The nights are noticeably cooler, and the days are quickly getting shorter. The meteorological autumn is approaching, but occasionally we still enjoy delightful late summer days in the garden. September is a month of contrasts, and preparations for the winter months can gently begin. September is the perfect gardening month for propagating plants and savoring the last bursts of color in the borders.
Garden tips for the month of September
September is the month to harvest apples and pears. Check the fruits for firmness, and storage varieties can be kept cool and dark for the coming period.
Continue removing faded flower buds in the flower garden. Annuals keep blooming, allowing you to enjoy flowers until the first frost.
Remove the lower leaves of dahlias in the garden. This allows the plant to dry faster in case of rain and gives mildew less of a chance.
Consider hanging up nest boxes and feeding spots in the garden. This way, garden birds can get to know the spots calmly before the cold months arrive.
September is the perfect month to do some preparatory garden chores before the winter months arrive. Check the rain barrel and move potted plants to a sheltered spot during rainfall.
The perfect time to divide plants
During the months of September and October, the soil is still warm. This allows perennials to be planted in the garden with peace of mind. The warm temperature combined with the wetter period ahead allows plants to root firmly and quickly in the garden borders, giving them a head start in spring and making them stronger. Other plants in the border can also receive a rejuvenation treatment by pruning back hard. Do you have a perennial garden plant that is not in the right place? Feel free to transplant it, but don't forget to give it a good drink of water when transplanting.
After a few years, some perennials in the garden need a bit of rejuvenation. They quickly become woody, bloom less, grow only on the sides, or are simply too large. You can easily give perennials a rejuvenation treatment by propagating them through division. Autumn is the ideal time for this due to the warm soil.
Dividing is the process of separating the plant into different parts. Each part of the plant can be replanted in the ground, allowing you to quickly have multiple plants in the garden in a simple way.
- A cloudy day is ideal for dividing plants. Sunlight often causes extra stress during transplanting. Early in the morning or in the evening is also fine.
- Carefully dig out the plant. Work not too close to the plant, but make a spacious planting hole to minimize root damage.
- With a sharp spade or large knife, you can divide the root ball into two or three pieces. If the core of the plant is too old or rotten, you may remove it. This way, the remaining parts have enough space to continue growing.
- Add some compost to the new planting hole before placing the new plant in the ground. Compost provides a good start, helping the plant to root better in the long term.
- Don't forget to give plenty of water.
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In this video, Angelo shares all his tips and tricks about autumn asters in the garden: the quintessential autumn plant.
Autumn bloomers in the garden
Most flowering plants peak during the summer months, blooming profusely in June and July. However, there are also plants that showcase their best a bit later, providing a color accent in the garden during the autumn months.
- Dahlias
- Coneflower or Rudbeckia
- Anemones or Anemone hybrida
- Autumn aster
- Knotweed or Persicaria
The most well-known autumn bloomer in the garden is undoubtedly the autumn aster. This plant boasts an incredible number of small flowers, creating a burst of color in the coming months. They bloom in white, pink, purple, and blue: something for everyone. They're also valuable for insects, as the supply of flowers and nectar diminishes.
Autumn asters love a sunny spot and can't tolerate wet feet. Sandy soil or a dry spot in the garden is ideal. Divide them regularly to maintain their full structure and ensure they bloom longer and more abundantly.
September is sowing month
Spring is naturally the prime sowing season. But did you know that there's still plenty that can be sown in autumn? Some annuals are hardy, allowing you to sow them now with confidence. In severe frost, it's best to protect them, but they can certainly withstand a bit of rough weather. An added benefit: the annual plants can be transplanted into the garden more quickly, and you don't have to worry about the ice saints. This way, you can spread out the sowing and planting in the busy spring.
- Centaurea or cornflower
- Lathyrus or sweet pea
- Nigella or love-in-a-mist
- Papaver or poppy
- Viola or violets
