What to do in September in the garden.
-
Cooler days and longer nights indicate that fall is around the corner this month, although there still are some warm temperatures to come and there will not be rain for a while yet. It is a good time to check out large foundation plants to make sure they are faring well and give them a long deep soak if necessary.
It is time to dig in and start cleaning up the perennials beds that are showing the stress of summer. Cut back spring and summer flowering shrubs and perennials soon so that the plants can start putting their energy into next year’s buds. Divide bearded iris if it has been three or four years since they have been divided or if they are starting to show a decrease in blooms.
This month is the second time of year to fertilize acid loving plants to assure a spectacular winter or spring bloom. Choose an organic fertilizer made especially for acid-loving plants for the best results. Watch them for signs of chlorosis and add iron if they have yellow leaves with green veins. Fertilize perennials that will keep blooming throughout the fall for the best performance.
Next month will be the best month of the year to plant shrubs and perennials other than tropical plants, so it is a good idea to take note of areas that need new plants and make lists of things to start on next month. If you can’t wait, go ahead and plant this month but be prepared to keep the new plants well watered, especially during any periods of hot dry weather that may still come.
If you haven’t hosed off your plants in a while it is a good idea to do so this month. Dust and debris can create an optimum environment for insects and disease to take hold on summer stressed plants.