mid-autumn simply by continuing the routine of deadheading, watering, and feeding. The same is true for plants such as Dahlias and Delphiniums - a bit of colour from these plants can really add character to your garden in September when the rest of your summer display is dying back.
Water
It may be optimistic, but the summer weather could last into early September. Until the usual downpour continues, make sure you keep watering your plants as they still need this even when they're past their growth stage. Even during rainy weather, always check the base of your plant is damp to ensure they're getting enough water. If you have a pond, it may be a good idea to cover the surface now with netting as the leaves begin to fall. If not, make sure you are regularly clearing debris as this will reduce dangerous algae growth.
Tips:
- Check all plants for any signs of pests and treat immediately.
- Be aware of any pests that may get a free ride on your plants as you begin to bring them indoors.
- Make sure you take advantage of the few dry days we have left to tidy up your lawn. You should be mowing less frequently and raising the height of your blades, but it’s still important to keep this up.