September Garden Guide Feature Image

September Garden Guide

Of all the months, September is my favorite for color. The gardens open a delightful show with vibrant blooms and foliage that will carry us into October.

After a summer of terrible heatwaves and droughts, the shorter autumn days and milder temperatures provide a welcome relief. But with the season passing rapidly before our eyes, there’s no time to waste in the garden. Here’s a list of tasks to complete this month.

Plan
Planning for the next month and season is a constant no matter what time of year it is. But September is particularly important for the following:

  • Prepare for the first unpredictable frost in your gardening zone. Have row covers within easy reach so you won’t be caught off guard.
  • Expand garden space. This is the month for creating new areas for next year’s growing season. September is typically still warm enough for preparing the soil, especially when it comes to spreading fresh manure or sowing a cover crop. By taking this action now, you’ll have a good foundation come spring.

Harvest

  • Gardening season isn’t over yet. There are still plenty of flowers to enjoy and work into your floral arrangements. I’m thinking of mums, asters and black-eyed Susans.
  • And don’t forget the changing color of foliage on perennials and shrubs. Leaves are too often overlooked as a feature in bouquets.

Plant

  • Here at the farm, we’re still seeding our cool crop and transplanting week-old seedlings. I like to plant in September while the soil is still warm. Planting in the warm September soil helps root systems get established before cold weather sets in.
  • It’s also time to be thinking about planting bulbs. There are so many to choose from—tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, alliums and crocus. When you actually plant bulbs depends on your garden zone.
  • If you haven’t already ordered your fall-planted bulbs, do that soon before it’s too late. Remember, you’re making an investment when you order bulbs. Whether you’re a flower farmer or a home gardener, purchase quality bulbs. K. van Bourgondien is an excellent source of quality bulbs, so be sure to explore their website.

Clean Up the Garden

September is the month to remove annuals, tidy up perennials and pull weeds.

September Garden Guide Image1

As September begins the shift toward another season, embrace all that nature has to offer. Experiencing the changing beauty in the gardens is nothing short of a miracle.

May we welcome autumn with a delightful gardener’s heart!
Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden