Gardening Tips: September

Changing Seasons, Changing Focus

 At long last autumn is on our doorstep. We can feel it in the cooler air and see it in the changing colors of the leaves on our deciduous trees and shrubs. But the change of seasons doesn’t mean that gardening chores stop, just that they change focus:

·        Stop pruning and fertilizing.

·        Start cleanup of flower beds, but leave seedheads of coneflowers, sunflowers and black-eyed Susans for goldfinches and other seed-eating birds to enjoy.

·        Divide and move perennials.

·        Take cuttings to overwinter indoors or in greenhouses.

·        Collect seeds for next year’s plantings. Label them and store in a cool, dry place.

·        Pick herbs for drying or freezing.

·        Start planting Spring bulbs; wait until soil temps are 60 degrees or lower.

·        The end of September is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Make sure to keep them well-watered until they are established.

·        Plant cool-weather veggies such as broccoli, collards and cabbage.

·        Fertilize fescue grass. This cool-season turfgrass needs fertilizer in September, November, February and April.

·        Replenish or add mulch to control weeds and protect plants during winter. A thick layer of mulch and especially leaves also provides essential burrowing habitat so butterfly larvae, skinks and other critters can survive our cold seasons.

·        Check patio plants and outdoor containers for insects before you bring them inside to stay cozy for the winter.

— Compiled by Headwaters MGs Kathy Booker and Nanette O’Hara