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  1. Home
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  4. September

September in the Garden

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Gardening in September

September is pleasantly warm enough to enjoy pottering in the garden, with the relentless heat of previous months usually behind us. The evenings arrive earlier and are slightly cooler, a sign of the changing conditions of autumn. There’s plenty to keep you active in all areas of the garden, with fruit to be harvested, bulbs to plant ready for the spring, seeds to save from spent flowers, and perennials to plant out in the borders.

What to plant and do in September?

The vegetable garden is at the height of production in September, whilst there are plenty of bulbs and flowers to plant in September too. Discover what you should be doing in your garden in September as we head into the autumn.

  • Vegetables
  • Fruit
  • Plants and shrubs
  • Herbs and spices
  • Ornamental plants
  • Lawns
Cucumbers

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

Delicious in salads and sandwiches, the crisp, sweet crunch of a cucumber is one of the joys of summer.

Read more about Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)
Peas

Peas (Pisum sativum)

Nothing beats home-grown peas for their tenderness and taste.

Read more about Peas (Pisum sativum)
How to grow onions

Onions (Allium cepa)

Onions (Allium cepa) are an essential ingredient in every cook’s store cupboard.

Read more about Onions (Allium cepa)
how to grow courgettes

Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo)

Courgettes are a common summer staple in the vegetable garden.

Read more about Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo)
How to grow runner beans

Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus)

Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are among the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow.

Read more about Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus)
growing salad leaves

Salad leaves (various)

Grow your own salad and you can pick exactly how much you want and need.

Read more about Salad leaves (various)
growing sweetcorn

Sweetcorn (Zea mays)

Sweetcorn, or maize, is sweet, tender and delicious – especially when cooked as soon as it is picked. Plenty of sun and...

Read more about Sweetcorn (Zea mays)
how to grow spring onions

Spring onions (Scallion)

Spring onions are a delicious addition to a whole range of dishes, from summer salads to stir-fries.

Read more about Spring onions (Scallion)
How to grow potatoes

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are tubers that grow and form at the plant’s roots.

Read more about Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
How to grow tomatoes

Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum)

Nothing beats the taste of your own home-grown tomatoes, freshly-picked and warm from the summer sun.

Read more about Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum)
How to grow garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is the base of so many delicious dishes, and growing garlic at home is now very popular.

Read more about Garlic (Allium sativum)
How to grow pumpkins

Pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata)

Delicious in pies, soups and stews, and full of vitamins and minerals, pumpkins are a tasty autumn and winter treat.

Read more about Pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata)
How to Grow Lupins

Lupins (Lupinus)

Lupins are a traditional addition to any garden, providing colourful flowers from late spring through to mid-summer.

Read more about Lupins (Lupinus)
How to Grow French Beans

French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

French beans are a versatile vegetable, producing attractive, long, thin pods, and creamy haricot beans.

Read more about French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
How to grow and care for Cavolo Nero

Cavolo Nero (Lacinato kale)

‘Cavolo Nero’ is a variety of kale, closely related to broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.

Read more about Cavolo Nero (Lacinato kale)
How to grow and care for Rocket salad leaves

Rocket (Eruca vesicaria)

Salad rocket, like its name, is a fast-growing salad leaf, perfect for adding a peppery spiciness to your salads.

Read more about Rocket (Eruca vesicaria)
How to grow and care for Chard

Chard (Beta vulgaris)

Chard, or Swiss Chard, is a delicious and beautiful plant which will bring harvests to the kitchen and colour to the...

Read more about Chard (Beta vulgaris)
How to grow sorrel

Sorrel (Rumex)

Sorrel is a great substitute for spinach, with a similar texture but a sharper citrus flavour.

Read more about Sorrel (Rumex)
How to grow sugar snap peas

Sugar snap peas (Pisum sativum)

​Sugar snap peas are a deliciously sweet, fun and quick-cropping vegetable to grow.

Read more about Sugar snap peas (Pisum sativum)
Sections of harvested horseradish root and grated horseradish on a wooden table

Horseradish

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a hardy perennial known for its hot and peppery roots, widely used in cooking and...

Read more about Horseradish
how to grow strawberries

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa)

If you’re a strawberry fan, the many varieties of ‘Fragaria × ananassa’ are easy to grow at home.

