September Garden Chores For 2012

This September is looking to be one of the best in memory. The temperatures and weather just seem perfect, and if we continue to get soft rains in a timely way, along with cooler than normal temperatures the new planting and fall vegetables should grow on their own with little help from the gardener. Although we are going to want to be out in our gardens!

Tomatoes have been coming along after the delays that the horrid hot and dry conditions of this summer caused. My plants are full of ripening tomatoes and that means plenty of tomato based cooking and sliced fresh tomatoes on sandwiches.

Task Reminders

September is one of the best months for garden, believe it or not. Going into the rains of fall, with mild temperatures, the soils become mellow and the weather just seems perfect for being out in the garden and those conditions are perfect for plants.

• September planting of perennials gives their roots time to settle in before frost begin to freeze the ground.
• The same goes for planting bulbs, which benefit from being planted early rather than later in the fall.
• A great month to plant trees!
• Plant your Madonna lilies.
• Harvest peas and broccoli after a light frost, it improves the flavor.
• Time to collect seeds. Let some nicotiana, annual poppies, and larkspur self sow for next year, too.

These are informative posts for September:

• Flower Bulbs For Your Spring Garden
• Plant An Oak Tree
• Time To Plant Peonies

General Chores for this Month

1. Buy your bulbs before the crowds arrive
2. Plant your bulbs to give them the best start
3. Start digging up new beds for the next growing season- the earth is mellow.
4. Plant some trees and shrubs
5. Early in the month divide perennials for new plants- a frugal gardening tip.
6. Keep new plantings moist in dry spells.
7. Divide Bearded Iris

Flowers

Asters are blooming this month.

New perennials can be planted.

Peonies must be replanted no more than 2 inches below the soil level- that is from the top of the “eyes” or growing points.

Veggies

If you planted a vegetable garden, it is likely your bumper crops are arriving right now. Pick just ripe fruits of the garden often. Eating fresh, freezing, and canning – and giving away what can’t be preserved! After all, August 8 is National Zucchini Day or as some like to call it “National Sneak a Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day”.

This calls for an arsenal of good Zucchini recipes. Of course, Martha Stewart has a number of yummy ones listed for this summer squash- try a few!

Tomato plants should be in full production by now. Keep the moisture levels of their soil even, water when dry, but don’t overwater which causes cracking.

Evergreens

*Don’t Feed

If they show some browning, especially on their inner parts, don’t worry, it is most likely their normal shedding.

Water weel in the months of September and October to prepare for winter, especially after a summer of drought.

For more tips for this month:

Autumn Garden TasksAutumn Garden TipsSeptember

Important: Keep Up with the Weeding

I know you will feel overwhelmed by the way weeds seem to outnumber desirable plants at this time of year, but go ahead and get rid of as many weeds as you can manage. With the heat and busy summer schedule that can be a challenge.

You may be ready for the advice in this post, “When Your Garden Gets Away From You”

Getting weeds out by the roots is the method with most of them, but some, like burdock, can be simply spaded out at the crown, which will kill it; the root being fairly long and hard to dig out at this time of year. Tall ragweed? I simply use a machete or clippers to cut it near the ground.

Related posts:

October Garden Chores For 2012 August Chores, 2012 November Garden Chores For 2012