Read more about Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa)
How to grow raspberries

Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)

What could be better than a bowl of sweet, freshly-picked raspberries in summer?

Read more about Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)
How to grow blueberries

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium angustifolium)

Eaten fresh, baked in muffins or as the star attraction in jams or desserts, blueberries are always delicious.

Read more about Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium angustifolium)
Avocado

Avocado (Persea americana)

Avocados are a favourite fruit used in kitchens around the world - why not try planting the stone to grow your own?

Read more about Avocado (Persea americana)
How to Grow Banana Plants

Banana (Ensete, Musa)

With their exotic and enormous foliage, banana plants add a taste of the tropics to the garden.

Read more about Banana (Ensete, Musa)
How to grow butternut squash

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata)

Butternut squash are a late season favourite, with attractive fruits which will keep well throughout the autumn and...

Read more about Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata)
How to grow and care for peaches

Peach (Prunus persica)

What better way to round off a summer meal than with a luscious peach? Even better, a peach you’ve grown yourself!

Read more about Peach (Prunus persica)
How to grow and care for mango trees

Mango (Mangifera indica)

Everyone loves mangoes, but did you know that you can grow a mango tree from a seed?

Read more about Mango (Mangifera indica)
How to grow and care for cherry trees

Cherry (Prunus subg. Cerasus, Prunus sect. Microcerasus)

Cherry trees are truly beautiful, with different species offering gorgeous flowers, bark, leaves, and fruit. You can...

Read more about Cherry (Prunus subg. Cerasus, Prunus sect. Microcerasus)
 Close-up of ripe figs on fig tree branch.

Fig Tree

Fig trees (Ficus carica) are Mediterranean natives that thrive in climates with hot, dry summers and cool winters...

Read more about Fig Tree
Love the Garden / Geranium

Geraniums and pelargoniums (Geraniaceae)

Geraniums are versatile plants which can add a multitude of colours and scents to the garden.

Read more about Geraniums and pelargoniums (Geraniaceae)
Lilac

Lilac (Syringa)

With beautiful flowers and a beautiful scent, it’s easy to see why lilac is such a well-loved plant.

Read more about Lilac (Syringa)
Crocosmia

Crocosmia

Crocosmia bring flashes of bright colour and vibrance to a garden, with their graceful, delicately arching flower stalks...

Read more about Crocosmia
How to grow and care for Ceanothus

Ceanothus

Ceanothus is a beautiful and eye-catching perennial shrub. The vivid and prolific blooms are usually blue, but white and...

Read more about Ceanothus
How to grow and care for Euphorbias

Euphorbia

Hailing from a diverse range of habitats/regions, there’s a Euphorbia to suit you – whether you’re looking for a...

Read more about Euphorbia
How to grow and care for Buddleia

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)

Commonly known as the butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii is a hardy, summer flowering shrub which is very easy to grow.

Read more about Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
How to grow and care for Bay Trees

Bay (Laurus nobilis)

A slow-growing and easy-to-care-for plant, the bay tree is extremely popular. The aromatic leaves are widely used in all...

Read more about Bay (Laurus nobilis)
How to grow and care for an Ornamental Quince

Ornamental quince (Chaenomeles)

The Ornamental Quince is a small, pretty shrub with lots to offer to any garden.

Read more about Ornamental quince (Chaenomeles)
How to grow and care for Asters

Aster

Asters are perennials which produce lots of colourful daisy-like flowers year after year.

Read more about Aster
How to grow and care for Dianthus

Dianthus

You may have heard of Carnations, Sweet Williams, and Pinks - these are all types of Dianthus, the collective name for...

Read more about Dianthus
How to grow and care for Verbena

Verbena

The many different species of Verbena are great for bringing useful pollinators to the garden.

Read more about Verbena
How to grow Gypsophila (Baby Breath)

Baby’s breath (Gypsophila)

Gypsophila has earned its nickname from the sweet-sour milk smell of its flowers, which resemble that of baby’s breath.

Read more about Baby’s breath (Gypsophila)
How to Grow and Care for Forget-Me-Not flowers

Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis)

The vibrant blue flowers of Forget-Me-Nots make them a pretty choice for brightening a spring garden.

Read more about Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis)
How to grow and care for Hollyhocks | Love the Garden

Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)

Common hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are an elegant, traditional flower, perfect for a classic cottage garden.

Read more about Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)
Flowering white star magnolia tree against a blue sky

Magnolia

Magnolia trees are renowned for their stunning blooms. On deciduous magnolias, these fragrant flowers – available in...

Read more about Magnolia
Close-up of begonia with double orange flowers and dark green leaves

Begonias

Begonias are cherished in UK gardens and homes for their vibrant flowers and distinctive foliage. With a wide variety of...

Read more about Begonias
Close-up of pink flowering bougainvillea

Bougainvillea

With its bright colours and light, airy appearance, bougainvillea evokes the charm of Mediterranean gardens in Italy...

Read more about Bougainvillea
Grey cat sniffing leaves of catnip plant

Catnip

Catnip is widely recognized as the plant that can send cats wild with its scent! However, its benefits extend far beyond...

Read more about Catnip
White gardenia flower surrounded by glossy green foliage

Gardenias

Gardenias are cherished for their beautifully fragrant blooms and glossy, evergreen foliage. These warm-climate shrubs...

Read more about Gardenias
how to grow basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Cultivated in herb gardens for centuries, Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow from seed and it makes a delicious...

Read more about Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
how to grow coriander

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Coriander is a must in salads and as a fragrant green addition to Indian, Thai and Chinese curries.

Read more about Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
How to grow chillies

Chillies (Capsicum annuum)

It seems that most people now have at a few chilli pepper plants at home.

Read more about Chillies (Capsicum annuum)
How to grow and care for peppermint plants

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint is super easy to grow. The flowers attract beneficial wildlife to the garden, and peppermint plants are...

Read more about Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
How to grow borage

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage, or starflower, is an easy-to-grow herb with edible flowers and leaves.

Read more about Borage (Borago officinalis)
How to grow sunflowers

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

If you want to grow something spectacular, plant sunflowers.

Read more about Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Caring for Alliums

Allium

Alliums belong to the same family as onions, garlic and leeks, as you can tell from the scent when you crush the foliage...

Read more about Allium
how to grow sweet peas

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus)

Sweet peas are an incredibly popular summer climbing plant. They produce masses of flowers all summer long.

Read more about Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Pink Peony

Peony (Paeonia)

These stunning plants provide a captivating elegance to a border. Large colourful flowers flourish in late spring and...

Read more about Peony (Paeonia)
Salvias

Salvia

There are over 900 distinct species of Salvia, providing a huge range of smells and vivacious colours.

Read more about Salvia
How to grow and care for Geums

Geum

Pretty and delicate, Geums provide colour throughout the summer. They are frost tolerant, happy in a range of soil types...

Read more about Geum
How to grow and care for Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

Most Honeysuckles have a sweet heady summer fragrance and are very beneficial to garden wildlife.

Read more about Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
How to grow and care for Helenium

Helenium

Bearing bold flowers in orange, red and yellow, Heleniums are a bright and cheerful addition to the garden border.

Read more about Helenium
How to grow and care for Nerine bulbs

Nerine

Perfect for autumn colour, the brightly coloured Nerine is a great addition to a sun-soaked border. They can also be...

Read more about Nerine
How to grow and care for Violas

Pansies and violets (Viola)

The Viola is an adaptable low growing bedding plant coming in both classic and trailing varieties.

Read more about Pansies and violets (Viola)
How to grow and care for Cosmos

Cosmos

Cosmos, also known as ‘Mexican Aster’, is a great low maintenance and long flowering annual.

Read more about Cosmos
How to grow and care for Snapdragons

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)

Coming in a range of colours and sizes, Snapdragons bloom from June through to October on tall spire stems.

Read more about Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
How to grow and care for Anemone

Anemone

Anemones are a cheerful and vibrant group of plants, providing interest from early spring onwards.

Read more about Anemone
How to plant a tree

How to plant a tree

A well planted tree will live for decades, providing endless benefits to the environment and wildlife.

Read more about How to plant a tree
How to grow and care for Sedums | Love The Garden

Sedum

Plants in the Sedum genus are easy to grow, produce lots of nectar for pollinators, and provide lovely autumn colour.

Read more about Sedum
How to grow and care for Calathea

Calathea (Calathea)

Calathea do have a reputation of being tricky to grow, but these challenges are well worth mastering

Read more about Calathea (Calathea)
How to grow and care for Hostas

Hostas (Hosta)

Hostas are usually grown for their beautiful leaves, with the attractive foliage coming in various shades of green, blue...

Read more about Hostas (Hosta)

Vegetables

What vegetables to plant in September

Sowing vegetables in September will bring spring harvests and help to cover the ‘hungry gap’ between seasons:

  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Chard
  • Kale
  • Spring onions
  • Spring cabbage

They can all be sown as seeds, straight into prepared soil. Protect from birds with tightly secured netting.

What vegetables to harvest in September

September is the pinnacle of the vegetable growing season, with heavy quantities of veg available to the home grower:

  • Aubergine
  • Beetroot
  • Broad beans
  • Broccoli
  • Butternut squash
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Carrots
  • Celeriac
  • Celery
  • Courgettes
  • Cucumber
  • French Beans
  • Kale
  • Leeks
  • Lettuce
  • Peas
  • Peppers (chilli)
  • Peppers (sweet)
  • Potatoes
  • Pumpkins
  • Radish
  • Runner beans
  • Summer cabbage
  • Sweetcorn
  • Tomatoes
  • Turnips

Vegetable plant maintenance in September

There is plenty to do in the vegetable patch to keep it productive throughout September:

  • Broccoli, Cabbage & Cauliflower - keep netted with a fine mesh to stop cabbage white butterflies from landing and laying eggs. These turn into caterpillars which can then destroy crops.
  • Brussels sprouts - earth up and firm down soil around plants, to prevent rocking in windy weather.
  • Celeriac - remove horizontal leaves to expose the crown and help the root bulk up.
  • Chilli peppers - keep harvesting to extend the productive season as long as possible. They can be used fresh, frozen or dried out for use over the winter.
  • Cucumber - pinch out the growing tip, water and feed with tomato fertiliser.
  • French & Runner beans - allow a couple of pods to dry out on each plant. Collect these and place in a paper bag until the spring when they can be sown again.
  • Leeks - earth up the stems with soil to increase the length of the white stems.
  • Peas - add supports to peas sown in the summer. Twigs from early autumn pruning activities are perfect for this.
  • Radish - water well and pick every few days. They are quick growers, and the roots will quickly go woody and become unpalatable if left too long.
  • Tomatoes - pinch out the tops of plants. Remove any growth below the lowest fruits, any leafy growth which is shading fruit, and any new flowers. This will increase air flow and help the plant to ripen the remaining fruit.
  • Turnips - thin these to 8cm (3in) apart. The leafy tops of the ones which you remove can be used in the kitchen as greens - in stews and omelettes, for example.

If the hot and dry weather of the summer has continued, make sure to keep plants well-watered. This is particularly important for new seedlings, which can quickly wither without a little help.

Fruit

What fruit to plant in September

Strawberries can be planted in September, either by using runners from existing plants, or buying new ones. They are easy to grow in the ground or in pots.

September is the perfect time to order new fruit trees and bushes, with the widest selection of varieties becoming available as bare-root plants. Fruit plants are perennials, and will be in your garden for years, possibly even decades, so consider what is right for you and your garden:

  • The size of a mature fruit tree is determined by the rootstock it has been grown on. A reputable grower will advertise which one has been used for a particular plant. It is important to know this as a full-grown tree on ‘MM111’ rootstock can grow to 6 metres (20’) high! Apple, apricot, nectarine, peach, pears, plum and quince trees are all grafted onto specific rootstocks.
  • The amount of fruit produced can be increased by planting a variety which has a nearby fruit tree from the same pollination group. Pollination groups are a widely-used way of categorising together fruit plants which flower at the same time. This maximises opportunities for insects to cross-pollinate the flowers, which will then form fruit. Apples, cherries, pears and plums are grouped in this way.

Many fruit trees can also be planted in containers. There are not so many varieties, and they will need lots of water in hot spells, when they will dry out quickly. However, they are great as feature plants in ornate planters, or if you want maximum productivity from a small space.

What fruit to harvest in September

September can provide bumper crops of homegrown fruit. Pick fruits regularly to catch them at their best:;

  • Alpine strawberries
  • Apples (early varieties)
  • Autumn raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Cape gooseberry (physalis)
  • Figs
  • Grapes
  • Melons
  • Mulberries
  • Nectarines
  • Peaches
  • Pears (early varieties)
  • Plums
  • Tayberries

If you want to keep berries for use over the winter, wash them and add to a container in the freezer. Give it a shake after an hour to keep them from sticking to each other, making it easy to take a handful whenever needed.

Fruit plant maintenance in September

Fruit trees and bushes need little maintenance in September. Do the following to keep plants healthy:

  • Help grapes to ripen by removing leaves where they are shading the fruit.
  • Feed citrus plants with a specialist plant food.
  • Water new fruit bushes and trees if the weather is hot and dry, especially those in containers.
  • Remain vigilant for pests and diseases which may attack your fruit plants.

Heavily fruit laden branches of apple and pear trees may need support. If necessary, support the branch from below with a stout stake, or by attaching strong rope from the branch to a nearby wall.

Plants and shrubs

What plants and shrubs to plant in September

Autumn is the perfect time to plant perennials and shrubs. Perennials are either herbaceous, meaning that they will die back later in the year and reappear in the spring, evergreen or semi-evergreen. This means they will give interest all or most of the year round. They will live for many years, so choose plants which are right for your garden and which you find attractive. Consider:

  • Conditions. How damp, dry, sunny, shaded, or sheltered is the part of the garden where the plant will grow?
  • Size. How tall and wide will the plant grow?
  • Leaf colour. How will the foliage change throughout the year?
  • Flower colour. What colour will the flowers be? When will it flower, and will this complement other flowering plants?
  • Wildlife. How does the plant help other creatures to thrive? Does it provide seed-heads, berries, nectar, shelter or other benefits to wildlife?
  • Maintenance. How much attention does the plant need once it is established?

Here are a few beautiful perennials and shrubs which can be planted in September:

  • Brunnera macrophylla ‘Variegata’
  • Eryngium varifolium (Sea holly)
  • Euonymus europaeus (Spindle)
  • Hedera helix (Ivy)
  • Leucanthemum (Shasta daisies)
  • Ranunculus aconitifolius (White Batchelor’s buttons)

What plants and shrubs to prune in September

Late-summer flowering shrubs which are past their peak can be pruned now. This includes:

  • Jasmine. Cut back stems that have flowered. This will rejuvenate the plant ready for next year.
  • Lonicera (common honeysuckle). Cut back stems that have flowered by about a third.
  • Rudbeckia. Cut to ground level, or just above any new green growth which has appeared near the base of the plant.

Plants and shrub maintenance in September

  • Hoe around plants to keep weeds down, as these will provide competition to shrubs.
  • Remove any perennial weeds such as bindweed and nettles, and drown or desiccate them before adding to a compost heap.
  • Mulch plants with compost to provide nourishment and retain moisture.
  • Check that a plant is growing as you would expect, and if it is not, consider whether it needs to be divided or replaced later in the year.
  • Divide perennials that have finished flowering, such as daylillies, delphiniums, dianthus, dicentra, herbaceous peonies and primulas. This makes new plants for you to put in other parts of the garden, or to give away to friends, family and neighbours.
  • Get ready for windier autumn weather by adding supports to plants. Stake and tie them so that they do not move significantly.
  • Enjoy ornamental grasses which are turning brown, and do not prune yet as they can look spectacular at this time of year.

Herbs and spices

What herbs and spices to plant in September

Perennial herbs can be planted now into borders or containers:

  • Rosemary
  • Thyme

The growing season of annual and herbaceous herbs can be extended by bringing them indoors:

  • Basil
  • Bay
  • Chives
  • Coriander
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Parsley

Plant them in an attractive container if bringing into the house, and move to the windowsill or conservatory. Alternatively, a greenhouse can provide a suitable environment to keep the herbs in leaf for a little longer.

What herbs and spices to harvest in September

Herbs can be picked fresh or harvested and kept for use over the winter. Just a pinch can transform the flavour of a dish. Pick, wash, chop and freeze the following:

  • Basil
  • Chives
  • Coriander
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Tarragon

Some herbs are evergreen and will sit in the garden ready to be picked all year round:

  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Thyme

Herb and spice plant maintenance in September

  • Divide and replant chives to reinvigorate them.
  • Cut back mint to about 5cm (2in) above ground level once it has finished flowering.
  • Feed coriander and dill with an all-purpose plant food to help the plant to produce more leafy growth.
  • Save seeds from basil, coriander, dill, caraway and fennel. Collect them on a dry day and leave on a warm windowsill for a week before placing in an envelope. Label the envelope with the name of the plant and the date that the seeds were harvested.

Ornamental plants

What flowers and bulbs to plant in September

There are plenty of bulbs which can be planted in September to give the garden a flush of colour next year:

  • Alliums
  • Anemone
  • Bluebells
  • Daffodils
  • Hyacinths
  • Irises
  • Fritillaries
  • Scillas
  • Snowdrops
  • Spring-flowering Crocus

Spring bedding can be planted straight outside:

  • Forget-me-nots
  • Pansies and violas
  • Wallflowers

Seeds of the following flowers can also be sown outside now:

  • Calendula (marigolds)
  • Centaurea (Cornflowers)
  • Consolida
  • Limnanthes (poached egg plant)
  • Poppies
  • Scabiosa

Flower and bulb maintenance in September

There are a few key maintenance tasks to continue into September to keep flowers looking good:

  • Water flowers, in particular those in containers, which will dry out quickly if the weather is still hot.
  • Deadhead plants, such as lilies and dahlias, to encourage new flowers.
  • Remove summer bedding which is past its best to the compost heap. Prepare soil and containers ready for hardy winter and spring bedding.
  • Monitor for pests and diseases, such as iris leaf spot. This is a fungal disease which looks rather unpleasant; keep plenty of air flowing around irises by removing old leaves.

Prepare for next year by doing the following:

  • Save seeds from flowering plants to sow again next year. Honesty (Lunaria) and Violas produce seed pods which are very easy to identify and collect.
  • Plant bulbs in lawns to create a swathe of spring colour. Use a bulb-planting tool to cut and remove a plug of turf, place the bulb in the hole, and replace the turf. An alternative is to use a sharp trowel to cut a slit in the turf and place the bulb in the bottom.

Lawns

Lawn maintenance in September

Mowing your lawn in September:

  • Cut the lawn every fortnight.
  • Add grass clippings to the base of other plants to help retain moisture.
  • Mow or rake up any fallen leaves to allow light to reach the grass. This will mean it continues to grow and breathe throughout the autumn.

Watering your lawn in September:

  • Water the lawn if the summer heat has left it looking parched. Do this first thing in the morning or later in the evening, so that the water has a chance to soak down into the soil before evaporating in the daytime heat.

Lawn problems to look out for in September:

  • Look out for lawn pests and diseases, such as red thread, take-all patch, fairy rings, chafer grubs, and leatherjackets. Treat as needed.

Lawn finishing touches in September:

  • Brush worm casts around the lawn using an up-turned spring-tined rake or stiff brush. The casts add fertility to the grass, and although they may look unsightly, they are a sign of a healthy garden.

Rejuvenating the lawn in September:

  • Feed the lawn with a high-potassium fertiliser to help the grass to develop strong roots.
  • Aerate any well-worn patches of lawn, using a garden fork to create holes 3-4 inches deep.
  • Use a top-dressing especially formulated for lawns to even out any hollows in the lawn. Do this gradually over the course of several years so as not to completely bury and kill the grass.
  • Reseed areas of lawn which are bare or well worn by lightly raking the surface and sprinkling grass seed over the area. Net it to protect from birds. The seed should start to sprout within a week.

Towards the end of September is also a good time to lay new turf.

Things to do this month
Trim evergreen hedges, such as Yew, whilst they are still growing.
Add fallen tree leaves to the compost heap or a dedicated leaf mould pile.
Turn the compost heap and keep adding a mixture of different materials to it. Use a compost accelerator to encourage activity in the heap and speed up the creation of compost.
Remove unwanted plants from the pond and add to the compost heap.
Cover ponds with netting to collect leaves and other debris which may blow in during the windier months of Autumn.
Take down netting in the greenhouse, or wash off shade paint, to make the most of shortening daylight hours.
Check that water butts and downpipes are in full working order ahead of wetter weather.
Raise pots from the ground so that excess water drains from them, rather than accumulating, freezing and then cracking in very cold weather.
Suggested Products
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Miracle-Gro® EverGreen® Autumn Lawn Care

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Miracle-Gro® EverGreen® Autumn Lawn Care

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Tomorite® Peat Free Deep Planter

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Levington® Essentials Peat Free Multi Purpose Compost

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